The New York Mets have made a significant move to fortify their bullpen, acquiring veteran left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, July 25, 2025. In exchange, the Orioles will receive two promising minor league right-handers: Class A pitcher Wellington Aracena and Double-A pitcher Cameron Foster. This trade signals the Mets’ clear intent to address their relief corps ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, a priority openly stated by Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns.
Gregory Soto, 30, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to Queens. A two-time All-Star with the Detroit Tigers in 2021 and 2022, Soto is known for his hard-throwing style. His primary pitches include a sinking two-seam fastball that typically ranges from 94-99 mph, occasionally touching 101 mph, and a slider in the 86-93 mph range. He also mixes in an occasional four-seam fastball. This season, Soto has posted a 3.96 ERA with a 27.5% strikeout rate across 45 appearances for the Orioles. His overall 2025 record stands at 0-2 with one save, 44 strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP over 36.1 innings pitched. Over his seven-year MLB career, Soto holds a 14-31 record with a 4.24 ERA and 56 saves in 366 games, accumulating 384 strikeouts in 354.1 innings. The Mets will be Soto’s fourth team since the 2022 season, having previously played for the Detroit Tigers, Philadelphia Phillies, and most recently, the Baltimore Orioles, who acquired him from the Phillies on July 30, 2024. He is currently signed through the 2025 season for $5.35 million and is slated to become a free agent in 2026, according to Baseball-Reference.com.
The acquisition of Soto is a direct response to the Mets’ bullpen struggles. While New York’s relief corps led Major League Baseball in bullpen ERA through May 31, injuries and overuse have taken a toll, resulting in a 4.52 ERA since June 1, ranking 23rd in the majors during that period. Soto’s addition provides a much-needed left-handed arm to complement Brooks Raley, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery, offering a crucial boost to the Mets’ late-inning options.
In return, the Baltimore Orioles receive two promising young pitchers to bolster their farm system. Wellington Aracena, a 20-year-old right-hander, has impressed in Class A with a 1-1 record and a 2.38 ERA in 17 games for the St. Lucie Mets. Notably, Aracena is one of only two minor league pitchers this season to have thrown at least 60 innings without surrendering a home run. Cameron Foster, a 26-year-old right-hander, comes to Baltimore with a 5-2 record, two saves, and a 2.97 ERA across his time in Double-A and Triple-A this season. These prospects offer the Orioles valuable future assets as they continue to build their roster.
This trade underscores the Mets’ commitment to contending in the current season by shoring up a critical area of weakness. For the Orioles, it represents a strategic move to acquire young talent, aligning with their long-term organizational goals. As the trade deadline approaches, this deal sets the stage for what could be further activity across Major League Baseball.
