Orioles add former All-Star closer Ryan Helsley in rebuild of bullpen
Updated: 11:05 AM EST Dec 3, 2025
The Orioles’ active offseason continues as they filled one of the biggest holes on the roster at the end of the bullpen, signing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year deal. The former two-time All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals will step into the closer role for the Orioles as Félix Bautista recovers from shoulder surgery. Helsley spent last season with the Cardinals and New York Mets, where he struggled, finishing with a 4.50 earned run average (ERA). Before last season, he was one of the best closers in the game, leading the majors with 49 saves in 2024 and winning the Trevor Hoffman award for the best closer in the National League.He was dominant during a three-year stretch from 2022 to 2024 with 82 saves with a 1.83 ERA. He was an All-Star during those years with the Cardinals and had a good season with them before being traded to the New York Mets. He struggled in his new surroundings with a 7.20 ERA in 22 games with the Mets, after having a 3.00 ERA in 36 games in St. Louis. Helsley’s addition, along with the return of Andrew Kittredge, gives the Orioles a pair of solid veterans to shore up the bullpen. The two were former teammates with the Cardinals in 2024 when they both had career seasons. The Orioles are hoping the reunion of the closer and setup man combo will be as effective as they were with St. Louis that year.The Orioles have been aggressive so far this offseason, with the trade for Taylor Ward and this signing, and are rumored to be interested in a big-name starting pitcher. The Toronto Blue Jays signed starter Dylan Cease to a seven-year $210 million deal over the weekend and set the market for a top-line starter. The question will be whether or not the Orioles are willing to spend that kind of money.
BALTIMORE —
The Orioles’ active offseason continues as they filled one of the biggest holes on the roster at the end of the bullpen, signing closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year deal.
The former two-time All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals will step into the closer role for the Orioles as Félix Bautista recovers from shoulder surgery. Helsley spent last season with the Cardinals and New York Mets, where he struggled, finishing with a 4.50 earned run average (ERA). Before last season, he was one of the best closers in the game, leading the majors with 49 saves in 2024 and winning the Trevor Hoffman award for the best closer in the National League.
He was dominant during a three-year stretch from 2022 to 2024 with 82 saves with a 1.83 ERA. He was an All-Star during those years with the Cardinals and had a good season with them before being traded to the New York Mets. He struggled in his new surroundings with a 7.20 ERA in 22 games with the Mets, after having a 3.00 ERA in 36 games in St. Louis.
Helsley’s addition, along with the return of Andrew Kittredge, gives the Orioles a pair of solid veterans to shore up the bullpen. The two were former teammates with the Cardinals in 2024 when they both had career seasons. The Orioles are hoping the reunion of the closer and setup man combo will be as effective as they were with St. Louis that year.
The Orioles have been aggressive so far this offseason, with the trade for Taylor Ward and this signing, and are rumored to be interested in a big-name starting pitcher. The Toronto Blue Jays signed starter Dylan Cease to a seven-year $210 million deal over the weekend and set the market for a top-line starter. The question will be whether or not the Orioles are willing to spend that kind of money.
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