Ryan Helsley Signs Two-Year Deal with Orioles: A Shift in Career

Ryan Helsley, the talented right-handed reliever, is making headlines as he leaves the New York Mets for a lucrative two-year contract valued at $28 million with the Baltimore Orioles. This move marks a fresh start for Helsley after his rollercoaster stint in Queens.

Contract Details

• Duration: Two years
• Value: $28 million
• Opt-out: Available after the first season
• Role: Expected to be the closer for the Orioles

This deal was confirmed by Jon Heyman of The Post on Saturday. Notably, this reflects the Orioles’ commitment to bolster their bullpen, following their recent reacquisition of pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Chicago Cubs.

Helsley’s Impressive Career Stats

Over his seven years in Major League Baseball, Helsley has established himself as one of the premier closers in the league, boasting notable statistics:

• ERA: 2.96
• Strikeouts: 377
• Saves: 105
• Appearances: 297

In the 2024 season, Helsley led MLB with an impressive 49 saves, and he’s been recognized as an All-Star twice.

Image: Ryan Helsley #56 of the New York Mets throws a pitch in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park, September 10, 2025. (Credit: Corey Sipkin for NY POST)

Challenges Faced with the Mets

Helsley’s performance in New York was less than stellar, as he struggled with a 7.20 ERA over 20 innings. One significant issue contributing to his challenges included:

• Pitch-tipping: During his short tenure, Helsley was caught tipping his pitches, which undermined his effectiveness on the mound.

Helsley discussed this in an interview with The Post, stating, “As a pitcher sometimes you’re gonna get got … but when it’s whole innings or multiple outings in a row, that’s when the buzzers start going off.”

Despite trying various adjustments—such as tweaking his glove and hand positioning—he could not replicate the success he enjoyed with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Why This Move Matters for Both Teams

For the Orioles

The addition of Helsley solidifies their bullpen as they gear up for the upcoming season. His ability to close games brings much-needed stability and experience to a team looking to make a playoff run.

For the Mets

The Mets, on the other hand, will need to strategize for the loss of a once-promising reliever. Their focus may shift to acquiring new talent to enhance their bullpen dynamics.

For further insights on MLB transactions and analysis, check out MLB Trade Rumors or follow updates on ESPN.

In summary, Ryan Helsley’s transition to the Orioles symbolizes a new chapter, not just for the player but also for the teams involved. It will be intriguing to see how he adapts in Baltimore and if his performance rebounds to match his past achievements.