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Ryan Helsley staying with Orioles after making $14 million contract option decision
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- Ryan Helsley staying with Orioles after making $14 million contract option decision
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Baltimore Orioles right-handed reliever Ryan Helsley is expected to exercise his $14 million player option to remain with the club for the 2027 season, Andy Kostka of TheBanner.com reported Thursday.
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Helsley, 32, endured an injury-disrupted 2026 campaign after dealing with elbow inflammation. He appeared in just 17 games, finishing with eight saves and a 4.11 ERA across 15⅓ innings while striking out 21 batters. He did not pitch for Baltimore after June, although he made a rehabilitation appearance in September.
Helsley's limited availability and injury history likely would have affected his value on the free-agent market, making the decision to accept his player option a practical one. He is expected to be ready for spring training, provided he experiences no setbacks.
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Helsley served as the Orioles closer when healthy last season, but his role for 2027 remains uncertain. Felix Bautista returned from an extended injury absence late in 2026 and is expected to enter the upcoming campaign as the team's primary ninth-inning option.
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That could leave Helsley competing for a setup role or another opportunity in the late innings. Rico Garcia is also among the potential candidates for closing duties, giving Baltimore multiple options for its bullpen.
Although Helsley's contract provides the Orioles with an experienced relief arm, a trade remains a possibility during the offseason. His $14 million salary and expiring contract could factor into Baltimore's plans.
The Orioles also face several other contract decisions. Ryan Mountcastle has a $7.5 million club option, Zach Eflin holds a $25 million mutual option, Luis Robert Jr. has a $20 million club option, and Dietrich Enns has a $3.5 million club option.
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The offseason could slow considerably when Major League Baseball's collective bargaining agreement expires just before midnight on December 1, adding another consideration to the league's upcoming roster decisions.
Related: Orioles new GM's bold admission will intrigue fans for 2027 season
