New Free Agent Starting Pitcher Option Emerges For Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox added Garrett Crochet last winter, but may be interested in adding another frontline starter this winter. Craig Breslow said the team would only pursue starters who can pitch near the top of their rotation, and a new name has entered the fold.

According to The Athletic, teams are looking at New York Mets reliever Ryan Helsley as a starting pitcher. The superstar closer could be an intriguing option for the Red Sox, depending on how they evaluate him.

Helsley would not be the first reliever to move from the bullpen to the rotation in recent seasons. Seth Lugo, Clay Holmes and Michael King all made similar moves in recent years. Helsley is a two-time All-Star and led baseball in saves in 2024.

Helsley’s move to the rotation may be similar to Holmes’ a year ago. The last time Helsley started a game was in 2019 for the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. Before last season, Holmes’ last start came in 2018. He was serving as the Yankees’ closer before joining the Mets’ rotation.

Holmes had a solid season as a starter, pitching to a 3.53 ERA and making 31 starts. If Helsley has a similar season, he could slot in as a No. 2 or No. 3 in a rotation. Helsley did not have his best season this year, however. Holmes had an All-Star season before his move to the rotation.

Last season, he had just a 4.50 ERA and was traded to the Mets at the trade deadline. He had a 3.00 ERA for the St. Louis Cardinals, but a 7.20 ERA for the Mets. He was reportedly tipping pitches, so any team that signs him, whether they want him to be a reliever or a starter, will have to make sure that problem stops.

While Helsley may be cheaper than other starting pitchers on the open market, the Red Sox may be interested in an established starter. Dylan Cease, Framber Valdez, Ranger Suárez or Michael King may make more sense for the Red Sox, but Helsley could be a realistic option as a starter if the Red Sox are unable to land anyone else.