Orioles Sign Closer Ryan Helsley to Two-Year, $28M Deal

The Baltimore Orioles have signed 31-year-old free agent reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract, pending a physical. The deal includes a player opt-out after the 2026 season. Helsley will serve as the Orioles' ninth-inning closer, a key acquisition given Félix Bautista's injury. He recorded 21 saves last season, all with the Cardinals, before struggling with the Mets (0-3, 7.20 ERA, 16 ER in 20 innings across 22 appearances). A two-time All-Star, Helsley led MLB with 49 saves and a 2.04 ERA in 2024 for St. Louis. He is confident in rebounding to his dominant form.