Helsley Exercises $14 Million Option to Stay with Orioles Through 2027

Orioles reliever Ryan Helsley exercised his $14 million player option for 2027, keeping him in Baltimore through the season before he can return to free agency. An elbow injury limited him to 17 appearances and 15⅓ innings in 2026; he recorded eight saves with a 4.11 ERA and is expected to be ready for spring training if there are no setbacks. Félix Bautista, returning from a shoulder injury, is expected to be a leading option to close, with Helsley and Rico Garcia also candidates for late-inning work. Baltimore could also consider trading Helsley, whose contract runs through 2027.