The Baltimore Orioles just pulled off one of the boldest bullpen moves of the offseason. They signed free-agent reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal, which includes an opt-out after the 2026 season.
It’s definitely a high-upside play on a former elite closer. Helsley stumbled in New York, but he brings a proven ninth-inning track record to an Orioles team that suddenly needs stability at the back end, with Félix Bautista sidelined.
Ryan Helsley Lands in Baltimore: Contract Details and Context
Helsley, 31, still drew plenty of attention on the relief market, even after a rocky finish to 2025 with the New York Mets. Baltimore’s deal covers two years, guarantees $28 million, and gives Helsley a chance to opt out after 2026 if he bounces back.
His arrival is about more than just adding another arm. The Orioles are clearly responding to a specific problem—Félix Bautista is recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss most of the season, so they need a proven late-inning weapon from day one.
From St. Louis Star to New York Struggles
Helsley built his value during a dominant run with the St. Louis Cardinals. Between 2022 and mid-2025, he became one of the National League’s top closers, pairing a big fastball with nasty secondary stuff and never shying away from pressure.
Things changed after a midseason trade to the Mets. In New York, Helsley lost his rhythm and delivered uneven results that made people question his role and consistency.
That mix of track record and upside kept him near the top of bullpen wish lists this winter.
Why the Orioles Needed Ryan Helsley
For Baltimore, this move is as much about timing as talent. The team’s in a win-now phase, and Bautista’s injury left a huge hole in the late innings.
Helsley steps in as the likely closer from day one. That lets the Orioles keep the rest of the bullpen in roles that make more sense, instead of scrambling for a committee approach.
How Helsley Fits the Baltimore Bullpen Picture
The Orioles are betting that giving Helsley a defined role and a stable environment will help him get back to his Cardinals-level form. His fastball and swing-and-miss stuff mesh perfectly with Baltimore’s aggressive, modern pitching philosophy.
If he pitches to his ceiling, the Orioles get a top-tier closer who can shorten games in October. If he doesn’t, the two-year deal and opt-out give Baltimore flexibility instead of a long-term commitment.
The Tigers’ Missed Opportunity and Ongoing Pitching Search
The Detroit Tigers pushed hard for Helsley but saw him a bit differently. Their front office liked his bullpen experience, but they also wondered if he could convert back into a starter.
Helsley was drafted as a starter in 2015, but all 297 of his big-league appearances have come in relief. Stretching him out would’ve been a project, but Detroit saw some upside there for a staff still under construction.
Detroit’s Rotation and Bullpen Plans After Missing on Helsley
Even without Helsley, Detroit’s not done looking for pitching. Jack Flaherty exercised his 2026 contract option, which helps the rotation a bit, but there are still holes.
Expect Detroit to keep working on these fronts:
The Tigers also got some clarity: Kenta Maeda chose to return to Japan, so there won’t be a reunion in Detroit. That tightens the market and puts more pressure on Detroit to get aggressive with what’s left.
Market Implications and What Comes Next
Helsley’s deal with Baltimore might set the tone for other top relievers still out there. With DÃaz, Williams, and Suarez on the market, agents and front offices suddenly have a new reference point on what proven late-inning arms are worth.
The Orioles just made it clear—they’re not sitting back and hoping for the best without Bautista. They want a bullpen that can actually hold a lead.
The Tigers missed out on Helsley, which stings. Now they’ve got even more reason to push for pitching depth and some late-inning stability in a market that’s only getting tighter.
Here is the source article for this story: Potential Tigers pitching target signs with Baltimore on 2-year deal
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