With the MLB trade deadline less than a week away, the New York Mets have started to enhance their roster in hopes of capturing the National League East title. On Friday afternoon, the Mets acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, addressing a vital need in their bullpen that had been compromised by injuries. This move represents the first step in a series of potential roster improvements planned by Mets’ general manager David Stearns before July 31st.
Filling the Left-Handed Bullpen Gap Amid Injuries
The Mets’ bullpen faced a significant challenge after losing left-handed relievers Danny Young and A.J. Minter to season-ending injuries. Adding Soto, coupled with the recent return of Brooks Raley from Tommy John surgery, provides the Mets with two lefty relievers who can effectively neutralize opposing left-handed hitters. This bolsters a previously depleted area of their pitching staff, allowing more strategic matchups late in games.
Targeting Additional Relievers to Strengthen Late-Inning Roles
David Stearns has indicated the team intends to continue bolstering its bullpen, seeking multiple relievers beyond Soto. While Soto addresses the lefty specialist role, the Mets are actively pursuing a high-quality setup pitcher to bridge the gap between their starters and closer Edwin Diaz. Several controllable options are being evaluated, including Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase, Pittsburgh’s David Bednar, and Colorado’s Seth Halvorsen. These relievers offer late-inning effectiveness and could secure the setup position through the remainder of the season and beyond.
However, the Mets face a potential obstacle as acquiring such premium relievers typically demands a substantial prospect investment, and many teams are competing vigorously for these in-demand arms. Stearns has historically been cautious with trading top prospects or spending heavily on relief pitching, preferring to find value through underappreciated or rental options, as shown with last season’s low-cost acquisitions of Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek.
Exploring Cost-Effective Bullpen Alternatives
If the cost of securing controllable relievers is prohibitive, the Mets may target other rental relievers who can immediately contribute, such as Washington’s Kyle Finnegan. Additionally, there is interest in acquiring young, optionable arms that can be developed internally, following the model of last summer’s trades for Huascar Brazoban and Tyler Zuber. Such prospects typically do not require a heavy prospect price and can become valuable bullpen assets in the future. Brazoban’s progress has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach as he has become a reliable bullpen member.
Center Field Upgrade: Luis Robert Jr. Emerges as Primary Target
Beyond bullpen improvements, the Mets are eyeing a center field upgrade, with Chicago’s Luis Robert Jr. standing out as the most promising candidate. Although Robert has struggled through a difficult 2025 season, batting just .206 with 10 home runs and a .636 OPS as of late July, he is still only 27 years old and displayed All-Star caliber talent as recently as 2023. His elite speed, evidenced by 25 stolen bases this season, and strong defensive skills align with the Mets’ preference for athletic players in up-the-middle positions.
Robert’s recent surge in July, hitting .351 with a .982 OPS over 11 games, suggests he may be rejuvenated by the prospect of a team change. The Mets appear drawn to his two additional club options, which could provide cost-effective control for multiple seasons. Critics acknowledge the risk involved given his struggles this year, but the potential upside of reacquiring an All-Star type player in center field is compelling, especially considering the Mets’ long-term farm system depth at this position remains uncertain.
“The Phillies like Robert, but not as much as the Mets do” —MLB Insider Bob Nightengale
Other Center Field Options and Challenges
The Mets have also monitored other center fielders, including Jarren Duran and Cedric Mullins, but appear hesitant to pursue these players aggressively. A recent report indicated the Boston Red Sox declined a trade package from the Mets involving Dylan Cease and two top prospects for Duran, signaling a steep asking price on that front. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain how much interest the Mets have in players such as Mullins or a potential reunion with Harrison Bader.
Minimal Movement Expected in Other Positions
Third base currently does not appear to be a priority for the Mets, as they have shown little interest in Eugenio Suarez and have recently witnessed positive contributions from prospects Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio. Similarly, the starting pitching market lacks game-changing options that fit the Mets’ preferences and budget. Should no high-impact starters become available at a reasonable cost, the Mets are likely to rely on their internal pitching depth for the stretch run and potential postseason.
Anticipated Moves Before the Deadline
After acquiring Gregory Soto, the Mets’ most plausible next moves are adding two more relievers—one preferably with minor league options—and securing a center fielder upgrade. While there remains a possibility of a top-tier starting pitcher becoming available, current indicators suggest the Mets will not commit to a costly starter unless the player clearly elevates their postseason chances. Overall, the Mets appear focused on pragmatic upgrades that balance immediate competitive needs with future team control and resource management.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Gregory Soto?
A. On July 30, 2024, Soto was traded to the Baltimore Orioles. In return, the Orioles gave up minor league pitchers Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace.
Q. Is Gregory Soto married?
A. Gregory Soto is married to his wife, Raengel, and they have two sons named Yadiel and Grencell.
Q. Why was Gregory Soto suspended?
A. On January 11, 2019, Major League Baseball suspended Soto for 20 games due to behavior harmful to baseball, as per Article XII(B). The suspension began on Opening Day. He was reactivated on April 20 and sent to Lakeland. After playing one game there, he was promoted to the Erie SeaWolves.