As the clock struck midnight on this year’s trade deadline, the Orioles and GM Mike Elias had one last move in their back pockets.
In a last-second deal to sure up the backend of the bullpen, Elias acquired left-handed reliever Gregory Soto from the Philadelphia Phillies.
In what would be the second transaction between these two teams during this deadline, the Orioles gain a flamethrower who has a plus sinker-slider combo to put in the back of the bullpen.
In return, the Phillies will receive the O’s MLB Pipeline No. 8 prospect, Double-A right-hander Seth Johnson, as well as High-A right-hander Moisés Chace.
As for who the Orioles gave up, this is a no-brainer deal for Elias. Johnson is 25 years old, and while he is having the best season of his minor league career thus far, it comes in Double-A, following Tommy John surgery last year. Johnson originally came over to the O’s as a part of the Trey Mancini deal with the Houston Astros in 2022.
Chace is another guy, as much as he is beloved by myself and a lot of Aberdeen IronBirds fans, is a no-brainer to go in order to land Soto. Chace, still only 21 years old, heads to Philly sporting a 3.46 ERA in High-A with a high strikeout rate.
For what the Orioles received, it’s a great deal as the deadline came to a close. While Soto has a plus four ERA at the time of this being written, he has only allowed nine runs since May 1. Of those nine runs, three came in his last outing alone on June 29. Also, amidst that stretch, Soto held opposing offenses to just two runs over a course of 18 appearances leading up to June 29.
From a pitching standpoint, it’s clear to see what Elias sees. Soto features a sinker that averages 97 mph that pairs with a slider, which has been good for an above average K rate at 26.7%.
Soto also brings a good ground ball rate to the Orioles, which pairs with a great defensive infield behind him. He is also considerably more dominant against left-handed hitters, which plays really well into manager Brandon Hyde’s match-up game.
Soto is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
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