Cubs eye bounce-back All-Star closer who may be shifting roles

Connecting dots, given the search for another high-leverage bullpen arm after signing Phil Maton, it made sense for the Chicago Cubs to be interested in former St. Louis Cardinals' closer Ryan Helsley. Not among the names at the top of the free-agent market for relief pitchers, Helsley would check the box of adding another out-getter to Craig Counsell's bullpen.

The issue, beyond the Cubs having yet to be connected to Helsley this offseason, was that the 31-year-old has been drawing interest as a starting pitcher. Considering the two-time All-Star has never started a game at the Major League level and only has a two-pitch mix, it seems like a stretch for him to suddenly consider a change in role.

Pointing to Helsley's struggles with the New York Mets to close out the 2025 season, a 7.20 ERA in his final 20 innings pitched, as the reason why he is considering a switch to being a starting pitcher also doesn't add up, considering he was tipping pitches.

All this to say, despite the recent rumors, logic suggests that Helsley will be signed as a bounce-back relief option this offseason. Along those lines, The Athletic's Patrick Mooney does report the Cubs are among the teams expressing interest in Helsley, presumably as a relief option.

Cubs' interest in Ryan Helsley proves Jed Hoyer is determined to upgrade his pitching staff this offseason.

As is the case with Brad Keller, if Ryan Helsley indeed lands an offer to be a starting pitcher, the Cubs won't be matching the money that would be attached to such a deal.

But if the idea is bringing in Helsley as a bounce-back candidate for the bullpen, it's a move the Cubs should be all over. Maton and Daniel Palencia give the Cubs a solid start when it comes to late-inning options at Counsell's disposal next season, but it feels like there is a need for one more dependable veteran.

Edwin Diaz, Robert Suarez, and Devin Williams would all be dream options for the Cubs, but after Maton's modest deal, it may seem unlikely that Chicago goes to the top of the market. Especially when they still have the priority of addressing their need for a starting pitcher.