Reports: Orioles agree to closer Ryan Helsley on two-year, $28M deal

After fielding one of MLB’s worst bullpens last season, the Baltimore Orioles are adding some firepower.

The Orioles agreed to a two-year deal with right-handed closer Ryan Helsley, pending a physical, ESPN’s Jeff Passon reported Saturday.

The deal is worth $28 million and comes with an opt-out after the first year, per Katie Woo Athletic.

Helsley has drawn interest from teams to replace the starter, but he will likely work as the Orioles’ closer, per the side.

The 31-year-old has been one of the top relief pitchers in baseball over the past few seasons, earning All-Star nods in 2022 and 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a 2.04 ERA with an MLB-leading 49 saves last season.

However, he took a step back in 2025, posting a 4.50 ERA in 58 appearances with just 21 saves, splitting the season between the Cardinals and New York Mets following a midseason trade.

The Orioles had the sixth-worst bullpen ERA in MLB at 4.57 last season after injuries, inconsistencies and closing the deadline day sale.

Helsley marks the second major bullpen move for the Orioles as they try to rebuild their bullpen. They reacquired righty Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs in early November.