Mets Acquire Gregory Soto Before Trade Deadline

The New York Mets have acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for pitching prospects Wellington Aracena and Cameron Foster, aiming to strengthen their bullpen ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Soto, a two-time All-Star, has posted a 3.96 ERA over 45 games this season and addresses a critical need for the Mets, who are leading the NL East by half a game over the Phillies. Mets' president David Stearns has emphasized improving the bullpen as the team positions itself as a World Series contender. The Orioles, having fallen out of playoff contention, are shifting toward rebuilding and prioritized acquiring Aracena, a highly regarded 20-year-old prospect, as a key part of the deal. Cameron Foster, who has excelled in Double-A, is closer to the majors but may not reach the big leagues this season. The trade reflects both teams' differing immediate and long-term strategies.