The Baltimore Orioles bolstered their bullpen on Saturday by signing free agent reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract. Helsley, 31, intends to opt out after the first year, contingent on passing a medical examination, according to a source familiar with the agreement who spoke to The Associated Press anonymously.
Baltimore aims to improve after finishing last in the American League East this past season. The Orioles previously won the division in 2023 and secured a wild card spot in the 2024 playoffs.
In recent moves, outfielder Taylor Ward was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels on November 18. Additionally, injured closer Felix Bautista agreed to a one-year, $2.25 million deal with Baltimore on November 21, avoiding arbitration.
Helsley spent over six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, establishing himself as one of baseball’s top relievers. This year, before being traded to the New York Mets on July 30, he earned a 3-1 record with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves. After joining the Mets, Helsley struggled in 22 games, recording a 0-3 record with a 7.20 ERA, conceding four home runs and 16 earned runs over 20 innings.
While some teams have considered Helsley for a starting position, ESPN reported on Saturday that he will serve as a reliever for the Orioles. Helsley was drafted by Saint Louis University in the fifth round of the 2015 amateur draft and made his MLB debut in 2019.
His standout season was in 2024, with a 2.04 ERA and a league-leading 49 saves, striking out 79 batters in 66⅓ innings. Over his career, he holds a 31-18 record with a 2.96 ERA and 105 saves across 297 games.
Fan Take: The Orioles’ addition of Ryan Helsley is a significant boost to their bullpen, enhancing their chances to compete strongly in the AL East. For baseball fans, this move signals Baltimore’s serious commitment to returning to playoff contention and adds excitement to the league’s pitching dynamics.
