The New York Mets swung big at the trade deadline, determined to strengthen their inconsistent bullpen before the playoff push.

Ryan Helsley was supposed to be one of the crown jewels of that strategy, arriving from St. Louis with a reputation as one of baseball’s most reliable late-inning arms.

Instead, what should have been a stabilizing move has quickly become a frustrating puzzle.

From Elite Closer to Unexpected Liability

Helsley’s resume suggested New York had landed a difference-maker. With the Cardinals, the hard-throwing right-hander carried a 3.00 ERA this season, building on last year’s impressive 2.04 mark.

Few relievers could match his pure stuff — a fastball that explodes through the zone and breaking pitches capable of making hitters look foolish.

But since donning a Me

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