Kirby Yates #39 of the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers Eye Bullpen Upgrades: Kirby Yates, Ryan Helsley Top the Wishlist
The Texas Rangers are gearing up for another postseason push, but to solidify their standing as one of the American League’s top contenders, they’ll need to address a pressing concern: bolstering their bullpen.
Currently, the focus centers on right-hander Kirby Yates, a familiar face in Texas who remains a free agent. The Rangers are reportedly interested in re-signing the veteran reliever, whose remarkable bounce-back season in 2024 made him a crucial part of their success. Yates posted a stellar 1.17 ERA with 85 strikeouts over 61 2/3 innings, proving he can still dominate when healthy.
However, Yates’ injury history is cause for some hesitation. After a pair of All-Star seasons in 2018 and 2019, injuries derailed his career, limiting him to just 71 2/3 innings pitched from 2020 to 2023 and keeping him off the mound entirely in 2021. While his 2024 performance silenced many doubters, the Rangers must weigh the risk of regression before locking him into a new deal.
Yates Still on the Market: What’s the Hold-Up?
Despite mutual interest, no deal has been struck between the Rangers and Yates. This delay raises concerns that another team could swoop in with a better offer, leaving Texas scrambling for alternatives.
One intriguing option is two-time All-Star Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently identified Helsley as a perfect fit for the Rangers, proposing a trade package that would send prospects Alejandro Osuna and Mitch Bratt to St. Louis.
Helsley has been one of baseball’s premier relievers, posting a jaw-dropping 1.83 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 12.1 K/9 since the start of 2022. If the Rangers were to acquire him, he could serve as a transformative addition to a bullpen that occasionally faltered during crucial moments last season.
What Would It Take to Land Helsley?
The proposed deal involves Osuna, Texas’ No. 16 prospect, and Bratt, ranked No. 17 in the organization, per MLB.com. While giving up young talent is never easy, this move could be a calculated gamble for a Rangers team eager to capitalize on its championship window.
Helsley, under team control for one more season, would likely be a one-year rental. But his presence could immediately elevate the Rangers to favorites in the AL West and position them as the Yankees’ top challengers for American League supremacy.
A Dream Duo in the Late Innings
If Texas re-signs Yates and adds Helsley via trade, their bullpen could become one of the league’s most feared units. Yates could transition to a setup role, allowing Helsley to take the reins as closer. A duo like this in the eighth and ninth innings would create a nightmare scenario for opposing lineups, potentially giving the Rangers the best late-game tandem in baseball.
The Path Forward
As the offseason progresses, the Rangers must act decisively. Re-signing Yates seems like the most straightforward move, but they’ll need to stay aggressive in trade talks if Helsley is truly in their sights.
For a team with championship aspirations, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Rangers have the resources and the vision—now it’s time to make the moves that bring another title to Arlington.
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