The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move by signing right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract worth $28 million, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal includes an opt-out clause for Helsley after the 2026 season and will be finalized once he completes a physical examination. Helsley is represented by Wasserman.
This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Orioles, particularly as their closer Felix Bautista is recovering from shoulder surgery, which will keep him sidelined until at least August 2026. As a result, the team has been proactive in searching for bullpen reinforcements, specifically targeting pitchers with experience as closers.
Helsley fits this profile well; he served as the primary closer for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2022 to 2025, accumulating 105 saves during this period. His performance earned him two selections to the National League All-Star team, and he was recognized as the NL Reliever of the Year in 2024, alongside receiving Cy Young Award consideration in both 2022 and 2024. Throughout his time with the Cardinals, Helsley maintained an impressive 2.67 ERA, with a strikeout rate of 29.12% and a walk rate of 9.93% over 299 2/3 innings pitched from his debut in 2019 until his trade to the Mets at the 2023 deadline.
Despite Helsley’s accolades, his tenure with the Mets was challenging. In 22 appearances spanning 20 innings, he struggled with a 7.20 ERA, with declining performance metrics across the board. There were indications that Helsley was tipping his pitches during his time in New York, and the challenges he faced contributed to a disappointing second half for the Mets, ultimately leading them to miss the playoffs.
Despite this less-than-stellar run, MLB Trade Rumors had previously ranked Helsley as the 36th top free agent of the offseason, initially projecting a two-year deal worth around $24 million. However, Helsley’s eventual contract with the Orioles exceeded expectations, and he could potentially surpass that initial projection significantly if he rediscovers his form from 2024.
Should he regain his previous performance levels, Helsley might opt to return to free agency in search of a more lucrative long-term contract, especially considering that he’ll be tagged with a qualifying offer. As the Orioles hope for Bautista’s return to health, Helsley’s signing brings both talent and depth to their bullpen.
This strategic move highlights the team’s commitment to strengthening their roster, setting an optimistic tone for the Orioles’ upcoming season.