Closer Ryan Helsley and the Baltimore Orioles are in agreement on a two-year contract that includes an opt-out after the first season, sources told ESPN, continuing the remaking of Baltimore's beleaguered pitching staff with one of the most sought-after relievers on the free agent market.

While multiple teams sought to sign Helsley as a starter, the 31-year-old right-hander chose to remain in the role that made him a two-time All-Star and will hand him the ninth inning for the Orioles while retaining the ability to reach the open market after 2026.

Helsley, whose deal is pending a physical, is the second bullpen addition of the winter for Baltimore, which re-acquired right-hander Andrew Kittredge from the Cubs after dealing him to Chicago at the trade deadline. With a moribund pitc

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