The Mets strengthen their bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star left-hander Gregory Soto from the Orioles.

Since A.J. Minter and Danny Young were sidelined for the season due to injuries in April, the Mets' focus on strengthening their roster has become clear. Regardless of any moves before the July 31 trade deadline, adding a left-handed reliever remains a priority.

Today, the Mets made the first move by trading rookie Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster to the Orioles for two-time All-Star left-hander Gregory Soto.

Trade Details
Mets receive: Left-hander Gregory Soto
Orioles receive: Right-hander Wellington Aracena / Right-hander Cameron Foster

The 30-year-old Soto has demonstrated consistent value over the past five years with the Tigers (2021-22 All-Star), Phillies, and Orioles, appearing in at least 62 games each season from 2021 to 2024. This season, his effectiveness against left-handed hitters is remarkable: a .138/.271/.276 batting line, with an overall ERA of 3.96. Opponents have a batting average of only .516 in high-leverage situations against him.

"His key value lies in his ability to handle pressure situations," emphasized Mets manager Carlos Mendoza, "he will be an important piece in the bullpen."

Soto's salary this season is $5.35 million, and he will become a free agent after the playoffs. He will join veteran Brooks Raley, who has just returned, to provide a left-handed safety net, filling the gaps left by Minter and Young. Previously, Mendoza had used left-handers Génesis Cabrera and José Castillo, but neither established a firm position.

"The bullpen has seen frequent changes," Mendoza explained, "now that Raley is back, his value is evident, and with Soto added, we can flexibly adjust one player to face left-handed core lineups." If there are no new injuries, Soto and Raley are expected to form a stable pairing for the playoff push, likely reporting to San Francisco this weekend (possibly tomorrow).

"The injury issues in the left-handed bullpen have made strengthening it a key target for the playoff push and beyond," confirmed baseball operations president David Stearns regarding the necessity of the trade.

To acquire Soto, the Mets sent rookie Wellington Aracena (20 years old) and non-prospect Cameron Foster (26 years old) from their farm system. Aracena has been clocked at 101 mph this summer, but has struggled with control at the A-ball level (averaging 4.9 walks per nine innings), with scouts rating him as a "developing prospect"; Foster has a 1.01 ERA in Double-A, and while he may rise to the majors quickly, his ceiling is considered low.

Opposing scouts believe the trade cost is reasonable and does not hinder the Mets' efforts to further strengthen their bullpen. Stearns stated that the bullpen is the "top priority" before the deadline, and they still need at least one right-hander to solidify the later innings.

Other areas of need include center field and the starting rotation, but Stearns emphasized that they are only seeking substantial upgrades that would "raise the team's ceiling," rather than just depth additions. According to the New York Post, the Mets are focusing on Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, with Diamondbacks' Zac Gallen and Pirates' Mitch Keller also being potential targets, though high-priced bidding is inevitable.

"Acquiring a starting pitcher at this time is already challenging," Stearns admitted, "the number of players who can elevate the ceiling is limited. But if the right candidate emerges, we will go all out to pursue them."