Orioles hope veteran closer can return to All-Star form

The Baltimore Orioles have signed free-agent reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million take care of an opt-out after his first season, per ESPN’s Jeff Passan. 

Helsley is a two-time All-Star who has saved 105 video games to the tune of a 2.96 ERA over seven seasons. The 31-year-old spent his complete MLB profession with the St. Louis Cardinals till he was dealt to the New York Mets on the 2025 commerce deadline.

Earlier than becoming a member of New York, Helsley had a 3.00 ERA throughout 36 innings with the Playing cards. Furthermore, the veteran nearer was only one season faraway from a profession yr, saving 49 video games in 65 appearances with a 2.04 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 2024.

The Mets thought they had been getting an arm who may assist their bullpen down the stretch. That wasn’t the case, although, as Helsley had a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings of labor. New York traded three minor league gamers to accumulate Helsley. Contemplating his struggles, it is no shock that the Mets let him stroll in free company. 

Orioles had been looking for “an skilled ninth-inning man”

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said the team was out there for “an skilled ninth-inning man,” and Helsley definitely matches that invoice. He’ll now get a much-needed contemporary begin in Baltimore after his poor stint in New York.

Given Felix Bautista’s harm, including a pitcher of Helsley’s caliber is sensible. The 30-year-old had surgical procedure final August to restore a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, and he’s anticipated to overlook 12 months.

Clearly, the Orioles hope Helsley’s struggles within the second half of 2025 had been momentary and that he can save video games for them in 2026 as they goal to compete once more within the American League East.