Ryan Helsley deal is official

Closer Ryan Helsley has passed his physical and signed his contract with the Orioles.

Helsley agreed to terms over the weekend on a two-year, $28 million deal with an opt-out after 2026. The right-handed will receive a $500,000 bonus if he’s traded, according to The Athletic.

The Orioles announced the signing tonight but only confirmed the years and opt-out.

The hunt for a closer led the Orioles to Helsley, 31, who ranked first in the majors with 49 saves while pitching for the Cardinals in 2024, made his second All-Star team and finished ninth in National League Cy Young Award voting.

He also won the Trevor Hoffman Award as the league’s top reliever.

Helsley is 31-18 with a 2.96 ERA, 1.173 WHIP and 105 saves in his career and he’s averaged 10.6 strikeouts and 0.8 home runs per nine innings. The Mets acquired him at the trade deadline and he struggled at first, which caused him to finish with a 7.20 ERA and 1.800 WHIP in 22 games. But his last six appearances and seven of eight were scoreless after he discovered that he was tipping his pitches.

Over a three-season span, Helsley posted ERAs of 1.25, 2.45 and 2.04 prior to 2025.

Félix Bautista is expected to miss most of the upcoming season after undergoing surgery on his right labrum and rotator cuff. President of baseball operations/general manager Mike Elias is hopeful that Bautista will be able to return in the second half.

The bullpen also became stronger with Andrew Kittredge’s return in a trade with the Cubs. Elias could seek more relievers, and he’s definitely in the market for multiple starting pitchers.

Kyle Bradish and Trevor Rogers have the potential to be 1 and 2 in the rotation, but Elias might be able to secure a starter who slots at the top or in between.

Elias found the right-handed power hitter that he wanted by trading Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for Taylor Ward. He isn’t done with the offense, however, indicating that he could bring in another impact bat.

Another center fielder is a possibility in what could be an extremely busy offseason.

The Winter Meetings begin Sunday in Orlando, which enables Elias to sit down with other executives and agents.

The 40-man roster has 39 players.