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Manager A.J. Hinch looks on prior to playing the Seattle Mariners in game two of the Division Series at T-Mobile Park on October 05, 2025.
The Detroit Tigers are thought to be big players this offseason. After a successful 2025 campaign, and a championship window that is now with back-to-back CY Young winner Tarik Skubal, this is the perfect time for Detroit to capitalize on the opportunity to advance to the World Series.
New reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo suggest that the Detroit Tigers are among teams interested in two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley, but the caveat is that Detroit wants Helsley to switch to a starting pitcher role. The reporters indicate that the Tigers are one of a few teams that have approached him about a role change.
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Ryan Helsley is a Free Agent & a Top Arm on the Market
Ryan Helsley was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Mets at the 2025 trade deadline back in July, but his time with New York may be one to forget, and it may suggest the Mets are not interested in re-signing him.
GettySt. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley led the National League with 49 saves in 2024, and MLB analysts suggest the Cardinals trade him before he leaves as a free agent after this season.
He posted a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings with the Mets, but became one of the best closers in baseball for his production from 2022 to 2024 with the Cardinals. He led MLB in saves with 49 in 2024 and was named an All-Star in both 2022 and 2024.
So, should the Detroit Tigers make an offer to Ryan Helsley? Well, that depends on if the All-Star reliever wants to actually transition into a starter role.
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Other Examples of Relievers Transitioning into Starters
Star relievers transitioning into starters is not an uncommon thing in MLB. There are several other examples, like Seth Lugo, Michael King, Michael Lorenzen, and Reynaldo Lopez, who have all made the move out of the bullpen into a more prominent role.
The Detroit Tigers are thought to need starting pitchers this offseason, and just pitching help in general. Signing Ryan Helsley for either role would certainly improve the pitching staff, and then the front office/ Helsley could get together and decide whether to make the positional change. Either way, Helsley is one of the best relievers on the market, and the Tigers should be aggressive in trying to sign him.
According to BaseballReference.com’s 2026 projection, Helsley is predicted to pitch to a 3.75 ERA over 60 innings next season with 63 strikeouts.
It’s unclear at this moment what Ryan Helsley will demand in free agency, but it shouldn’t be too high a price for Detroit, which is thought to be willing to spend this winter.
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