The Baltimore Orioles addressed a major offseason need by signing reliever Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal, a move that Jeremy Conn and Ed Norris say immediately positions him as the likely closer for 2025. With Félix Bautista expected to miss the entire season, the guys emphasized the importance of adding a power arm capable of generating elite swing-and-miss numbers. Helsley brings a fastball that regularly touches triple digits, one of the highest strikeout rates in baseball, and 105 career saves, including a 49-save season with St. Louis in 2024.
The Big Bad Morning Show pushed back against criticism from segments of the fanbase frustrated by the player option attached to Helsley’s contract or calling the deal an overpay. The Orioles simply can’t risk losing targeted players over contract details, especially with other contenders aggressively adding arms. They also pointed out that Helsley struggled at times with the Mets due to pitch tipping, something they expect to be corrected, and noted that even with occasional wildness, his raw stuff fits exactly what Baltimore needs in late-game situations.
The signing also continues Mike Elias’ stated checklist for the offseason: adding a right-handed power bat, reinforcing the bullpen, and pursuing frontline starting pitching. The Orioles have already addressed the bat and bullpen, but the rotation remains the biggest question. Conn and Norris believe more moves are coming and that frustration surrounding the team’s transactions has more to do with expectations than roster reality.