The Baltimore Orioles have been frequently linked to the top closer options on the market this winter, with Felix Bautista likely to miss almost, if not all, of the 2026 season.
With a clear need for a ninth-inning option, the Orioles were keeping tabs on a lot of different options. While Edwin Diaz was the top choice, a different New York Mets free agent reliever wound up being the signing.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, the Orioles are signing former Mets and St. Louis Cardinals All-Star closer and right-hander Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract.
Orioles sign former Mets, Tigers closer Ryan Helsley
"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." Passan reports. "Helsley, who fielded interest from teams to convert to a starter, will be the ninth-inning option for Baltimore."
Baltimore is bringing in Helsley to be their new closer for the 2026 season, and if all goes well, and Helsley wants to return, he can stay with the team for the 2027 season. But if he wants to depart for whatever reason, Helsley can do so after one season.
More: Orioles trade pitch lands Astros' 2.28 ERA reliever in 'Wild' three-team deal
Helsley had a 4.50 ERA in 2025 for the Cardinals and Mets, though the two stints couldn't be further apart. With the Cardinals, he had a 3.00 ERA in 36 games, while he had a 7.20 ERA in 22 games for the Mets.
This last season was his worst in the Majors since 2021, when he first broke out as a full-time reliever in the Major Leagues.
But the former two-time All-Star and 2024 saves leader is a very interesting pickup for the Orioles this offseason. Helsley is 31 years old and will bolster the back-end of the bullpen, acting as the Orioles' closer with Bautista sidelined due to injury.
More Orioles News:
- Orioles' Tyler O'Neill makes big contract decision ahead of free agency
- Orioles urged to re-sign former AL wins leader despite injury concerns
- Former MLB GM links Orioles to three-time NPB All-Star pitcher
- Who is Craig Albernaz? Meet the new Orioles skipper who spent the 2025 season with Guardians