Who Is Michael Helman? Everything You Need to Know About the Rising Star Dominating Headlines

Utilityman Michael Helman is back on the radar in Arlington after another eye-opening week that underscored why the Texas Rangers keep shuttling the versatile right-hander between Round Rock and the big-league roster. Helman, 29, was promoted Monday to fill the leadoff spot when Alejandro Osuna was optioned to Triple-A. Though the stay proved brief—he was returned to Round Rock on Thursday when Justin Foscue arrived—Helman left another positive impression on a front office eager to bolster a lineup still navigating injuries and inconsistency. What keeps Helman trending is the way he refuses to cool off in Triple-A. Just three weeks ago he torched Pacific Coast League pitching for a 4-for-5 night that included a double, three runs scored and two stolen bases, pushing his OPS with the Express north of .900. Since June 1 the Lincoln, Nebraska native is slashing .318/.391/.508 with more walks (18) than strikeouts (17), production that has catapulted him from organizational depth piece to legitimate bench candidate for a club chasing back-to-back pennants. Helman’s case is built on versatility every contender covets in late summer. A natural second baseman at Texas A&M, he has started games at all three outfield spots plus third base and first for Round Rock, grading out above average in Statcast sprint speed while posting plus defensive runs saved numbers in the corners. Managers Bruce Bochy and Doug Davis have both highlighted how Helman’s first-step quickness lets the Rangers rest regulars without sacrificing defense, a priority while sluggers Corey Seager and Adolis García manage lingering lower-body aches. At the plate, the 11th-round pick from the 2018 draft has shed the “light hitter” label that followed him through the Twin Cities before a 2023 waiver claim reunited him with the state where he starred collegiately. Mechanical tweaks—most notably a quieter front foot and a flatter path that keeps the barrel in the zone longer—have translated into career-best hard-hit rates and a 21-point jump in average exit velocity. Helman has already matched last season’s home-run total (15) in 96 fewer plate appearances and owns the Rangers’ organizational lead in extra-base hits. Texas’ decision-makers value Helman’s contact skill as much as the newfound thump. With Marcus Semien the lone full-time Ranger walking more than he strikes out, Helman’s 11.4 percent walk rate and ability to work deep counts offer a potential spark atop a lineup that ranks just 11th in the American League in on-base percentage since May 15. The roster math suggests another call-up could happen sooner rather than later. The Rangers face a stretch of 17 games in 17 days leading into the trade deadline, and AL West rival Houston deploys three straight left-handed starters next week—matchups in which Helman’s .333 average and .985 OPS versus southpaws would be welcome. Texas also continues to evaluate internal options before deciding how aggressively to shop for a right-handed utility bat on July 31. Helman, for his part, is taking nothing for granted. “It’s about staying ready,” he said after his four-hit eruption. “If they need me for two days or two months, my job is to show up, play clean baseball and help win.” That mindset resonates in a clubhouse built on selfless grinders—a culture Helman fit seamlessly into during his brief September debut last fall. Whether he’s penciled into the Express lineup tomorrow or the Rangers lineup next week, Michael Helman has forced his name into every depth-chart conversation. As long as the bat stays hot and the glove stays everywhere, the trend line figures to keep pointing toward Globe Life Field.