Orioles Secure Two-Year Deal with Closer Ryan Helsley
The Baltimore Orioles have reached an agreement to sign reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract worth $28 million, sources told ESPN. The deal includes an opt-out clause after the first season, giving Helsley flexibility to explore free agency again.
Helsley, 31, chose to continue his role as a closer after receiving starter offers from multiple teams. This move aligns with Baltimore’s goal to reinforce its bullpen following a last-place finish in the American League East.
The Orioles’ president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, prioritized acquiring a proven late-inning reliever to stabilize their struggling pitching staff. Helsley, a two-time All-Star, has recorded 105 saves with a 2.96 ERA during seven seasons and tallied 377 strikeouts in over 319 innings pitched.
Baltimore previously added right-hander Andrew Kittredge during the offseason as part of its bullpen overhaul. With incumbent closer Felix Bautista expected to miss the upcoming season due to shoulder surgery, Helsley’s presence addresses a critical void at the ninth-inning role.
Despite Helsley’s recent struggles after being traded midseason to the New York Mets, Baltimore remains confident in his abilities. In 2024, he led the National League with 49 saves and posted an impressive 2.04 ERA. Statcast data shows Helsley’s fastball averaged 99.3 mph last season, ranking in the 99th percentile among pitchers.
The Orioles’ pitching needs extend beyond the bullpen after trading top prospect Grayson Rodriguez for outfielder Taylor Ward. Baltimore is continuing to pursue starting pitchers to complement Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish in their rotation.
Baltimore’s renewed focus on pitching upgrades signals a commitment to return to postseason contention. Helsley’s signing represents a key step in that effort, providing veteran stability and elite closing talent for the team’s bullpen moving forward.
Read more at: www.espn.com-
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