The Orioles are in agreement with right-handed closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year contract with an opt-out after the 2026 season, according to a report by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The Athletic reports that Helsley will receive $28 million.
The deal is pending a physical.
The Orioles need a closer because Félix Bautista is expected to miss most if not all of the 2026 season after having rotator cuff and labrum surgery on his right shoulder.
Helsey, who’s 31, was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Mets on July 30th. He was 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves with St. Louis but was 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in 22 games with the Mets. Helsley cited pitch tipping as a major contributor to his struggles in New York.
A two-time All-Star with the Cardinals, Helsley led the majors in saves with 49 in 2024.
In seven seasons, Helsley is 31-18 with a 2.96 ERA with 105 saves.
There was talk that teams had discussed converting Helsley to a starter, but he’ll be the Orioles’ closer in 2026.
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