The Orioles aren’t tip-toeing into the upcoming Winter Meetings.
Mike Elias got his power-hitting right-handed bat when he traded for outfielder Taylor Ward. He got his closer yesterday by reaching agreement with Ryan Helsley on a two-year, $28 million contract, which a source confirmed last night.
Executives won’t convene in Orlando until Dec. 7. Elias might check another box on his list before his flight lands.
Two starting pitchers, at least, are priorities for a team whose rotation posted a 4.65 ERA this year that ranked 24th in the majors, traded Grayson Rodriguez and apparently won’t bring back Zach Eflin or Tomoyuki Sugano. Elias indicated that he could pursue another impact bat, and he’d like to find a center fielder to provide options beyond Colton Cowser and Leody Taveras. The Orioles might not be able to carry three catchers, but he could use more depth at the position, just in case. A true utility infielder also might be desired.
Sleeves aren’t rolled down. Ward and Helsley just scratched the surface.
And don’t forget Andrew Kittredge, the first important move made by Elias back on Nov. 4. The bullpen is stronger already and Elias probably isn’t ready to leave that market.
Keegan Akin was tendered a contract and gives the Orioles a versatile lefty who can work multiple innings and also serve as an opener or closer if Helsley is unavailable. Yennier Cano also was tendered, which doesn’t guarantee jobs but improves the odds. He’s got to bounce back from a rotten 2025 and probably will get the chance to do it, though the Orioles have the flexibility to send him down to Triple-A.
Lefty Dietrich Enns signed a $2.625 million deal on Nov. 3 that included a club option for 2027. Kade Strowd impressed as a rookie with a 1.71 ERA in 25 games and will try to nail down a job in spring training. Rico Garcia signed a split contract on Oct. 30 that pays $900,000 if he’s in the majors, and he was adept at escaping bases-loaded jams this year.
It’s a skill, like anything else. But he also will be competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
I tossed out the rest of the names in an article last week, including Colin Selby, Grant Wolfram, Anthony Nunez, Cameron Foster, Yaramil Hiraldo, José Espada, George Soriano and Chayce McDermott. Starters Tyler Wells, Cade Povich and Brandon Young could get bumped to the ‘pen.
There’s power in numbers, and the Orioles are expected to keep adding.
Helsley has an opt-out clause after 2026 and can re-enter free agency, depending on whether his value rises. His struggles with the Mets damaged it a bit.
He’s got a multi-year deal, the first given by Elias to a pitcher, but it puts the Orioles in a weird position of needing him to be elite again but also knowing he’d likely be gone after the season. If he stays, as Tyler O’Neill did by declining his option, it’s probably because he didn’t perform at a suitable level.
Of course, Bautista is supposed to be healthy by then, but how much can he be trusted after multiple surgeries? And can he regain velocity and command after having his labrum and rotator cuff repaired?
Those are concerns for another day.
Helsley was the top reliever in the National League in 2024. He apparently was tipping his pitches with the Mets, which would explain the 7.20 ERA and 1.800 WHIP. His last six appearances were scoreless, and seven of eight. His fastball averaged 99.3 mph. Velocity was fine, but not the .422 average against. His slider is filthy, and opponents batted .140 and slugged .206 this year.
Former Orioles closer Zack Britton posted his approval yesterday on the former Twitter:
“Really, really like this move. If he is close to 2022-2025 St. Louis version, this is a great deal for the O’s.”
A deal that came at the right price and length.
Edwin Díaz, Devin Williams and Robert Suarez are expensive long-term commitments, and the Orioles are more focused on 2026. Half the league reportedly was interested in Helsley. The days of letting the market “play out” might be over.
Right-handers have hit .195/.278/.318 against Helsley in his career, and left-handers hit .226/.301/.349. He has a career 0.86 ERA in 37 games in July and is below 4 in all of them. Teams have hit .180/.266/.299 with runners in scoring position. He’s tossed four scoreless innings at Camden Yards.
Helsley’s nickname is “Hellz Bellz.” Maybe he can help the Orioles get a ring.
