The New York Mets acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday in exchange for two minor league pitchers, sources confirmed to ESPN. The trade represents the first of potentially multiple bullpen moves before the July 31 deadline.
New York sent Class A right-hander Wellington Aracena and Double-A right-hander Cameron Foster to Baltimore for the 30-year-old Soto. The acquisition gives the Mets a second left-handed reliever alongside Brooks Raley, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery.
Soto has posted a 3.96 ERA with a 27.5% strikeout rate in 45 appearances this season. The former All-Star with Detroit in 2021 and 2022 will join his fourth team since the 2022 campaign.
Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns identified bullpen upgrades as his top priority during Monday\'s media session. The team\'s relief corps led MLB in ERA through May 31 before struggling to a 4.52 mark since June 1, ranking 23rd in the majors.
Injuries and overuse have depleted the Mets\' bullpen depth during their playoff push. The addition of Soto provides manager Carlos Mendoza with another late-inning option as the team pursues a Wild Card berth.