The Baltimore Orioles faced a tough exit from the season as they were swept away in the American League Wild Card Series by the Kansas City Royals.

It was a season filled with promise and potential, yet it concluded with a sense of unmet expectations for Baltimore.

Looking ahead to 2025, one way the Orioles can fortify their roster is by beefing up their pitching staff.

Good news is on the horizon, though, as closer Felix Bautista is set to return next season after being sidelined for all of 2024.

However, there’s a strong case to be made for the Orioles to pursue another elite closer to solidify the bullpen further.

Enter Ryan Helsley, a name that’s been buzzing around in Orioles’ trade talks before. Helsley, fresh off setting the single-season saves record with the St.

Louis Cardinals, is a prime candidate for the Orioles. The Cardinals, currently in a rebuilding phase, might consider trading Helsley to capitalize on his market value.

Adding Helsley to the mix could give Baltimore one of the most formidable bullpen duos in baseball alongside Bautista.

This type of move would require the Orioles to dip into their pool of young, cost-controlled pitching talent, something the Cardinals would likely have their eyes on.

Trading away talents like Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott won’t come easy. These players are Major League ready and would be a boon for a team like St.

Louis. Yet, such a trade highlights the tough decisions teams must make to reach greater heights—decisions where short-term sacrifice could translate to long-term gain.

Securing Helsley would be a clear signal that the Orioles are not just building for the future but are earnest about increasing their competitive edge in 2025.

The foundation is set; now, it’s about making the right moves to strengthen their bid to topple powerhouses in the AL East, like the Yankees.

The saga surrounding Helsley will undoubtedly be one to watch. Acquiring him would require the Orioles to part with a significant trade package

. However, for a team eager to rise to the challenge and compete at the highest level, it’s a price they just might be willing to pay.