"$28,000,000 flushed down the toilet" - Fans erupt as Orioles hand Ryan Helsley mega 2-year deal

The Baltimore Orioles made a major addition to their bullpen on Saturday after signing All-Star closer Ryan Helsley on a two-year contract for $28 million. The deal reportedly has an opt-out clause after the first season.

While Helsley recorded a league-high 49 saves in 2024 to be named the NL Reliever of the Year, he struggled in the second half of last season after being traded to the New York Mets by the St. Louis Cardinals.

Fans reacted to the Orioles signing one of the sought-after closers in free agency.

"$28 million flushed down the toilet."

"#Mets thank you for not signing this loser that lost us numerous games last season 😂 good look Baltimore 🍻"

"So glad this guy is gone. the fact they let this guy have a signature walk-out like he was a star is mind blowing. good luck elsewhere buddy."

"One of the biggest reasons the Mets didn’t make the postseason. Epic failure in NY, watch him come back and be elite when the pressure of NY is off."

"The Hell’s Bells intro at Citi Field was cool but that’s pretty much all I’ll miss about him."

"Some guys just aren’t good enough to play in New York. Hopefully he can salvage what’s left of his career."

Ryan Helsley's 2025 season ended on a sour note with Mets

Ryan Helsley pitched the first half of the season for the Cardinals, registering Helsley a 3.00 ERA with 21 saves across 36 games. However, his season nosedived after he was moved to the Mets at the trade deadline in July.

The two-time All-Star closer struggled with control in high-leverage situations, recording a 7.20 ERA in 22 games. He was used as a setup man instead of his usual role of a closer amid pitch-tipping issues.

Despite his struggles with the Mets in the second half of the season in 2025, Helsley boasts a 2.96 ERA with 105 saves in 297 career appearances. Baltimore fans will hope a change of landscape could help rediscover his old self that dominated hitters.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash