Orioles Eye Ryan Helsley as Trade Deadline Approaches

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Baltimore Orioles, following a strong opening to the season with a 12-2 victory, may be looking to acquire closer Ryan Helsley to bolster their bullpen ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

Having finished last season with an impressive 91 wins, the Orioles have set their sights on the injury-plagued New York Yankees as they aim for a serious challenge in the American League East. An upgrade in their pitching staff is seen as vital to achieve this goal.

While Felix Bautista currently occupies the closer role, adding Helsley could provide the team with greater relief options and help manage a crowded roster of position players. Key executives believe that Helsley’s trade value may increase as the season progresses, particularly given his record-setting performance of 49 saves last season.

The potential pursuit of Helsley comes with challenges. As the market heats up, the Orioles must contend with competition from other teams seeking top-tier relievers, and they also risk overpaying for a player on a short-term deal if Helsley’s performance wavers early in the season.

“We’re focused on monitoring Ryan’s performance and health as we move closer to the deadline,” one Orioles executive stated. “It’s important for us to weigh our options carefully to improve our pitching staff without sacrificing too much in terms of our current lineup.”

As the trade deadline draws closer, the Orioles will likely keep a close eye on Helsley’s statistics and overall effectiveness. The organization’s goal is to enhance their pitching capabilities while managing the financial implications of potential acquisitions.

Ultimately, targeting Ryan Helsley could be a strategic move for the Orioles. Doing so could not only strengthen their bullpen but also provide a solution to their positional surplus, potentially positioning them as serious contenders in the fiercely competitive AL East.