The Baltimore Orioles are signing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The deal, pending a physical, is worth $14 million a year, with an opt-out after the first year.
Report: Orioles Sign Ryan Helsley to Two-Year Deal
Closer Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a two-year contract with an opt-out after the first season, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Helsley, who fielded interest from teams to convert to a starter, will be the ninth-inning option for Baltimore.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 29, 2025
2025 Season
The 31-year-old right-hander is coming off an up-and-down season between the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets. Once revered as one of the game’s best closers, Helsley had a down season to his standards, posting a 4.50 ERA in 56 innings pitched in 2025, but that’s not the whole story. His numbers were much better with St. Louis prior to the trade deadline, posting a 3-1 record with a 3.00 ERA in 36 innings pitched. His numbers tanked after his trade to the Mets prior to the trade deadline. In his 26 innings with the Mets, he pitched to a tune of a 7.20 ERA and was ineffective in most of his outings. It later turned out that Helsley was tipping pitches with the Mets, and pitched much better once the tell was corrected.
Career Track Record
Helsley has shown tons of dominance in his six and a half seasons in St. Louis. He collected all 105 of his career saves there. The raw numbers only scratch the surface of his upside. When he’s right, few relievers in baseball match his combination of triple-digit velocity, late life, and a hammer breaking ball. His peak seasons have flashed bona fide elite-closer potential, including stretches where he’s overpowered hitters with ease. Helsley has also posted some of the best strikeout and hard-contact rates in the league.
Even in years where injuries or inconsistency have slowed him down, the underlying traits—elite velocity, strong athleticism, and a competitive edge—remain intact, suggesting his ceiling is still that of a top-tier late-inning weapon. If he can stay healthy and maintain command, his track record in St. Louis indicates he has the tools to anchor any bullpen and deliver All-Star-caliber production.
Fit for the Orioles
The Orioles were in the market for a high-end reliever this offseason. With closer Félix Bautista on the injured list for the majority of the season, it was high on the list of needs. The O’s had a revolving door of relievers for most of the second half, and things often did not go as planned, with a lot of wins slipping away. The O’s now come away with one of the higher-upside relievers on the market.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
