Associated Press<\/p>\n
The Baltimore Orioles<\/a> added Ryan Helsley<\/a> to their bullpen on Saturday, agreeing to a two-year contract with the free agent reliever.<\/p>\n The 31-year-old Helsley has an opt-out after one season, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because it was pending a physical.<\/p>\n Baltimore has been active as it looks to bounce back from a last-place finish in the AL East this year. The Orioles won the division in 2023 and made the playoffs as a wild card in 2024.<\/p>\n Outfielder Taylor Ward was acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels<\/a> on Nov. 18. Injured closer Felix Bautista<\/a> agreed to a $2.25 million, one-year contract with Baltimore on Nov. 21, avoiding arbitration.<\/p>\n Helsley became one of baseball’s best relievers while spending his first six-plus seasons with St. Louis. The right-hander went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA and 21 saves with the Cardinals<\/a> this year before he was traded to the New York Mets<\/a> on July 30.<\/p>\n Helsley struggled in New York, going 0-3 with a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances.<\/p>\n ___<\/p>\n