The Cincinnati Reds are navigating a delicate trade deadline strategy, with president Nick Krall aiming to strengthen the current roster without compromising the future of the farm system.
Much like their up-and-down season hovering around the .500 mark, the Reds are taking a cautious but open approach — and one potential target is Baltimore Orioles left-handed reliever Gregory Soto.
With the Reds’ bullpen, especially their left-handers, struggling against power hitters — allowing a .429 slugging percentage, one of the worst in baseball — Soto could be an ideal solution.
He’s limited hitters to a .325 slugging percentage, ranking among the top lefty relievers with 30+ innings pitched, while current Reds lefty Taylor Rogers has been among the least effective in that group.
The Orioles are reportedly willing to move rental players, and with Soto’s $5.35 million deal expiring after this season, he could be a logical target.
Gregory Soto
Rogers is also on an expiring deal worth $6 million (half paid by the Giants), and if the Reds can move him and bring in Soto, they may upgrade their bullpen while saving some salary.
However, the price for Soto could still be steep. When the Phillies traded him to the Orioles last year, they received two top prospects in return.
Now a rental, Soto’s value has likely dipped, but the Orioles are looking for longer-term rotation help and may ask for big-league ready pitching or someone like Brady Singer, who is under contract for one more year.
Ultimately, if Cincinnati is serious about fortifying their bullpen for a playoff push, Gregory Soto could be one of their smartest options — if they’re willing to pay the price.
