Mets acquire pitcher Gregory Soto from Orioles

The Mets made a move to bolster their bullpen, acquiring left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Orioles in exchange for two minor leaguers.

Mets strengthen bullpen with Gregory Soto trade

The New York Mets recently traded for pitcher Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, sending two minor league pitchers as part of the deal. This acquisition comes just ahead of the trade deadline, highlighting the Mets' urgent desire to enhance their bullpen. Soto, a 30-year-old left-hander, previously earned All-Star honors while playing for the Detroit Tigers and has a 3.96 ERA and 27.5% strikeout rate this season. The Mets severely need this boost, as their relief pitching has struggled since June after a strong start to the season. The team has been plagued by injuries and excessive workloads, leading to a sharp decline in their overall bullpen performance. Soto joins a roster that currently features only Brooks Raley as a left-handed option since his return from Tommy John surgery.

The Mets' trade for Gregory Soto illustrates their commitment to improving their chances as they enter the latter half of the season. This move reflects a strategic response to significant performance drops in their bullpen. David Stearns, the Mets' president of baseball operations, has made it clear that solidifying the bullpen is paramount. The addition of Soto, known for his ability to strike out batters with force, aligns with the Mets’ need for reliability during crucial late-game situations. Yet, the pressure is on—to see if Soto can return to performing at his All-Star levels or if he will struggle under the demands of a team striving for success.

Highlights

As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets will likely pursue further adjustments to solidify their team.