This article digs into two high-stakes bullpen decisions that could shape the late innings for playoff hopefuls: the Baltimore Orioles’ two-year, $28 million bet on Ryan Helsley and the Philadelphia Phillies’ choice to pick up a $9 million option on Jose Alvarado for 2026.
Both moves carry risk, both offer some upside, and both say plenty about how today’s front offices value relievers with question marks.
Ryan Helsley’s Orioles Deal: High Cost, High Uncertainty
The Orioles gave Ryan Helsley a two-year, $28 million contract with an opt-out after the first year. That’s a loud signal: Baltimore thinks its window to win is open now, and they’re willing to pay up for late-inning firepower.
The opt-out lets Helsley hit free agency again if he bounces back, but it also puts Baltimore at risk if things go sideways.
Why Baltimore Paid Up for Helsley
On paper, Helsley looks like the classic modern closer: big velocity, strikeout stuff, and experience in high-pressure innings. That profile still commands serious money, especially for teams desperate to lock down the back end of the bullpen.
The Orioles are gambling that Helsley’s talent will show up again and that last season’s struggles were just a blip. Even though he was supposedly healthy, his time with the Cardinals and then the Mets wasn’t exactly inspiring.
The lack of a clear reason for his mediocre numbers is weirdly both intriguing and unsettling if you’re trying to judge what comes next.
If Helsley struggles in year one, the opt-out doesn’t matter, and Baltimore’s stuck paying big money again in year two. That’s where this deal could get ugly.
Jose Alvarado’s Option: A Cleaner, Cheaper Bet
The Phillies’ move looks a bit different: they exercised their $9 million option on Jose Alvarado for 2026. Alvarado’s now locked in for one year at a reasonable price, after which he can test free agency.
In terms of flexibility and cost, it’s a more conservative, safer play.
Why the Alvarado Contract Looks Better on the Surface
Alvarado’s deal is simpler and more team-friendly. Philadelphia gets one year of control at a mid-range reliever price, with no long-term strings attached.
If Alvarado doesn’t rebound or health becomes a problem, the Phillies can just move on after 2026. No dead money, no headaches.
The risk with Alvarado isn’t really about the money. It’s the player himself. He missed half of last season with a PED suspension, and when he came back, he just wasn’t the same.
His command wobbled, the dominance vanished, and the Phillies didn’t get what they needed. Then came the elbow injury that ended his season.
Elbow issues are always a red flag for relievers, and for a guy with Alvarado’s inconsistent track record, it’s a big warning sign. Projecting him into 2026 feels like a total guess at this point.
Which Contract Would You Rather Have?
From a front-office lens, the decision between these two arms boils down to what you prioritize.
Here is the source article for this story: Which contract is better: Jose Alvarado or Ryan Helsley?
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