Ryan Helsley Inks $28 Million Deal to Anchor Revamped Orioles Bullpen

The Baltimore Orioles have secured a major bullpen arm. The team agreed to a two-year, $28 million contract with All-Star reliever Ryan Helsley. The deal was first reported by ESPN and confirmed by The Athletic.

This move addresses a critical need for the Orioles. Their bullpen was weakened after closer Felix Bautista suffered a season-ending injury.

Orioles Bolster Bullpen with Elite Closer Acquisition

Baltimore’s pitching staff struggled significantly last season. The team finished with a 75-87 record, landing at the bottom of the AL East. This performance highlighted a pressing need for reliable late-inning options.

According to The Athletic, Orioles executive Mike Elias prioritized adding an elite reliever. Helsley fits that description perfectly. His powerful arm and proven track record make him an immediate upgrade.

The right-hander brings extensive experience as a closer. He led the majors with 49 saves in 2024. Helsley also earned two All-Star selections during his tenure with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Helsley’s Journey from St. Louis Stability to New York Struggles

Helsley’s 2025 season was a tale of two cities. He began the year strongly with the Cardinals, converting 21 saves. His performance earned significant trade interest at the deadline.

The New York Mets acquired him to strengthen their playoff push. Unfortunately, his performance declined sharply in New York. Helsley posted a 7.20 ERA over 22 appearances with the Mets.

He acknowledged issues with pitch tipping during his Mets stint. Hitters seemed to know what was coming. Despite the struggles, his underlying pitch quality remained elite according to Statcast data.

Nearly 15 teams expressed interest in Helsley this offseason. The Detroit Tigers even considered converting him to a starter. Helsley preferred to remain in the closer role where he has excelled.

Baltimore’s Comprehensive Bullpen Overhaul Continues

The Orioles have been actively rebuilding their relief corps. Helsley represents their second significant bullpen addition this offseason. Baltimore previously reacquired reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs.

These moves provide crucial depth behind injured closer Felix Bautista. The Orioles now have multiple experienced options for high-leverage situations. This should prevent overworking their remaining bullpen pieces.

Baltimore’s front office remains active in the market. Team sources indicate they continue seeking starting pitching upgrades. The rotation needs reinforcement after trading young starter Grayson Rodriguez earlier this offseason.

The Orioles are betting heavily on Ryan Helsley’s ability to rebound and dominate. His powerful fastball and closing experience make him the new cornerstone of Baltimore’s bullpen. This signing signals the team’s serious intent to return to contention.

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What role will Ryan Helsley play for the Orioles?

Helsley is expected to serve as Baltimore’s primary closer. He replaces the injured Felix Bautista. His experience in high-pressure ninth-inning situations was a key factor in the signing.

Why did Helsley struggle with the Mets last season?

Analysts identified issues with pitch tipping during his time in New York. Hitters were able to predict his pitch selection. Despite this, his fastball velocity and spin rates remained among the league’s best.

How does this signing affect the Orioles’ payroll?

The two-year, $28 million commitment represents a significant investment. It demonstrates ownership’s willingness to spend on proven talent. The deal includes a player opt-out after the first season.

Are the Orioles finished making offseason moves?

Team sources indicate they remain active in the market. Starting pitching remains a priority. Additional bullpen depth could also be added before spring training begins.

What makes Helsley’s fastball so effective?

His fastball averaged 99.3 miles per hour last season. That velocity ranked in the 99th percentile among all MLB pitchers. The combination of speed and movement makes it exceptionally difficult to hit.