Free Agent Signing: Former Reliever of the Year Ryan Helsley Signs in AL East

November 29, 2025 , , , , ,


He was the National League Reliever of the Year in 2024, recording 49 saves—the most in a season in the last seven years in the majors. Now, Ryan Helsley has signed a free agent deal to move from the NL to the American League East Division, signing with the pitching-starved Baltimore Orioles.

It's a two-year, $28 million contract for the free agent reliever, with an opt-out after 2026. Helsley had a troubling finish to the 2025 season with the New York Mets, which might have stunted his long-term earning power this offseason, so he's looking to rebuild his status as an elite closer in Baltimore, with the likely intention of hitting the free agent market again next winter. 

Helsley came to the Mets at the deadline with 21 saves and a 3.00 ERA. But in his new role as a set-up man for Edwin Diaz, Helsely struggled mightily, with a 7.20 ERA. Yet another example of a closer who just isn't the same when the game isn't on the line in the 9th inning. 

There were several teams offseason that were looking at bringing in Helsley as a starting pitcher, but he was more comfortable doing what he knows best—closing games. 

Helsley is second major addition to Orioles bullpen this winter

The Orioles came into the offseason needing plenty of help in both the rotation and bullpen, and Helsley is the second prominent addition to their 'pen, as they also reacquired right-hander Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs after dealing him there at the trade deadline.

In seven big league seasons, the 31-year-old Helsley has a 2.96 ERA in 319⅔ innings with a 377:133 strikeout to walk ratio, along with 105 saves.

Baltimore's incumbent closer Felix Bautista will miss the entire 2026 season after surgeries to repair his rotator cuff and labrum. It'll be the second full season in three years that he's sat out due to injury. 

Photo: © Brad Mills-Imagn Images

 

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