What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Mets announced the acquisition of left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles. The trade involved sending two right-handed pitching prospects, Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster, to Baltimore. This move is part of the Mets’ strategy to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline, which is set for July 31. Soto, a two-time All-Star, is expected to provide the Mets with a reliable left-handed option in relief, complementing Brooks Raley, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery.
Soto, who is 30 years old, has had a solid season with a 3.96 ERA and a 27.5% strikeout rate over 45 appearances. He has been particularly effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .138 batting average. This trade marks Soto’s fourth team since the 2022 season, following stints with the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Orioles.
Key Details
- Trade Date: July 25, 2025
- Teams Involved: New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles
- Players Involved:
- Mets receive: LHP Gregory Soto
- Orioles receive: RHP Wellington Aracena (20 years old) and RHP Cameron Foster (26 years old)
- Soto’s Performance:
- 3.96 ERA in 2025
- 27.5% strikeout rate
- Effective against left-handed hitters: .138 average, .547 OPS
- Prospects Sent to Orioles:
- Wellington Aracena: 2.38 ERA in 17 games at Class A
- Cameron Foster: 2.97 ERA in 21 games at Double-A and Triple-A
- Contract Status: Soto is making $5.35 million and will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the trade vary among analysts and fans. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza expressed enthusiasm about Soto’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, emphasizing his experience and effectiveness in critical moments. Mendoza noted that having two left-handed options in the bullpen will allow for more strategic matchups against opposing lineups.
Conversely, some analysts argue that while Soto is a valuable addition, the Mets may still need to address other areas of their bullpen, particularly the right-handed side. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged that upgrading the bullpen remains a priority, indicating that Soto’s acquisition does not preclude further moves before the trade deadline.
Rival scouts have described the trade as a reasonable price for Soto, considering the potential of the prospects involved. However, opinions differ on the long-term implications of trading young talent for a player who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Context & Background
The Mets’ decision to trade for Soto comes amid a challenging season for their bullpen, which has been affected by injuries and inconsistent performance. The team led the majors in bullpen ERA through May 31 but has struggled since, posting a 4.52 ERA, ranking 23rd in the league. The loss of left-handed pitchers A.J. Minter and Danny Young to season-ending injuries in April highlighted the need for reliable left-handed options.
Soto’s history in the league, including his All-Star selections in 2021 and 2022, adds to his credibility as a valuable asset. His ability to perform in high-leverage situations is particularly appealing for a team looking to make a playoff push. The Mets are currently in a competitive position, and strengthening their bullpen is seen as a critical step toward postseason success.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. The immediate impact of Soto on the Mets’ bullpen will depend on his performance in the coming weeks, particularly in high-pressure situations. Additionally, it is unclear whether the Mets will pursue further trades to bolster their bullpen or other areas of need, such as starting pitching or center field.
The long-term effects of trading two prospects for a player who may leave after the season are also uncertain. The Mets will need to evaluate how this trade fits into their overall strategy for building a competitive team in the future. As the trade deadline approaches, the landscape of potential trades may shift, and the Mets’ next moves will be closely monitored by analysts and fans alike.
