This comprehensive report, sourced from sportsamo.com, details how veteran closer Ryan Helsley is quickly establishing himself as a pivotal figure for the Baltimore Orioles, making a powerful impression in the nascent days of Spring Training and instilling confidence in the club’s revamped bullpen.
As the Baltimore Orioles gathered at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota, Florida, a familiar, towering presence was noted off to the side of the new agility field. Félix Bautista, the Orioles’ electrifying 6-foot-8, 285-pound All-Star closer, observed pitchers participating in drills, his rehabilitation from right shoulder surgery progressing with cautious optimism. While the club harbors hopes for Bautista’s return before the season’s end, his absence leaves an undeniable void – a void the Orioles swiftly addressed by securing Ryan Helsley, a proven high-leverage arm, with a two-year, $28 million deal inked on December 1st. Helsley, a 31-year-old right-hander, is now poised to inherit the crucial ninth-inning duties, a role he’s embracing with an intensity that has already captivated his new team and its management.
Helsley’s early performance and demeanor have been nothing short of exemplary, setting a positive tone for what promises to be a competitive season for the AL East champions. Manager Craig Albernaz, in particular, has been effusive in his praise, highlighting Helsley’s physical prowess and unwavering dedication. "He’s a beast, like physically," Albernaz remarked, his words painting a picture of a pitcher who approaches every aspect of his craft with utmost seriousness. "He works his ass off. It’s very telling when he’s out there playing catch play, he’s very intentional with even playing catch. The [pitchers’ fielding practice], I know it’s small, but he’s in there, he’s focused on it. He’s crushing the weight room, getting after it. And he looked great in the live [batting practice]." Such commendations from a manager known for his meticulous attention to detail speak volumes about Helsley’s immediate impact.
The true test of Spring Training, especially in its infancy, often comes in live batting practice (BP) sessions, which offer the closest approximation to game conditions. On Thursday, Helsley delivered a simulated "save" performance that left onlookers thoroughly impressed. Facing a formidable quintet of Orioles hitters – Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Beavers, Gunnar Henderson, Colton Cowser, and Pete Alonso – Helsley was virtually unhittable. He fanned both O’Neill, a former teammate and potent power threat, and Beavers, a promising prospect. He induced an easy grounder from the reigning American League MVP runner-up, Gunnar Henderson, coaxed a catchable fly ball from the athletic Colton Cowser, and snagged a popup off the bat of the prodigious power hitter, Pete Alonso. This dominant outing against a lineup of this caliber underscores Helsley’s readiness and the sharpness of his arsenal, primarily a scorching four-seam fastball and a devastating slider, both deployed with aggressive intent.
Helsley, reflecting on his strong showing, acknowledged the importance of these early sessions. "It’s always nice to get down to warmer weather and break a sweat a little bit and see guys in the box for the first time in four months," he commented, the adrenaline of live competition clearly a welcome sensation. "Gets the adrenaline rush going and kind of gets you used to moving full speed again." For a pitcher whose effectiveness hinges on high velocity and pinpoint control, reacclimation to game speed is paramount.
This Spring Training marks a significant geographical shift for Helsley, who for the entirety of his professional career had called Jupiter, Florida, the Cardinals’ spring home, his annual preseason base. Drafted by St. Louis in the fifth round in 2015, Helsley ascended through their system, ultimately becoming one of MLB’s most dominant relievers. From 2022 to the trade deadline in 2023, he carved out an impressive 1.83 ERA and recorded 33 saves in 2022, a season where he established himself as a legitimate All-Star and one of the league’s premier ninth-inning options. His ability to consistently deliver high-leverage outs made him an indispensable part of the Cardinals’ bullpen.
However, the latter half of 2023 presented a new challenge. Traded to the New York Mets in July, Helsley struggled to replicate his previous success, pitching to a 7.20 ERA across 22 outings, primarily in a setup role rather than his accustomed closer position. The dip in performance was a cause for concern, with many speculating about the underlying reasons. Helsley himself believes a significant factor was pitch-tipping – an issue where a pitcher inadvertently reveals the type of pitch they are about to throw through a subtle, repeatable tell in their delivery. This can be as simple as a slight alteration in glove position, arm slot, or body movement. The Orioles’ coaching staff, keen to unlock the two-time All-Star form of Helsley, has been working diligently with him to address this. Observers on Thursday noted a distinct change in his setup, with his glove held noticeably lower before his windup compared to his previous season, a clear indication of the intentional adjustments being made to eliminate any tells.
The belief within the Orioles organization is strong that the elite version of Helsley is still very much present and attainable. Albernaz underscored this sentiment, stating, "I was telling everyone, being Helsley and guys that play in this league for a long time and perform at a high level, it doesn’t happen by accident. We have to get ready to be ready to go Opening Day, and that’s something with his pedigree and his veteran presence, he knows that." This highlights the Orioles’ faith not only in Helsley’s physical capabilities but also in his experience and understanding of what it takes to perform at an elite level throughout a grueling MLB season. His signing signals the Orioles’ commitment to bolstering their bullpen with proven talent, a critical component for any team with championship aspirations.
Beyond his on-field performance, Helsley has seamlessly integrated into the clubhouse, quickly earning the respect and camaraderie of his new teammates. His transition has been made smoother by encountering several familiar faces. Tyler O’Neill, the powerful outfielder acquired by the Orioles, was a teammate of Helsley’s in St. Louis from 2019-2023, providing a pre-existing rapport. Another familiar presence is right-hander Andrew Kittredge, who shared the Cardinals’ bullpen with Helsley in 2023 and is now expected to serve as the primary right-handed setup man for Helsley in Baltimore. The bond between Helsley and Kittredge extends beyond the diamond; they’ve been carpooling to the complex, share adjacent lockers in the clubhouse, and even golfed together after Thursday’s workouts.
Kittredge spoke glowingly of his reunion with Helsley, emphasizing his character and work ethic. "We had a really good time in the St. Louis bullpen," Kittredge recalled. "He’s great. Just a great teammate, hard worker, no ego. Just honestly the kind of teammate you want. I’ve got nothing but great things to say about him as a teammate and a friend. … Just excited to get a chance to play with him again." Such testimonials from respected veterans reinforce the notion that Helsley brings not just an elite arm, but also a positive clubhouse presence.
Helsley himself expressed his enjoyment of the Sarasota spring environment and his genuine excitement about joining a Baltimore squad he believes is poised for significant success in the upcoming 2024 season and beyond. His primary focus during Spring Training is to "figure out how to move fast again" – a crucial process of fine-tuning his mechanics and timing in live settings after the offseason. Simultaneously, he continues to acclimate to his new surroundings, embracing the fresh start. "When you’re in one spot for a decade, it’s a little different. But I’m excited for the change, and there’s a lot of great personnel here and teammates already," Helsley affirmed, his optimism palpable. "I’m excited and look forward to it."
As the Orioles prepare for a season where expectations are sky-high, Ryan Helsley’s early spring performance offers a resounding vote of confidence. His ability to fill the monumental shoes of Félix Bautista, coupled with his proven track record and diligent approach to refining his craft, positions him as a cornerstone of the Orioles’ bullpen. The signs from Sarasota are clear: Ryan Helsley is not just a new face; he’s a crucial piece of a championship puzzle, ready to bring his high-octane closing act to Baltimore.
