Zack Britton Backs Orioles Move, But Sees Remaining Needs

Zack Britton, who spent parts of eight seasons with the Orioles, publicly assessed Baltimore County's move to add Ryan Helsley during a December interview on Glenn Clark Radio. Britton praised Helsley for his high end velocity and late inning profile, citing Helsley’s 82 saves from 2022 through 2024 with the St Louis Cardinals as evidence of his closing pedigree. The Orioles signed Helsley to a two year, $28 million contract, a commitment Britton characterized as a reasonable short term investment given the upside.

The endorsement arrives amid concern over Helsley’s late 2025 form after a midseason trade to the New York Mets. Britton noted that New York’s intense media and fan environment can amplify performance pressure, a factor that may have contributed to Helsley’s struggles. For Baltimore fans, that context matters because the club is buying both the talent and the ability to withstand high leverage environments.

Beyond the closer role, Britton stressed the structural issue that often determines closer success. A reliable closer needs regular leads from the starting rotation and earlier bullpen innings. Britton urged that the Orioles still require starting rotation reinforcements to convert Helsley’s late inning effectiveness into consistent wins. That assessment matches the club’s broader offseason calculus as it balances payroll commitments against on field upgrades.

Economically the two year, $28 million contract is a mid range investment for a top end reliever. For local residents, the signing signals the Orioles remain willing to spend to compete while preserving flexibility to address starting pitching. Wins that come from late inning saves have direct local impact, shaping attendance, TV ratings, and the small business traffic around Camden Yards on game days.

As the Orioles head into the 2026 planning period, Britton’s view frames the choices ahead. Helsley brings proven closing experience and high velocity that could reenergize Baltimore’s ninth inning. The question that remains is whether the club will pair him with a deeper starting rotation so his skills can be applied in consistent, game finishing situations.