The Baltimore Orioles‘ offseason is in full swing, and action is already underway.
The latest news involves 32-year-old reliever Ryan Helsley.
As reported by Andy Kostka of The Baltimore Banner, Helsley will opt into his player option for $14 million.
Orioles Have Another Year With Helsley
With Helsley opting in, he will stay with the organization for another season.
During his latest campaign, he logged a 4.11 ERA and 21 strikeouts across 15.1 innings pitched through 17 games.
He walked nine batters.
For reference, the year before, he registered a 4.50 ERA and 63 strikeouts across 56.0 innings of work through 58 games.
Helsley just wrapped up his eighth season playing in the big leagues.
His first seven seasons were spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, who selected him with the No. 161 pick in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB draft.
He made his debut in April 2019.
Once July 2025 rolled around, he was traded to the New York Mets, but later signed with the Orioles in December 2025.
Was This Helsley’s Expected Outcome?
The simple answer is yes, but nothing is ever promised in Major League Baseball.
Per Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, “There was never any real doubt this would be the case. Helsley signed a two-year, $28MM deal with Baltimore last offseason on the heels of a poor finish to his 2025 season with the Mets.
“The second season of the contract was a player option. Injuries limited him to just 15 1/3 innings, and the longtime Cardinals closer finished out the 2026 season on the 60-day injured list due to discomfort in his right elbow.”
By the end of Baltimore’s 2026 regular season, the organization logged a 79-82 overall record.
This placed them second-to-last in the American League East, trailing the Boston Red Sox (87-75), New York Yankees (93-68) and Tampa Bay Rays (98-64).
The Orioles will be kept busy during the offseason, and Helsley’s news is only the beginning.
While this particular decision wasn’t unexpected, the MLB offseason tends to bring an element of surprise as hot stove season heats up.
Baltimore Orioles’ Ryan Helsley Announces Decision for 2027 Season