Orioles Bolster Bullpen with Closer Ryan Helsley’s Signing
In a significant move to strengthen their struggling bullpen, the Baltimore Orioles have reportedly signed hard-throwing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract worth $28 million. The deal, which includes a player option after the first year, brings one of baseball’s most formidable fastball pitchers to Baltimore as they look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season. Helsley, now 31, brings an impressive resume despite recent struggles with the New York Mets following a midseason trade. Before joining the Mets, where his performance declined with a 7.20 ERA across 22 appearances, Helsley had established himself as a reliable closer for the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a solid 3.00 ERA with 21 saves in 36 appearances earlier in the 2025 season. His powerful fastball, which regularly reaches triple digits, has made him a standout reliever throughout his career.
The two-time All-Star’s arrival in Baltimore comes at a critical time for the Orioles, who find themselves without their usual ninth-inning option. Felix Bautista, the team’s established closer, is expected to miss most of the 2026 season after suffering severe shoulder injuries including a torn rotator cuff and labrum. Helsley’s experience closing games—he accumulated 105 saves during his six-plus seasons with the Cardinals—makes him an ideal candidate to fill this crucial role for Baltimore. Throughout his major league career, Helsley has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness, maintaining a career 2.67 ERA while striking out 355 batters in just under 300 innings pitched, showcasing both his durability and his ability to generate swings and misses in high-pressure situations.
For the Orioles, this signing represents more than just filling a gap in their bullpen—it signals their commitment to improving after a disappointing 77-87 record that left them at the bottom of the highly competitive American League East division. By investing significantly in Helsley despite his recent struggles with the Mets, Baltimore’s management is demonstrating their belief in his ability to bounce back and perform at the elite level he established during his years in St. Louis. The team is banking on Helsley’s past success and intimidating presence on the mound to help stabilize late-game situations, an area where many close games were lost during their frustrating 2025 campaign.
This acquisition is part of a broader strategy to rebuild the Orioles into contenders, coming shortly after their trade for outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels earlier this month. These moves suggest an aggressive approach to the offseason as the organization works to construct a more competitive roster for 2026. For Helsley personally, Baltimore offers an opportunity to reestablish himself as one of baseball’s premier closers after his difficult stretch with the Mets, where he was eventually removed from high-leverage situations due to his uncharacteristic struggles. The change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to regain his confidence and effectiveness.
Baseball analysts have noted that Helsley’s difficulties with the Mets may have been more about adjustment to a new team midseason rather than any fundamental decline in his abilities. His velocity remained impressive even during his struggles, and his track record of success is substantial enough to make the Orioles’ investment seem reasonable despite the recent bumps in his performance. For Baltimore fans, the addition of Helsley brings hope that the team’s late-inning collapses—which became painfully common during the 2025 season—might become far less frequent with an established closer handling the ninth inning.
As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on Helsley to see if he can recapture the dominant form that made him one of the most feared relievers in baseball during his prime years with the Cardinals. The Orioles are betting $28 million that he can, and that his intimidating fastball will soon be putting fear into American League East batters in the ninth inning. If the gamble pays off, Baltimore may find themselves climbing back up the division standings much faster than expected. For a team and fanbase desperate for improvement after a disappointing season, Helsley’s signing represents both an investment in top-tier talent and a statement of intent that the Orioles aren’t content to remain in the divisional basement.
