The Baltimore Orioles added Ryan Helsley to their bullpen on Saturday, agreeing to a two-year contract with the free agent reliever.
The 31-year-old Helsley has an opt-out after one season, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was pending a physical.
Baltimore has been active as it looks to bounce back from a last-place finish in the AL East this year. The Orioles won the division in 2023 and made the playoffs as a wild card in 2024.
Outfielder Taylor Ward was acquired with the Los Angeles Angels on Nov. 18. Injured closer agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract with Baltimore on Nov. 21, avoiding arbitration.
Helsley became one of baseball’s best relievers while spending his first six-plus seasons with St. Louis. The right-hander went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves with the Cardinals this year before he was traded to the New York Mets on .
Helsley struggled in New York, going 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances.
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