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Ryan Helsley 2023 Player Outlook: Potential To Build On 2022 Breakout And Be A Top RP
2 years agoRyan Helsley emerged as a bullpen asset for the Cardinals in late 2021 and last season, he became one of the premiere relievers in baseball. This year, he could very well end up being a top-three closer in fantasy. Helsley began the year sharing the ninth inning with Giovanny Gallegos but impressed to the point he gained the sole role, finishing the year with a 9-1 W-L record, 1.25 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 94 Ks and 19 saves (64.2 IP). Helsley's 93.4% LOB% won't sustain into 2023 but his 2.04 xERA, 2.60 xFIP and 2.02 SIERA all suggest his ERA could be around 2.00 even if that regresses. His 39.3% K% (which ranked in the 99th percentile) will also help to mitigate baserunners he allows. Helsley's 99.6 MPH average fastball velocity ranked fifth among all pitchers and was in the 99th percentile for spin rate which helps explain why it had a measly .212 wOBA and .233 SLG against it. If he can maintain last year's levels, even with some LOB% regression towards the norm, Helsley should have no problems topping 30 saves and could end the season as a top five reliever in fantasy, outperforming his ADP of ~73 (tenth among relief pitchers).
