The New York Mets secured relief pitcher Gregory Soto in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, first reported by Andy Martino of SNY. The deal sends prospects Wellington Arecena and Cameron Foster to Baltimore. The first Oriole flies out of Camden Yards, and the Mets acquire a flamethrowing left-handed arm to bolster their bullpen.
Report: Mets Land Bullpen X-Factor From Baltimore
Gregory Soto has reportedly been traded to the New York Mets. pic.twitter.com/jnYUFjq0xH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 25, 2025
Soto’s Profile
Soto, a 30-year-old high-leverage relief pitcher, brings rich experience to the Mets. This season, he has logged 36.1 innings, with a respectable 3.96 ERA alongside 45 strikeouts. Moreover, Soto isn’t new to the trade deadline; last season, he was the centerpiece in a move that sent him to Baltimore from Philadelphia. His contract runs through next year, with a salary of $5.5 million this season, and a $7 million club option for 2026. This structure provides the Mets with affordable, high-impact relief pitching for the next year and a half. A perfect fit for what the Mets are in the market for, the ability to generate whiffs in the bullpen.
#Orioles left-hander Gregory Soto was amped up after striking out George Springer to end the top of the 8th. pic.twitter.com/Jz34pv4EYH
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) April 12, 2025
Prospects in Return
In exchange, the Mets parted ways with two promising prospects. Wellington Arecena, a 20-year-old right-handed pitcher, is in the midst of his breakout season in Single-A St. Lucie. The command isn’t perfect yet, but a step forward from last season’s 42 walked batters in 40.2 innings. In 64.1 innings of work in 2025, Arecena has a 2.38 ERA, 84 strikeouts, and has limited walks at a 4.9/9 rate. His arsenal includes a low-to-mid-90s cutter, a fastball that averages 97 (touching 100 on occasion), alongside a slider and curve. Cameron Foster, a 26-year-old, six-foot-five, right-handed pitcher, adds depth to Baltimore’s pipeline.
Across Double-A Binghamton and now Triple-A Syracuse, Foster posts a 2.97 ERA across 30+ innings with an 11.6 K/9. Although in two Triple-A games, he has a 17.18 ERA, allowing seven hits, seven runs, and three walks in 3.2 innings. Foster is nearing his MLB debut, and we can project him as a September callup.
Gregory Soto to the Mets
Orioles get Mets 19th prospect RHP Wellington Arecena and RHP Cameron Foster
Lets break it down(Thread🧵🪡) pic.twitter.com/XOm34FgLgq
— Jackson Scudder (@jscud23) July 25, 2025
Strategic Implications
Soto is poised to assume a critical role as a setup man in the Mets’ bullpen. His ability to generate strikeouts–31.1% whiff rate–and handle pressure will complement closer Edwin Díaz, strengthening New York’s high-leverage options. This transaction highlights the Mets’ proactive approach at the trade deadline. Soto’s addition enhances their current roster, and boosts the win-now season it’s in. Additionally, don’t expect this to be the only move Mets PBO David Stearns makes surrounding his bullpen. Players such as Ryan Helsley, David Bednar, and Jhoan Duran are also connected to New York.
Main Photo Credits: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
