The Philadelphia Phillies’ last move on MLB trade deadline day seemed out of nowhere, but now that all the facts have been revealed, it makes a lot more sense.
After trading for left-handed reliever Tanner Banks from the Chicago White Sox, the Phillies quickly dispatched southpaw Gregory Soto to Baltimore, joining a growing list of former Phillies who are now Orioles.
After two All-Star seasons as Detroit’s closer, during which he had 48 saves and a 3.34 ERA, Soto joined the Phillies in 2023. Unfortunately, he never appeared to settle into a bullpen setting in which he wasn’t the alpha dog. He was 5 for 9 in save opportunities and concluded his Phillies career with a 4.42 ERA.
Phillies admit Gregory Soto, who wanted out, was never a fit in the bullpen
The issue with Soto in the Phillies’ bullpen stemmed from the fact that he was never intended to be the closer. He was brought in to serve as another versatile, high-leverage reliever, but this role apparently didn’t align with his expectations.
As a high-leverage option, Soto proved unreliable, posting a 6.33 ERA and a poor 35.9 percent strand rate in those situations while with the Phillies. Although he had a strong period earlier this season, his performance faltered after he reportedly requested more high-leverage opportunities. A major factor was his elevated 12.1 percent walk rate, which had risen from a career-best 8.8 percent last year (for context, his career walk rate is 12.2 percent).
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it clear after the trade deadline that Soto wasn’t a good fit for the current setup of the Phillies’ bullpen, according to MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki.
Gregory Soto said he and his agent told the Phillies that if the opportunity came up to go to another team he would want to. He was looking for a new environment and that he’s happy he’s getting that chance with the Orioles
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) August 1, 2024
“We didn’t bring him in to be a closer,” Dombrowski said, as noted by Zolecki. “He often sees himself in that role, which is fine. He has performed well for us, and we’re not unhappy with him. However, given the way we utilize our bullpen, I’m not sure he ever felt completely comfortable with his role.”
Soto wanted out, requested the chance to pitch elsewhere
Dombrowski’s remarks, though somewhat unexpected, are understandable. However, it wasn’t until Soto himself provided more insight that we fully grasped how dissatisfied he was with the Phillies. As reported by Danielle Allentuck of The Baltimore Banner, Soto expressed to the Phillies his openness to a trade and his desire for a new environment.
The contrast between Soto’s 30-save season with the Tigers in 2022 and his 2023 performance of three saves and 24 holds may have been disheartening for him. While there’s no definitive path for a career, it’s clear that despite the opportunity to contend for a World Series, Soto wasn’t content in Philadelphia without the closer role.
Soto’s wish for a fresh start was granted when he was traded to the Orioles, who are just as competitive as the Phillies and have a strong chance at a World Series. However, he will face a similar situation in Baltimore. He joins a bullpen that includes former Phillie and future Hall of Famer Craig Kimbrel as the closer, who is only filling in due to Félix Bautista’s injury. According to FanGraphs’ Orioles depth chart, Soto is positioned as a middle reliever, similar to his role with the Phillies.
Chances for ninth-inning appearances may be limited with the Orioles, but Soto will have to make the most of his opportunities.
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