Ryan Helsley (RP, STL) - Week 1 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 16% of leagues

ANALYSIS: When asked about the Cardinals' closer role earlier in July, general manager John Mozeliak's first response was relief pitcher Ryan Helsley. Although Mozeliak also mentioned Giovanny Gallegos, he was placed on the injured list on July 18 for undisclosed reasons, despite the fact he cleared the league's COVID-19 protocols.

Jordan Hicks (elbow), who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, has opted out for 2020. John Brebbia (elbow) is out for the season, as he is also recovering from Tommy John surgery. Manager Mike Shildt confirmed that Carlos Martinez will be placed in the Cardinals' rotation, removing him from the closer equation. This leaves Helsley and lefty Kwang-Hyun Kim as potential closer options for the Cardinals to start the season.

Shildt recently stated that Kwang-Hyun Kim would be placed in a high leverage role, to possibly close for the Cardinals based on the game situation. With that caveat, it still appears nothing is firmly set in stone. For instance, if the game situation calls for a righty to face the opponent's batting order in the ninth, Helsley would still likely get the call.

Helsley posted a 2.95 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 32:12 K:BB over 36 2/3 innings in 2019. While his 2019 metrics, which included a 33% hard-hit rate, a 3.64 xERA, and 4.22 FIP, didn't necessarily support his 2.95 ERA, he is the only pitcher on the Cardinals sitting in the top five in fastball velocity and spin rate. As such, Helsley clearly possesses the stuff to succeed in the closer role. Although he may have to share closer duties with Kim to start the season until Gallegos returns, there is no guarantee that Gallegos will even be considered for the role once he is healthy. Additionally, despite the general belief that Kim is now the primary closer, Kim, who started 276 of his 298 career games in Korea, never served as a closer in Korea during the regular season.

While Helsley may not be as much of a priority add before the news broke regarding Kim, Helsley remains worth adding in leagues with 12 or more teams. If he does share closer duties with Kim at the outset of the season, Helsley could still run away with the role.