Ryan Helsley Signs 2-Year, $28M Deal with Orioles as Closer

Ryan Helsley has signed a two-year, $28 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, with an opt-out after the first year, to be their closer. This follows a "catastrophic" second half with the Mets, where he posted a 7.20 ERA over 20 innings, allowing 16 earned runs. Helsley and the Mets attributed his struggles to a pitch-tipping issue, which he claims is now "ironed out." Despite his struggles, his fastball velocity and slider movement remained strong. The Orioles are betting on a rebound for the fifth-highest paid reliever.