The New York Mets have made a significant move by trading for left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles. This development was first reported by SNY’s Andy Martino. In return, the Orioles will receive minor league right-handers Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster.
Soto, who is 30 years old, has posted a 3.96 ERA this season, maintaining a 3.91 ERA since the start of the 2021 season. He is playing under a $5.35 million salary this season, with approximately $1.87 million still owed. As the Mets fall into the category of third-time luxury tax payors, they will face a 110% tax on the remaining sum, bringing the total financial outlay to approximately $3.925 million.
The left-hander boasts a fastball averaging 97.1 mph and a sinker at 96.7 mph, making him a valuable asset when he finds his command. Soto has an impressive strikeout rate of 27.5% this year, although he also walks about 11.3% of batters he faces, which aligns with his career averages. Despite some command issues, he has proven effective against right-handed batters and has excelled against left-handers, allowing a meager .138/.271/.276 batting line against them.
This acquisition comes at a crucial time for the Mets, who have been actively seeking to bolster their bullpen, particularly after injuries sidelined lefties A.J. Minter and Danny Young, both of whom required season-ending surgeries. Soto joins a restructured bullpen that includes Brooks Raley, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, and offers another strong lefty option alongside closer Edwin Diaz and setup men Ryne Stanek and Reed Garrett.
As the trade deadline approaches, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns continues to prioritize improvements to the bullpen. The team is also open to exploring options in the center field market, and while their starting rotation is healthy, they remain interested in potential upgrades for a playoff push.
This trade highlights the Mets’ commitment to strengthening their roster as they enter the critical final stretch of the season, aiming to compete effectively against division rivals and in the postseason.