Here’s a rewritten version of the content:
It’s still the Thanksgiving weekend, and Major League Baseball’s offseason remains relatively quiet, though action is expected to heat up next week. Despite the slow pace, several important moves and rumors have emerged worth highlighting.
The Orioles have been searching for a closer this offseason and seem to have found one. According to The Athletic, they’ve reached a two-year, $28 million agreement with right-handed pitcher Ryan Helsley. While there was speculation about possibly transitioning Helsley into a starting role next season, recent reports clarify that he will serve as the Orioles’ closer.
Helsley, aged 31, is considered one of the top closers of 2024. He was effective in that position with the Cardinals before being traded to the Mets last year. Although he struggled in his 22 appearances for the Mets, raising his ERA to 7.20 with a 1.80 WHIP, this may have been a temporary slump. In 2024, he led MLB with 49 saves in 53 opportunities, recording 79 strikeouts, a 2.04 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP over 66 1/3 innings.
Regarding the Phillies, MLB.com reported earlier this week that the team is inclined to keep Kyle Schwarber for the upcoming season. The Phillies are focusing on re-signing Schwarber and free agent catcher JT Realmuto, but no deals are imminent yet. Schwarber, at 32, had an impressive season with a .240 batting average, .365 on-base percentage, .563 slugging percentage, 56 home runs, 132 RBIs, and 4.7 WAR across 162 games. He finished as the runner-up to Shohei Ohtani in the National League MVP voting.
The Blue Jays, after recently acquiring free agent starting pitcher Dylan Cease, continue to pursue All-Star free agent Bo Bichette. They remain active in the relief pitcher market, aiming to add at least one late-inning reliever. As per Sportsnet, the team showed interest in Phil Maton and monitored Raisel Iglesias until he signed with the Cubs. Currently, the Jays have Jeff Hoffman as their closer, with Yimi Garcia, Luis Berland, and Braden Fisher setting up.
Fan Take: These developments highlight key offseason moves that could significantly shape the upcoming MLB season. Ryan Helsley’s signing as a closer for the Orioles and ongoing negotiations for top players like Schwarber and Bichette underscore how teams are strategically building rosters, making this offseason an exciting one for fans anticipating shifts in competitive balance.
