Orioles hope veteran closer can return to All-Star form with recent signing

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

Helsley is a two-time All-Star who has saved 105 games to the tune of a 2.96 ERA over seven seasons. The 31-year-old spent his entire MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals until he was dealt to the New York Mets at the 2025 trade deadline.

Before joining New York, Helsley had a 3.00 ERA across 36 innings with the Cards. Moreover, the veteran closer was just one season removed from a career year, saving 49 games in 65 appearances with a 2.04 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 2024.

The Mets thought they were getting an arm who could help their bullpen down the stretch. That wasn't the case, though, as Helsley had a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings of work. New York traded three minor league players to acquire Helsley. Considering his struggles, it's no surprise that the Mets let him walk in free agency. 

Orioles were searching for "an experienced ninth-inning guy"

Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias said the team was in the market for "an experienced ninth-inning guy," and Helsley certainly fits that bill. He will now get a much-needed fresh start in Baltimore after his poor stint in New York.

Given Felix Bautista's injury, adding a pitcher of Helsley's caliber makes sense. The 30-year-old had surgery last August to repair a torn rotator cuff and a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, and he is expected to miss 12 months.

Clearly, the Orioles hope Helsley's struggles in the second half of 2025 were temporary and that he can save games for them in 2026 as they aim to compete again in the American League East.