Ryan Helsley, the Baltimore Orioles’ reliever who’s been rocking a tough 4.11 ERA this season, is reportedly set to exercise his $14 million player option. This move means he’s locked into another year with the Orioles, a decision that has big implications for both him and the club. For a team desperately needing bullpen stability, this isn’t exactly the fresh start they might have hoped for.
Baltimore’s Bet on the Bullpen: Not Paying Off
Last winter, the Orioles found themselves in a real bind when they lost their dominant closer, Felix Bautista, for the entire 2026 season. They absolutely had to find a top-tier upgrade for that crucial ninth-inning spot. Their solution? Signing Ryan Helsley, an arm with an All-Star past from his days with the St. Louis Cardinals. The problem? Helsley had already been struggling big-time with the New York Mets after a trade last summer, and unfortunately for Baltimore, those struggles packed their bags and followed him right to the East Coast. He’s pitched in 17 outings this season, and that 4.11 ERA tells you everything you need to know about how things have gone. To make matters worse, Helsley is currently sidelined on the 60-day injured list, putting him out of action for an extended period. This isn’t just a bump in the road; it’s a full-blown detour for a guy who was supposed to be the answer.
The $14 Million Reality Check for Helsley and the O’s
So, why is Helsley likely to opt in and stick around with that 4.11 ERA? It’s all about the money, plain and simple. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that Helsley is “likely to exercise” his $14 million player option for the 2027 season. This ain’t rocket science, folks. Heading into what would be his ninth MLB season next year, with a lengthy injury absence under his belt this season and those brutal struggles on the mound, there’s practically zero chance Helsley would see anything remotely close to $14 million if he hit the open market. Feinsand points out that opting in gives him “a chance to prove he’s healthy with the idea of testing free agency again a year later.” It would be downright foolish for him to opt out of this deal. Consider the 4.11 ERA in those 17 outings: he’s been a clear disappointment. The source even highlights that it would take him coming back, pitching “multiple scoreless ninth innings,” the Orioles making the playoffs, and Helsley continuing “his dominance there” for an opt-out to even become a realistic option. That’s a huge mountain to climb, especially with some general uncertainty swirling around the 2027 MLB season.
From the Orioles’ perspective, they would absolutely love to get that $14 million back to spend on other talent, to patch up other holes. But, the reality is, it’s “more likely than not” that they are going to be locked into that $14M deal for Helsley in 2027. He’s not walking away from his current two-year, $28 million contract when the alternative is so much less appealing. This decision isn’t a surprise when you look at the numbers, but it sure cements a challenging outlook for Baltimore’s bullpen moving forward. For Helsley, 2027 becomes his shot to prove he’s healthy and dominate, with the goal of finally testing free agency on his own terms a year from now. For the Orioles, it means holding onto a significant chunk of payroll for a pitcher they hope can somehow rediscover his All-Star form.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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