The New York Mets bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Dominican reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles, a move that has sparked excitement around the organization. All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor expressed optimism about the deal, which took place in 2025, as the Mets position themselves for a deep playoff run. Adding Soto, a two-time All-Star with a powerful pitching arsenal, addresses a crucial bullpen need as the team chases World Series aspirations.
Background and Details of the Trade Deal
The Mets’ bullpen showed room for improvement, prompting them to focus on securing a left-handed reliever with high-leverage experience. Gregory Soto fits this profile, having recently spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies before moving to the Orioles earlier in the season. To acquire Soto, New York sent two minor league pitchers, Cameron Foster and Wellington Aracena, to Baltimore.
Financially, the Mets are responsible for the remainder of Soto’s $5.35 million salary for 2025, amounting to approximately $1.87 million, which consequently raises their luxury tax by about $2.06 million. Notably, Soto will become a free agent after this season, leaving the Mets with an opportunity to extend him if he proves successful in New York.
Francisco Lindor’s Perspective on Bringing Soto to the Mets
Following the trade, Lindor shared his confidence in the front office and expressed strong faith in the team‘s plan. He praised the work of team executives, emphasizing his trust in the organization’s approach.
“Yeah, I mean, Eduardo and Stearns, the whole group, they’re really good. I trust them. I believe in what they have done. They’re really good. They’re really good. I like Soto coming in,”
Lindor said.
Lindor also highlighted Soto’s potential impact on the Mets’ pitching staff, calling him one of the most elite left-handers currently in the game. He pointed to the expertise of coaches Jeremy Hefner and Desi Druschel as valuable resources for helping Soto return to his best form.
“I feel like he’s one of the most elite left-handers in the game. With [Jeremy Hefner] and [Desi Druschel] here, I’m sure he’s going to learn a lot and get back to being the top pitcher that he is,”
Lindor stated.
How the Mets Negotiated to Secure Soto
David Stearns, the Mets’ President of Baseball Operations, revealed that the negotiation process was meticulous and spanned several weeks. Both New York and Baltimore evaluated multiple options before settling on this trade late the previous night.
“We’ve had off-and-on discussions with Baltimore for the past few weeks. As generally is the case with any trade, you go through a whole lot of different names, a whole lot of different constructs, and late last night we were able to get to this deal,”
Stearns explained.
Stearns further explained the strategic importance of acquiring a reliable left-handed arm for the bullpen, particularly during this time of the season when such additions are harder to come by.
“It’s a big arm; he’s pitched in leverage spots. We were looking to help complement our bullpen from the left side. It’s not always easy to do that this time of year, and so as we began to overlap on some names with Baltimore, we figured this was the time to push this one through.”
Gregory Soto’s Performance and Expectations Ahead
Since joining the Orioles this season, Soto has recorded a 0-2 win-loss record and one save, with a 3.96 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP. Despite mixed results so far, the Mets believe Soto’s best performances lie ahead and anticipate that he will strengthen their bullpen’s effectiveness in critical moments.
Soto’s presence adds depth to a Mets pitching staff determined to improve late-game scenarios as they pursue postseason success. If the reliever excels during the rest of the 2025 campaign, New York may consider locking him into a longer-term contract.
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 team received minor league pitchers named Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace.
Q. Is Gregory Soto married?
A. Gregory Soto is married to his wife, Raengel. Together, they have two sons named Yadiel and Grencell.
Q. Why was Gregory Soto suspended?
A. On January 11, 2019, Soto received a 20-game suspension from Major League Baseball for behavior harmful to the sport. This was under Article XII(B). The suspension began on Opening Day. On April 20, he was put back on the roster and sent to Lakeland. He played one game there before being moved up to the Erie SeaWolves.