Mets Acquire Left-Handed Reliever Gregory Soto from Orioles

The New York Mets pulled off a big move ahead of the MLB trade deadline. They picked up left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, sending two minor league pitchers the other way.

This move really shows the Mets want to fix their bullpen and make a late playoff push. For months, their relief pitching has been rough, and Soto’s a seasoned arm with All-Star credentials—something they desperately need.

What Gregory Soto Brings to the New York Mets

Adding Gregory Soto gives the Mets’ bullpen a boost right away. At 30, he’s a hard-throwing lefty with real experience.

Soto made the All-Star team twice with the Detroit Tigers in 2021 and 2022. Now, he gives the Mets a solid left-handed option next to Brooks Raley, who just got back from Tommy John surgery.

The Mets have struggled to find quality left-handed relievers. Soto helps fill that gap in a way that feels overdue.

Soto’s Strong Season in Baltimore

Soto’s bounced around since 2022, but he’s stayed steady in relief. This year with the Orioles, he’s made 45 appearances and put up a 3.96 ERA.

He’s also struck out 27.5% of batters, which is nothing to sneeze at. Those numbers make it pretty clear why the Mets jumped at the chance to get him.

This is already his fourth team in a year, which is wild. Still, if he keeps pitching like this, maybe he finally finds a long-term home in Queens.

Who Are the Players Heading to Baltimore?

The Mets sent two minor league pitchers to Baltimore for Soto: Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster. Both guys offer promise, giving the Orioles some future upside to play with.

A Closer Look at Aracena and Foster

Wellington Aracena is just 20, but he’s already making noise in Class-A ball for St. Lucie. He’s got a 2.38 ERA over 17 games this year and hasn’t allowed a homer in more than 60 innings.

That kind of control at his age? It’s rare. Cameron Foster, on the other hand, is 26 and pitching at Double-A and Triple-A. He’s 5-2 with two saves and a 2.97 ERA, and he might be closer to the majors than Aracena.

Baltimore gets options here—one guy for the future, one who could help sooner.

The Mets’ Playoff Aspirations and Bullpen Struggles

This trade fits into a bigger plan from Mets president David Stearns. He’s clearly trying to fix a bullpen that’s fallen apart since June.

Back in May, the Mets’ relief corps led the league in ERA. Since then, their ERA has shot up to 4.52, which ranks 23rd in the majors. That’s just not going to cut it for a team dreaming about October.

Stearns Prioritizing Relief Support

Landing Gregory Soto sends a loud message: the Mets aren’t giving up. They know they’ve got to turn things around fast if they want a shot at the playoffs.

Soto’s used to pitching in high-leverage spots, and that could make all the difference as the Mets fight for a Wild Card slot. With the trade deadline coming up next Thursday, don’t be shocked if Stearns makes another move or two to keep shoring up the bullpen.

The Impact of Soto’s Arrival

Gregory Soto brings more talent and experience to the Mets’ bullpen. His ability to rack up strikeouts and his veteran vibe should add some much-needed stability right when the team needs it most.

The Mets are taking a chance that beefing up their bullpen now could really matter down the stretch. After bouncing between four teams in a little over a year, maybe Soto finally gets a chance to settle in and show everyone what he can really do.

As New York heads into these high-pressure weeks, fans can’t help but keep an eye on Soto. Can he help fix the bullpen’s issues? Maybe his performance ends up being the turning point for a playoff run—wouldn’t that be something?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: Mets trade for reliever in O’s lefty Soto