Red Sox Rival Starts Deadline Selling By Trading Pitcher To NL Contender

The Boston Red Sox are among the four American League East teams gearing up for a playoff push. On the other hand, the Baltimore Orioles began what could be a busy trade deadline as sellers.

Baltimore made its first deadline deal by trading relief pitcher Gregory Soto to the New York Mets. The Orioles announced Friday that they will receive pitching prospects Wellington Arecena and Cameron Foster.

Soto has registered a 3.96 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings this season. He recorded his first save of 2025 on Thursday, pitching a spotless ninth after Baltimore placed closer Felix Bautista on the injured list.

The Mets will become Soto’s fourth team in the last four years. The Detroit Tigers sent him to the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2023 season, and Philadelphia traded him to Baltimore last summer.

Soto provides a much-needed southpaw to a reeling Mets bullpen that’s allowed a 4.71 ERA over the last 30 days. The 30-year-old has limited left-handed hitters to a .138 opposing batting average.

This is likely the first of several moves for the Orioles, who are 45-57 after losing seven of their last 10 games. General manager Mike Elias confirmed that they’re listening to offers on their veterans in hopes of retooling for next year.

Seranthony Dominguez would probably be next in line for save opportunities in Baltimore, but he’ll likely follow Soto out of town instead. The right-hander is also in a contract year, and he should draw some interest after allowing three earned runs over his last 23 1/3 innings.

Baltimore has other rental players who align with Boston’s needs. Ryan O’Hearn would offer an upgrade at first base, and Boston could pursue Charlie Morton, Zach Eflin or Tomoyuki Sugano for rotation depth.