Getty Image
The Philadelphia Phillies shocked the baseball world in the fall when they went on a miraculous run to reach the World Series.
Philadelphia snuck into the postseason on the last weekend of the season as the final NL Wild Card team. The Phils then proceeded to take on all comers, ousting the Cardinals, Braves and Padres to win the National League pennant.
They’ve since decided to keep the pedal to the metal in hopes of returning to the World Series and doing one better in 2024.
Philly started out free agency with a bang, landing superstar shortstop Trea Turner on an 11-year deal worth $300 million. They then brought in starting pitch Taijuan Walker who spent the last two years with the Mets. General manager Dave Dombrowski also bolstered the bullpen with the signing of eight-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel.
But it turns out that Dombrowski had at least one more trick up his sleeve.
Philadelphia Phillies Trade For Two-Time All-Star Gregory Soto From Detroit Tigers
Longtime Phillies beat writer Jim Salisbury first broke the news that the team appeared to be up to something.
Hearing Phillies are working on a trade for reliever Gregory Soto. Would be nice addition to bullpen if completed.
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) January 7, 2023
Shortly thereafter, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi confirmed his suspicions.
Source: #Tigers are close to acquiring Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands from the #Phillies.
Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens would go to Philadelphia if finalized.
Credit to @JSalisburyNBCS for being first to report the trade discussions today.@MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 7, 2023
Philadelphia acquired reliever Gregory Soto, who was an All-Star the last two seasons, from the Detroit Tigers. In exchange, they sent bench pieces Nick Maton and Matt Vierling as well as prospect Donny Sands to the Tigers.
MLB.com ranked Sands, a catcher, as the organization’s 21st-best prospect.
Soto’s All-Star nods are more out of necessity than anything. Every team gets at least one. But the big lefty is still a strong addition to a bullpen that was one of the league’s best down the stretch last season.
José Alvarado and Gregory Soto combined to account for 81% of the 100+ MPH pitches thrown by all LHPs in the 2022 MLB regular season
— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) January 7, 2023
Soto’s struggles with command are not dissimilar from those of Phillies flamethrower Jose Alvarado, who was one of the best relievers in the league in the second half of 2022. If pitching coach Caleb Cotham can get the issues worked out, suddenly Philadelphia has a bullpen that rivals any in baseball.