When the Mets traded for Ryan Helsley at the deadline, they thought they were landing one of the most dominant late-inning arms in baseball. All for the price of three minor league players: shortstop Jesus Baez and right-handed pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt.
If you take out the context of this season, on paper, a two-time all-star reliever alongside Tyler Rogers and Edwin Diaz should spell efficiency. Instead, what the Mets have gotten is boos, blown saves, and a pitcher who looks nothing like the two-time All-Star closer Cardinals fans once knew.
The latest chapter came Tuesday night against the Phillies.