Ryan Helsley has new weapon with Orioles

Ryan Helsley had a disastrous end to the 2025 season during his time with the New York Mets. A new pitch could help him avoid the same fate with the Baltimore Orioles.

Andy Kotska of the Baltimore Banner reported that Helsley has been working on adding a splitter to his arsenal. While Helsley will still primarily use his fastball and slider, adding a third pitch would give opposing hitters something else to think about.

Helsley had a tale of two seasons in 2025. He had performed well as the St. Louis Cardinals closer, posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.389 WHiP in his 36 innings in St. Louis, notching 21 saves while striking out 41 batters with 14 walks.

Ryan Helsley looking to rebound with Baltimore Orioles in 2026

His 2025 season became a disaster after he was traded to the Mets. Helsley was one of the worst pitchers in baseball during his two months in New York, posting a 7.20 ERA and a 1.800 WHiP in his 20 innings, striking out 22 batters with 11 walks. His struggles coincided with the Mets' implosion in the second half as they went from contending for the division title to missing the postseason.

Helsley signed a one-year, $14M contract, including a player option for $14M in 2027, with the Orioles as he looks to rebound from his disappointing stint with the Mets. He will take over as the Orioles closer as Felix Bautista will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season. 

The Orioles are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season as well. If Helsley can rediscover his form, that would go a long way toward helping the Orioles contend for the postseason during the upcoming season.