The New York Mets are at a critical point in their season, facing significant bullpen setbacks due to injuries. With left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Danny Young currently unavailable, the team has had to depend heavily on Richard Lovelady and Brandon Waddell for late-inning relief. As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets are exploring options to strengthen their bullpen, and Gregory Soto, a left-handed pitcher from the Baltimore Orioles, emerges as a promising candidate with untapped potential to fill this gap.
Analyzing Soto’s Seasonal Performance and Underlying Metrics
Although Gregory Soto’s raw statistics this season may not immediately impress, a deeper look reveals encouraging signs for his future contributions. He holds a 3.90 ERA over 32 1/3 innings while issuing 15 walks. More revealing are his advanced metrics: his expected ERA (xERA) is notably better at 3.23, placing him in the top quarter for expected performance in the league. Additional indicators like xFIP and SIERA, at 3.49 and 3.20 respectively, reinforce the view that Soto could outperform his current results if given the right environment.
Soto’s skill in limiting strong contact is particularly compelling. He achieves a career-low barrel rate of 2.5%, indicating hitters seldom square up effectively against him. While his exit velocity ranks in the 20th percentile at 90.6 MPH, he induces ground balls at a 45.7% clip—well above average and ranked in the 66th percentile. His home run rate of just 0.57 per nine innings also signals that batters struggle to turn his pitches into damaging hits.
Pitching Arsenal That Sets Soto Apart
Soto’s repertoire highlights his potential as a bullpen asset. His primary pitch, a sinker, averages 96.6 MPH—placing it among the fastest 14% of fastballs across the league—enabling him to create many ground balls and weak contact. His slider is particularly notable, generating a 48.4% whiff rate, ranking it 11th best among all sliders this season. This combination of power and movement makes Soto capable of handling high-pressure situations in late innings.
Why Soto Could Be an Ideal Addition to the Mets
The Mets’ need for reliable left-handed relief options aligns well with Soto’s skill set. As the Orioles might be shifting toward a seller’s strategy while approaching the trade deadline, the Mets could pursue Soto at a reasonable cost. With free agency looming for the pitcher, Baltimore may be motivated to entertain offers, giving New York a chance to secure a pitcher who fits their immediate and long-term bullpen needs.
Looking Forward: Potential Impact on the Mets’ Postseason Prospects
The current season’s challenges offer the Mets an opportunity to reshape their bullpen by acquiring key players like Gregory Soto. His advanced pitching metrics suggest he could flourish in the Mets’ environment, providing more dependable late-game pitching. As the trade deadline nears, this potential move could be crucial to improving the team’s depth and effectiveness in close games.
With the bullpen stretched thin, adding a reliever of Soto’s caliber might serve as a turning point, boosting the Mets’ chances during the playoff push. While uncertainties remain through the remainder of the season, the possibility of strengthening the bullpen offers renewed hope for both the team and its supporters.