Orioles could turn this struggling player into a force in 2026

The Baltimore Orioles made one of the first big free agent signings of the offseason when they signed Ryan Helsley as their closer. The veteran is coming off some intense struggles with the New York Mets last season, but it would not be a shock if the Orioles turned him back into a force in 2026.

At his peak, Helsley has been one of the most elite closers in the game. In 2024 with the St. Louis Cardinals he recorded 49 saves and had a 2.04 ERA in an All-Star campaign. That is why it was shocking to see the drop-off he had after he was traded to the Mets last season.

Orioles can turn Ryan Helsley around and make him a force in 2026

In 22 appearances and 20 innings pitched for New York last season, Helsley had a jarring 7.20 ERA. He looked like a different version of himself and probably cost himself a lot of money on the free agent market.

Orioles fans should not be completely alarmed, though. Part of Helsley's struggles had to do with tipping his pitches which is a pretty easy fix. It's not like his stuff completely abandoned him out of nowhere or he lost five miles per hour on his fastball. Still, it is a risky signing for Baltimore. If Helsley ends up not panning out then the Orioles will have to scramble a bit to figure out their closer situation especially since Félix Bautista is likely to miss all of the 2026 season.

The Orioles should feel confident that they are getting the best version of Helsley though due to their coaching staff. Whenever a new pitching coach lays eyes on a guy, they can typically diagnose things with fresh eyes that a coach who was with a player for years might not be able to catch.

Baltimore has had Drew French on the payroll for a few years now and he was a pitching coach with the 2021 Atlanta Braves, a team that won a World Series. French should be a great guide for Helsley to ensure he stays on track. New York got rid of its pitching coach after last season so maybe Helsley will benefit from a more highly regarded coach.

Plus, Helsley's new skipper Craig Albernaz got his start as a big league coach as San Francisco's bullpen coach so he is another guy who can catch when something is off with a pitcher. Helsley's struggles last season are concerning, but the Orioles should be confident they were an aberration as they hope to get the All-Star version of him in 2026.