When Ryan Helsley achieved career highs and established himself as a dominant player in 2022, he still considered himself a “middle reliever” due to his early-game appearances and multi-inning performances.
All-MLB Awards all-time winners
This past season, Helsley felt he truly evolved into the role of a closer. The Cardinals limited his use to save or high-leverage situations, often in three-out appearances, allowing him to be more consistently available.
Helsley, now 30, thrived in this clearly defined role, converting an MLB-best 49 saves in just 53 opportunities for a National League-leading save percentage of 92.5%. He also led the NL with 62 games finished. His 49 saves set a new Cardinals franchise record, surpassing Trevor Rosenthal’s 48 saves in 2015.
Helsley’s stellar performance earned him the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year Award and a spot on the All-MLB First Team, presented by MGM Rewards. Helsley and Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase were recognized as the top closers in the NL and AL, respectively, during the All-MLB Awards Show in Las Vegas.
“Having the Cardinals decide to use me for just one inning this year was a big deal for me,” Helsley said. “I tried to fully embrace the role and give everything I had for the team. This was the first time I truly stepped into the closer role, and I wanted to make the most of it.”
Reliever of the Year Award all-time winners
Helsley finished the season with a 7-4 record, a 2.04 ERA, and 79 strikeouts over 66 1/3 innings. He became the first Cardinals player to lead MLB in saves since Lee Smith’s 47 saves in 1991. His combined 56 saves and wins accounted for 67.5% of the Cardinals’ 83 total victories.
“What Helsley accomplished this season was truly remarkable,” said Cardinals starting pitcher Miles Mikolas. “Whenever he came into the game, you could grab a cup of coffee, take a sip, and just enjoy the show. It’s been amazing to see him succeed like this.”
Beyond his impressive numbers, Helsley’s dominance stood out throughout the season. He set a Cardinals record by converting 31 consecutive save opportunities from April 2 to July 2. The streak only ended when an automatic runner scored in the 10th inning of a win. Helsley also recorded 23 perfect innings (1-2-3), a club record, and led MLB in saves during April (10), June (12), and August (9).
Joining Hall of Famers Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith, Helsley became one of the few Cardinals relievers to earn All-Star selections in multiple seasons. Additionally, Helsley a two-time NL Reliever of the Month in 2024, did not allow a single run over his final 17 2/3 innings of the season.
The All-MLB Awards, established in 2019, honour the best players at each position across MLB, with selections for both First and Second Teams. Fans vote for these awards based solely on regular-season performances. Each All-MLB Team includes one catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, third baseman, designated hitter, three outfielders (regardless of specific position), five starting pitchers, and two relievers.
