BREAKING: Mets acquire Gregory Soto for two prospects

In Soto, the Mets are addressing their need for the left side of their bullpen

The Mets got their trade deadline shopping spree off to a productive start on Friday, as they acquired LHP Gregory Soto from the Orioles in exchange for minor leaguers Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster, according to SNY.

Soto, 30, has a 3.96 ERA in 36.1 IP over 45 appearances for the Orioles in 2025 with 18 walks and 44 strikeouts with only two home runs allowed so far this season. He is in the 87th percentile in whiff rate, 82nd percentile in strikeout rate, and 94th percentile in barrel percentage, per StatCast.

Soto’s average fastball velocity is 97 mph and has held left-handed hitters to a .138 opposing batting average and a .547 OPS.

In Soto, the Mets will be attempting to address the absences of both AJ Minter and Danny Young, both of which have been lost for the season due to injury, although they will need to navigate Soto’s historically pedestrian walk rate, including this year’s 4.5 walks per nine innings. His 99 ERA+ would suggest he has pitched slightly below league average so far this season.

Soto can become a free agent after the 2025 season, and is earning $5.35 million this year.

In Aracena, the Mets are giving up their 19th ranked prospect, per MLB.com. He has a 2.38 ERA in 19 appearances, eight starts with 84 strikeouts against 35 walks over 64.1 IP with Single-A St. Lucie this season.

As for Foster, the 26-year-old right-handed pitcher has a 1.01 ERA in 19 appearances for Double-A Binghamton with just five walks allowed and 34 strikeouts over 26.2 IP in 2025.