What Happened
On July 25, 2025, the New York Mets announced a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, acquiring left-handed reliever Gregory Soto in exchange for two minor league pitchers, Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster. This trade is seen as a strategic move by the Mets 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 much-needed left-handed depth in the Mets’ relief pitching corps, particularly after injuries have impacted their roster.
Soto, 30, has had a notable career, previously playing for the Detroit Tigers and the Philadelphia Phillies before joining the Orioles. This marks the fourth team he has played for since the 2022 season. In 2025, he has posted a 3.96 ERA with a 27.5% strikeout rate over 45 appearances. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations is highlighted by his effectiveness against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .138 batting average this season.
Key Details
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Trade Participants:
- Mets Receive: LHP Gregory Soto
- Orioles Receive: RHP Wellington Aracena (20 years old, 2.38 ERA in 17 games at Class A) and RHP Cameron Foster (26 years old, 2.97 ERA in Double-A and Triple-A).
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Soto’s Performance:
- 3.96 ERA in 2025
- 27.5% strikeout rate
- Effective against left-handed hitters, limiting them to a .138 average.
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Contract Status: Soto is making $5.35 million and will become a free agent after the 2025 season.
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Mets’ Bullpen Situation: The Mets have faced challenges in their bullpen, particularly after injuries to key left-handed pitchers A.J. Minter and Danny Young. The team has struggled with a bullpen ERA of 4.52 since June 1, ranking 23rd in the majors.
Multiple Perspectives
The acquisition of Soto has been met with a generally positive response from Mets management and analysts. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized Soto’s experience in high-leverage situations, suggesting that his addition will allow for more strategic deployment of left-handed pitchers in critical game moments. Mendoza stated, “This is a guy who is used to pitching in this league in high leverage… Obviously, a piece that will help us, and I’m excited about it.”
From a scouting perspective, the trade has been described as a reasonable price for Soto, considering the potential of the prospects given up. Aracena, while showing promise, is still considered a project, and Foster, although performing well, may not have the same ceiling as Aracena. This perspective suggests that the Mets may have made a calculated risk to enhance their immediate competitiveness.
Conversely, some analysts may question the long-term implications of trading away two prospects for a player who will be a free agent at the end of the season. This raises concerns about whether the Mets are prioritizing short-term gains over long-term development, especially given the unpredictability of Soto’s future performance and potential departure after the season.
Context & Background
The Mets’ decision to acquire Soto comes in the context of a broader strategy to improve their bullpen, which has been a significant weakness this season. The team has experienced injuries to key pitchers, necessitating a more robust left-handed presence in their relief options. Soto’s addition is intended to complement Brooks Raley, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, thereby providing the Mets with a more reliable left-handed duo.
The trade also reflects the competitive nature of the MLB trade deadline, where teams are actively seeking to bolster their rosters for a playoff push. The Mets are not only looking to improve their bullpen but are also exploring options to enhance other areas of their team, including starting pitching and center field.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While the trade has been finalized, several uncertainties remain. The immediate impact of Soto on the Mets’ performance is yet to be seen, as he is expected to join the team shortly. Additionally, the Mets’ broader strategy for the trade deadline remains unclear, as they may pursue further trades to address other weaknesses in their roster.
Furthermore, the long-term effects of this trade on the Mets’ farm system and their ability to develop future talent are still unknown. The performance of Aracena and Foster in the Orioles’ system could influence perceptions of the trade’s value in the years to come. Lastly, the Mets’ plans for Soto beyond the current season, including potential contract negotiations or free agency considerations, remain speculative at this point.
