Mets Bolster Bullpen with Gregory Soto Acquisition
The New York Mets have made a strategic move to strengthen their bullpen, acquiring left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto from the Orioles, according to confirmed sources. This trade could be the first of several that the New York team will make before the July 31st trade deadline.
In the transaction, the Mets sent two minor league players to Baltimore: Class A right-handed pitcher Wellington Aracena, and Double-A right-handed pitcher Cameron Foster.
With this addition, the Mets add a left-handed pitcher with great velocity, who will complement Brooks Raley, the only left-handed reliever they had until now, 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, Soto has recorded an ERA of 3.96, with a strikeout percentage of 27.5% in 45 appearances. For Soto, the Mets will be his fourth team since the 2022 season.
The Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, indicated that improving the bullpen is his top priority.
The need is clear. Injuries and overuse have depleted a bullpen that led the Major Leagues in bullpen effectiveness through May 31. Since June 1, the group has posted a 4.52 ERA, ranking 23rd in the majors.
