What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Mets announced the acquisition of left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for two minor league pitchers, Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster. This trade is part of the Mets’ strategy to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, which is set for July 31. Soto, a two-time All-Star, has had a solid season, posting a 3.96 ERA and a 27.5% strikeout rate over 45 appearances. The Mets aim to bolster their relief options, particularly after injuries have impacted their left-handed pitching depth.
Soto’s arrival is significant for the Mets, as he will join Brooks Raley, the team’s only other left-handed reliever. Raley recently returned from Tommy John surgery, and together, they are expected to provide a more stable left-handed presence in the bullpen. The Mets have been struggling with their relief pitching, particularly since June 1, when their bullpen ERA rose to 4.52, ranking 23rd in the majors. The Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, emphasized the need for improvement in this area, making it a priority as the team approaches the postseason.
Key Details
- Trade Date: July 25, 2025
- Teams Involved: New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles
- Players Involved:
- Mets Receive: Gregory Soto (LHP)
- Orioles Receive: Wellington Aracena (RHP, Class A) and Cameron Foster (RHP, Double-A)
- Soto’s Performance:
- 3.96 ERA
- 27.5% strikeout rate
- Held left-handed hitters to a .138 batting average
- 44 strikeouts and 17 holds in 45 appearances this season
- Prospects Traded:
- Wellington Aracena: 20 years old, 2.38 ERA in 17 games at Class A, known for not allowing a home run in over 60 innings.
- Cameron Foster: 26 years old, 2.97 ERA over 21 appearances, recently promoted to Triple-A but struggled at that level.
- Contract Status: Soto is making $5.35 million through arbitration and is set to become a free agent after the season.
Multiple Perspectives
The trade has been viewed positively by Mets management, with manager Carlos Mendoza highlighting Soto’s experience in high-leverage situations as a key asset. Mendoza stated, “The biggest thing is his ability to come in when there’s high leverage and there’s pressure there.” This sentiment reflects a broader confidence in Soto’s ability to perform under pressure, which is crucial as the Mets aim for a playoff push.
Conversely, some analysts and scouts have pointed out the risks associated with trading away promising prospects like Aracena, who is seen as a potential future asset for the Orioles. While Aracena has shown promise, he is still developing, and his long-term potential remains uncertain. Foster, while older, has also demonstrated the ability to contribute to a major league bullpen sooner rather than later. The decision to trade these prospects has been characterized as a calculated risk by the Mets, who are prioritizing immediate needs over future potential.
Context & Background
The Mets’ decision to acquire Soto comes in the wake of injuries to key left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Danny Young, both of whom are out for the season. This has left the team with limited options in the bullpen, particularly against left-handed hitters. Soto’s trade marks a proactive approach by the Mets to address this gap and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming playoff race.
Historically, Soto has been a reliable left-handed option, having pitched in at least 62 games each season from 2021 to 2024. He has experience with multiple teams, including the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, which adds to his credibility as a seasoned player capable of handling the pressures of a playoff environment.
The Mets are also exploring additional trades to further strengthen their roster, particularly in the bullpen and starting rotation. Stearns has indicated that while Soto is a significant addition, the team is still looking for more right-handed options to complement their pitching staff.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, the long-term impact of Soto’s addition to the Mets remains to be seen. Factors such as his performance in New York, the effectiveness of the bullpen as a whole, and the potential development of the traded prospects will all play a role in evaluating the success of this trade.
Additionally, the Mets’ strategy leading up to the trade deadline is still unfolding. It is unclear whether they will pursue further trades to enhance their roster, especially given the competitive landscape of the league and the high prices associated with top-tier players. The outcomes of these decisions will significantly influence the Mets’ chances in the postseason and their overall trajectory in the coming years.
