Mets Trade Three Prospects Including Jesus Baez To Cardinals For Closer Ryan Helsley

The New York Mets traded promising infield prospect Jesus Baez, along with pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt, to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for closer Ryan Helsley ahead of the 2025 trade deadline. Baez, a 20-year-old known for his raw power and versatility across multiple infield positions, had a .242/.334/.390 slash line this season between Low-A and High-A, showing particular power potential with a 60-grade power tool and 93rd percentile exit velocity in 2024. Though not an elite prospect, Baez was ranked among the top prospects traded at the deadline and was recognized as one of the best prospects moved, according to ESPN's Kiley McDaniel. The trade was finalized during a High-A Brooklyn Cyclones game, where Baez humorously realized he was being pulled from the game due to the trade. Helsley, a veteran closer who spent seven seasons with the Cardinals, struggled somewhat this season but remains a key bullpen piece for the Mets, expected to serve as the setup man for closer Edwin Diaz. Baez is likely to continue his development at High-A Peoria with the Cardinals, with a potential late-season promotion to Double-A being possible.