The Orioles made a move this offseason that should catch the attention of anyone who’s watched their bullpen evolve over the last few years. Baltimore has reportedly signed right-hander Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal to take over ninth-inning duties in 2026. It’s a significant addition - not just because of the price tag, but because of what Helsley has shown he can be at his best: a high-octane, late-game weapon with legitimate All-Star upside.
Let’s be clear - this is a classic modern closer deal. High reward, some risk, and a built-in exit ramp.
Helsley’s contract includes an opt-out after the first season, which means if he dominates in 2026, he could hit the market again and cash in big for 2027 and beyond. That’s the nature of the business when you’re dealing with power arms who can miss bats and slam doors.
And make no mistake: Helsley has that kind of stuff. In 2025, despite a rocky stint with the Mets after a midseason trade, the underlying metrics still liked what he was bringing to the mound.
His fastball averaged 99.3 mph - that’s elite velocity, and it doesn’t grow on trees. Just a year prior, he saved 49 games for the Cardinals, showing exactly the kind of dominance that made him one of the top closers in the National League.
Baltimore’s president of baseball operations, Mike Elias, has been checking boxes this offseason. First, he added Taylor Ward to bolster the middle of the lineup with some right-handed pop.
Now, he’s addressed the bullpen with a proven late-inning arm. It’s a similar play to last offseason’s Craig Kimbrel signing - another veteran closer brought in on a short-term deal - but this time, the ceiling might be even higher.
Helsley is younger than Kimbrel was, and his recent peak is fresher.
Of course, there’s a reason these deals come with opt-outs. Helsley is betting on himself - and frankly, so are the Orioles.
If he bounces back to his 2024 form, we could be looking at another 40+ save season. And if that happens, sure, he might exercise that opt-out and test the market again.
But if the Orioles are contending and Helsley is thriving, there’s always the possibility of an extension to keep him in black and orange a little longer. Think two years, $34 million - that kind of ballpark.
On the flip side, if things don’t go according to plan - and we’ve seen that happen before with midseason acquisitions like Tyler O’Neill - the Orioles still have the second year of the deal in their back pocket. It’s a flexible setup, and that’s by design.
Closers, especially ones who throw gas like Helsley, don’t always come with long shelf lives. The wear and tear adds up fast.
That’s the reality of the role. Closers are baseball’s hired guns - brought in to lock down the ninth, but rarely around long enough to grow roots.
History backs that up. Since the Orioles’ 1983 World Series season, the list of elite closers who stuck around for more than a couple years is short.
Here’s a quick look at some of the best runs:
- Gregg Olson (1989-1993): 160 saves, 2.23 ERA over 339.1 innings
- Randy Myers (1996-1997): 76 saves, 2.51 ERA in 118.1 innings
- Jim Johnson (2012-2013): 101 saves, 2.72 ERA across 139 innings
- Zack Britton (2014-2016): 120 saves, 1.38 ERA in 209 innings
- Félix Bautista (2023, 2025): 52 saves, 1.88 ERA over 95.2 innings
Those are the standouts. But for every Britton or Olson, there’s a long list of short-term stoppers - guys like Don Aase, Armando Benítez, Kevin Gregg, Doug Jones, Jorge Julio, Chris Ray, B.J.
Ryan, George Sherrill, Lee Smith, Mike Timlin. All had their moments.
Few stuck around long enough to define an era.
Even Félix Bautista - "The Mountain" - looked like he might be the exception. But after Tommy John surgery and now a shoulder issue that’s cost him another full season, it’s fair to wonder how much he has left. His 67 career saves might not climb much higher.
That’s why the Helsley deal makes sense. It’s about today.
Because when it comes to closers, tomorrow is never guaranteed. If he gives the Orioles one great year and helps push them deep into October, that’s a win.
Anything beyond that is a bonus.
So, Orioles fans, enjoy the ride. Just don’t get too attached.
Closers come and go - that’s the nature of the job. But when they’re on, they can be the difference between a good team and a great one.
And right now, Baltimore’s banking on Ryan Helsley to be that difference.