The Baltimore Orioles compete in the highly challenging AL East, so they needed to make significant moves this offseason to strengthen their roster and position themselves as legitimate playoff and World Series contenders.
Among their additions were Taylor Ward, Pete Alonso, and Shane Baz, along with several other roster upgrades. One of Baltimore’s earliest offseason moves was signing closer Ryan Helsley to a $14 million deal.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report recently identified Helsley as the Orioles’ potential “X-factor” for the 2026 season. After a disappointing stretch with the New York Mets in 2025, Baltimore’s success could depend heavily on whether Helsley can return to his previous form.
During his brief time with the Mets, Helsley struggled significantly. Over two months, he blew four save opportunities, posted a 7.20 ERA, and was part of the late-season collapse in New York.
“Can he bounce back? Or will this turn into another Craig Kimbrel situation for the Orioles?” Miller questioned.
Signing Helsley represents a notable risk for Baltimore, but the move could still pay off. While his Mets stint was rough recording a 7.20 ERA, a 0–3 record, and -0.9 bWAR across 22 appearances—his performance prior to that was much stronger.
Earlier in the 2025 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, Helsley logged a 3.00 ERA over 36 appearances. His track record before that was even more impressive. In 2024, he posted a 2.04 ERA with an MLB-leading 49 saves in 65 games. In 2023, he recorded a 2.45 ERA in 33 appearances, and in 2022, he delivered a dominant 1.25 ERA across 54 games.
Throughout his seven-year MLB career, Helsley has largely been an effective reliever. He compiled a 2.67 ERA in 297 games with the Cardinals, a sharp contrast to the 7.20 ERA he recorded in 22 appearances with the Mets.
Although his struggles in New York were his most recent performances, his strong track record prior to that makes him an intriguing rebound candidate. That potential is exactly why the Orioles invested $14 million in him for 2026—and why he could be the team’s biggest “X-factor” this season.
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