Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds (Image via Imagn). The Chicago Cubs may be forced to take a bold approach in fixing their bullpen this winter. With injuries and underperformance leaving their closer situation in flux, Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell suggests the team could take a chance on Ryan Helsley, a once-dominant reliever whose stock has dropped following a disappointing stint with the New York Mets.
Cubs’ closer situation in 2025
The Cubs entered the season with Ryan Pressly as their designated closer after signing him over the winter. However, Pressly’s struggles quickly led to a change. Daniel Palencia stepped in and thrived in the role, becoming a steady presence at the back of the bullpen. • Palencia appeared in 52 games this year • He posted a 3.00 ERA across 51 innings • He converted 22 saves before suffering a right shoulder strainPalencia is now on the 15-day injured list, and his postseason availability remains uncertain. This setback leaves the Cubs with a significant hole in their bullpen as they prepare for potential October baseball.
Why Ryan Helsley is being linked to Chicago
Ryan Helsley of the New York Mets (Image via AP Photo)
The Mets acquired Ryan Helsley at the trade deadline in an effort to boost their relief corps. But his performance took a nosedive after joining New York. While he pitched effectively in the first half of the season, his struggles in a Mets uniform have diminished his free-agent value heading into the offseason.Pressnell believes this is where the Cubs could pounce: “Helsley was dominant in the first half, but fell off when he joined the Mets. His price tag is likely a bit lower now than it was a few months ago, though his talent is still there. The Cubs could target him on a four-year deal to make the flamethrower the closer of the future in the Windy City.” – Zach Pressnell, Sports Illustrated
The gamble vs reward involved in this trade for the Cubs
If the Cubs pursue Helsley, it will be a calculated risk. His struggles in New York have raised questions, but his track record shows he has the talent to dominate when healthy and confident.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the situation:
The Cubs are expected to target bullpen help this winter regardless of Palencia’s health status. Helsley represents a high-risk, high-reward option. If he returns to his pre-trade form, he could become one of the biggest steals of the offseason and stabilize the closer role in Chicago for years.Also read: MLB Trade Rumors: Detroit Tigers Reportedly Eyeing $120 Million Boston Red Sox All-Star in Aggressive Free Agency PursuitThe coming months will determine if the Cubs are willing to take that gamble and make Helsley a key piece of their future bullpen plans.