Orioles, closer Ryan Helsley agree to 2-year, $28M deal: source

BALTIMORE — The Orioles have their closer.

Baltimore and right-hander Ryan Helsley agreed to a two-year, $28 million deal Saturday with a player option after the 2026 season, a source with direct knowledge of the terms confirmed to The Baltimore Sun. The deal is still pending a physical.

Helsley, 31, was one of the most dominant relievers in baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals from 2022 to 2025, including 2024 when he led MLB with 49 saves and finished ninth in National League Cy Young Award voting. He struggled after a deadline trade to the New York Mets last season but remained one of the top closers available this winter.

The Tahlequah, Okla., native immediately becomes the Orioles’ No. 1 option out of their bullpen after closer Félix Bautista underwent surgery for a torn labrum and rotator cuff in his shoulder last August. Bautista is expected to miss at least the first half of next season and his ability to return to the role long-term is in question after he sat out the entire 2024 campaign recovering from Tommy John surgery as well.

Whether Helsley is the Orioles’ answer at closer beyond 2026 will depend on the opt-out, a result of his second-half struggles with the Mets. Helsley posted a 7.20 ERA in 22 games with New York, working in a set-up role in front of fellow free agent Edwin Díaz. The player option will give him the chance to reestablish himself with Baltimore and test the market again next winter if can return to form.

Helsley is the second reliever Baltimore has acquired on an MLB deal after trading back for right-hander Andrew Kittredge earlier this month. The bullpen was among president of baseball operations Mike Elias’ biggest priorities this winter after he traded relievers Kittredge, Seranthony Domínguez, Gregory Soto and Bryan Baker ahead of the deadline.

ESPN was first to report to the deal. The Athletic was first on the salary figure.