Blue Jays trade target's disastrous August proves he'd be as bad as Jeff Hoffman

When the New York Mets traded three prospects for Ryan Helsley it was with the hope that he would be able to solidify the back end of their bullpen and help them dominate in late innings down the stretch. However, the former St. Louis Cardinal has done the exact opposite, turning almost every outing into a disaster so far.

He's made 11 appearances with the Mets (going into Thursdays games) and he is 0-3 with four blown saves. Helsley has allowed 14 earned runs (10 earned) in just 8.2 innings pitched with seven walks and 11 strikeouts. His ERA sits at a massive 10.83 and opponents have a .393 BAPIB against him. The Mets have gone 4-7 in the 11 games he has appeared in and he has yet to record a save.

Blue Jays trade target's disastrous August proves he'd be as bad as Jeff Hoffman

The Mets were in first place of the NL East on the morning of the trade deadline, with a 62-47 record, 0.5 games ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies. Since then, they have gone 10-14 and are now four games behind the Phillies, although they hold a spot in the National League Wild Card race.

While the Blue Jays have had bullpen struggles of their own, and at the centre of that is closer Jeff Hoffman blowing a couple of saves of his own - he's been far better in his role with Toronto than Helsley has been with the Mets.

Since the deadline, Hoffman has gone 2-1 with four saves, and three blown saves. He's pitched 10.1 innings and has allowed five runs in those games with 13 strikeouts, eight walks and and an ERA of 4.35. Hoffman hasn't made nearly as many mistakes as Helsely has but unfortunately the mistakes he has made have been costly. Opponents only have a .238 BABIP against him, and he's given up just seven hits in 36 at-bats. Those eight walks also feel high, but he gave up a season high five walks in one game earlier this month against the Dodgers, and the other three came in separate outings.

Blue Jays fans maybe be over the 'honey moon period' when it comes to Hoffman, but a quick reality check would indicate that sticking with Hoffman over Helsely has been the wiser choice.