Orioles Land Elite Closer Ryan Helsley in Major Bullpen Overhaul
The Baltimore Orioles have made a significant move to address their pitching woes by securing star reliever Ryan Helsley in a substantial two-year agreement worth $28 million. According to sources from ESPN, the deal was finalized on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, marking a crucial step in the team's efforts to rebuild their struggling bullpen.
The contract includes an important opt-out clause that allows Helsley to become a free agent again after the 2026 season if he chooses to exercise this option. While the agreement still requires a physical examination to be officially completed, Orioles management expects the process to conclude smoothly in the coming days.
Addressing Baltimore's Pitching Crisis
This strategic acquisition comes as a direct response to the Orioles' disappointing 2025 campaign, where the team finished with a 75-87 record and landed at the bottom of the highly competitive American League East division. Baltimore's pitching staff, particularly their bullpen, emerged as a significant weakness throughout the season, creating an urgent need for reliable late-inning support.
Ryan Helsley represents exactly what the Orioles were searching for - a proven closer with elite credentials and extensive experience in high-pressure situations. The 31-year-old right-handed pitcher brings impressive career statistics to Baltimore, including 105 saves and a 2.96 ERA across seven Major League Baseball seasons. His powerful fastball, which averaged an impressive 99.3 mph during the 2025 season according to Statcast data, places him among the hardest throwers in the entire league.
Why Helsley Chose Baltimore
What makes this signing particularly noteworthy is Helsley's decision to join the Orioles despite receiving interest from multiple teams who viewed him as a potential starting pitcher. ESPN reports indicate that the two-time All-Star preferred to remain in the closer role where he has established his reputation and comfort level. This preference aligned perfectly with Baltimore's specific need for a dominant ninth-inning presence.
Baltimore's President of Baseball Operations, Mike Elias, had been actively searching the free agent market for reliable late-inning assistance. A source familiar with the negotiations revealed that Elias specifically "wanted a calm and trusted arm for the ninth inning," making Helsley the organization's primary target from the beginning of the offseason.
Overcoming Recent Challenges
The 2025 season presented both highlights and challenges for Helsley's career trajectory. He began the year with the St. Louis Cardinals, earning All-Star honors while recording 21 saves and maintaining a solid 3.00 ERA. However, his mid-season trade to the New York Mets on July 30, 2025, marked a difficult transition period.
During his time with the Mets, Helsley encountered significant struggles, posting a concerning 7.20 ERA and allowing 36 base runners across just 20 innings of work. His performance hit a particularly rough patch in mid-August when he blew three consecutive save opportunities, eventually leading to his deployment in lower-pressure situations as the Mets fell out of playoff contention.
Baltimore's Bullpen Reconstruction
This signing represents the Orioles' second major bullpen move during the current offseason. Earlier in November, the team brought back relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs after having traded him there during the 2025 deadline. These strategic additions become even more crucial given the absence of Felix Bautista, who will miss the entire 2026 season following shoulder surgeries performed in August 2025.
While Baltimore still retains bullpen options like Yennier Cano and Keegan Akin, the organization recognizes the need for additional pitching depth. Team officials have indicated that they expect to make further additions to their pitching staff before spring training commences, signaling a comprehensive approach to addressing last season's deficiencies.
The Orioles organization and their fans are banking on Helsley's ability to return to his All-Star form and provide the stability needed in the critical ninth-inning role. His track record of success, combined with his overpowering fastball and experience in high-leverage situations, makes him a potentially transformative addition to Baltimore's rebuilding efforts.
