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The Baltimore Orioles would have brought some firepower to the back of their bullpen.
The Orioles have signed Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million contract, according to multiple reports. The contract would have a player option after the first year of the contract.
Helsley, 31, has drawn plenty of interest despite struggling with the New York Mets after being acquired at the trade deadline. The veteran reliever has one of the best fastballs in the sport, which frequently touches 100 mph.
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New York Mets relief pitcher Ryan Helsley reacts after being removed from a game against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Citi Field in New York on August 15, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
The two-time All-Star had a 7.20 ERA with the Mets in 22 appearances and was demoted from high-leverage positions. Before being acquired by the Mets, Helsley was good with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2025 with a 3-1 record and a 3.00 ERA in 36 appearances and 21 saves.
Helsley was a mainstay in the Cardinals bullpen for over six seasons before being traded at the deadline last season. In 275 games, Helsley posted a 2.67 ERA and 105 saves, while striking out 355 batters in 299.2 innings.
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New York Mets relief pitcher Ryan Helsley pitches against the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning at Citi Field in New York on September 12, 2025. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
Helsley will take over to bring the Orioles closer. Felix Bautista, who when healthy lasted the ninth inning, suffered a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his right shoulder and is expected to miss most of the 2026 season.
The Orioles finished last in the American League East with a 77-87 record and are hoping Helsley can be part of the team’s turnaround.
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Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium on July 25, 2025, in St. Louis. (Photos by Ali Overstreet/MLB via Getty Images)
The reported signing of Helsley is the second big decision the team has made. The Orioles also acquired outfielder Taylor Ward from the Los Angeles Angels in a trade earlier in the month.
