Mets Bolster Bullpen with Gregory Soto
The New York Mets have acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles, in a move that could be the first of several to strengthen their bullpen before the trade deadline.
The trade, announced on Friday, involved minor league pitchers Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster, who are heading to Baltimore.
This acquisition gives the Mets a high-velocity left-handed pitcher to complement Brooks Raley, the only lefty on the team’s roster, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery.
Soto, 30 years old, was an All-Star with the Detroit Tigers in 2021 and 2022. This season, he has recorded an ERA of 3.96 with a strikeout percentage of 27.5% in 45 appearances. The Mets will be his fourth team since the 2022 season.
Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, indicated that improving the bullpen is the team’s top priority.
The need is evident. Injuries and overuse have diminished the bullpen’s body, which led the majors in bullpen effectiveness until May 31. Since June 1, the group has recorded an ERA of 4.52, ranking 23rd in the majors.
Aracena, 20 years old, has a 1-1 record with an ERA of 2.38 in 17 games for St. Lucie. The Orioles reported that he is one of two pitchers in the minor leagues this season who have pitched at least 60 innings without allowing a home run.
Foster, 26, has a 5-2 record with two saves and an ERA of 2.97 while pitching at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.
