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Orioles Land Ryan Helsley on Two-Year, $28 Million Deal With 2026 Opt-Out

Baltimore intends to hand the ninth inning to the two-time All-Star as a short-term rebound bet to cover Félix Bautista’s injury absence.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 20: Framber Valdez #59 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at Daikin Park on September 20, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 2: Connelly Early #71 of the Boston Red Sox reacts while pitching during the second inning of Game Three of the American League Wild Card series against the New York Yankees on October 2, 2025 at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 2: A detail view of a New York Mets logo on a hat prior to a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 2, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: J.T. Realmuto #10 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning in game three of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 08, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Overview

  • The agreement, first reported by ESPN, is pending a physical and includes a player opt-out after the first season.
  • Helsley chose to remain a reliever despite starter interest from multiple teams and is expected to serve as Baltimore's closer in 2026.
  • Before his late-2025 slump, he built an elite résumé that includes an MLB-leading 49 saves in 2024 and a career 2.96 ERA with 105 saves.
  • He struggled after a midseason trade to the Mets, posting a 7.20 ERA over roughly 20 innings as reports pointed to pitch-tipping and command issues.
  • The move answers Mike Elias’ call for an experienced ninth-inning option, with the Orioles also pursuing a frontline starter after adding Taylor Ward and reacquiring Andrew Kittredge.