Andy Kotska of the Baltimore Banner reported this that Helsley has been working on adding a splitter to his arsenal. While Helsley will still primarily use his fastball and slider, adding a third pitch would give opponents something else to think about.
Helsley had a tale of two seasons in 2025. He had performed well as the St. Louis Cardinals closer, posting a 3.00 ERA and a 1.389 WHiP in his 36 innings in St. Louis, recording 21 saves while striking out 41 with 14 walks.
Ryan Helsley wants to rebound with the Baltimore Orioles in 2026
His 2025 season turned out to be a disaster after he was traded to the Mets. Helsley was one of the worst pitchers in baseball during his two months in New York, posting a 7.20 ERA and a WHiP of 1.800 in his 20 innings, striking out 22 batters with 11 walks. His struggles coincided with the Mets’ second-half implosion as they went from competing for the division title to missing the postseason.
Helsley signed a one-year, $14 million contract, including a $14 million player option in 2027, with the Orioles as he looks to bounce back from his disappointing stint with the Mets. He will take over as the Orioles close in, as Felix Bautista will miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
The Orioles are also looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. If Helsley can rediscover his form, it would go a long way toward the Orioles’ postseason contention next season.
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