Mets acquire two-time All-Star reliever in trade

The New York Mets made a significant move to bolster their bullpen on Friday.

The Mets have acquired veteran left-handed relief pitcher Gregory Soto in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.

Baltimore will get right-handed pitching prospects Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster in the deal.

Soto had a 3.96 ERA across 45 appearances with the Orioles this season. He struck out 44 batters in 36 1/3 innings.

The 30-year-old Soto is in his seventh MLB season, having spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit Tigers prior to his brief stint with the Orioles. Soto was named an All-Star in back-to-back seasons with the Tigers in 2021 and 2022.

The Mets entered Friday in first place in the NL East with a record of 59-44. They have prioritized adding bullpen help ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Soto is a good start, and New York will likely make at least one more move to add a reliever in the coming days.