Grading Phillies’ Gregory Soto trade at the MLB trade deadline

The Philadelphia Phillies' 26-man roster underwent a considerable facelift over the past week as the Phillies were one of the most active teams during the MLB trade deadline. The front office went into the final days of the deadline with a plan, and when the dust settled at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, they delivered on upgrading the team at two crucial spots: the outfield and the back of the bullpen.

All three trades say a lot underneath the surface. The acquisition of Austin Hays was the first clue that some members of the 26-man roster might not survive the trade deadline when struggling reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache were dealt to the Orioles.

While the subsequent trades for Angels closer Carlos Estévez and Chicago White Sox left-handed specialist Tanner Banks included some prospects changing hands, the final deal of the day, trading reliever Gregory Soto to the Orioles for two pitching prospects serves as the most interesting move. It's a deal that has addition by subtraction written all over it, while also netting the Phillies a couple of pitching prospects in the process.

That Soto and Domínguez held any trade value in the first place was kind of a shock, as both have struggled mightily all season long. But the Phillies found a taker in the Orioles. While fans are already acquainted with Hays, what type of players did the Phillies acquire when they dealt Soto for right-handers Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace?

Grading Phillies’ Gregory Soto trade at the MLB trade deadline

When Soto came to the Phillies in a deal alongside Kody Clemens for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands in January 2023, the two-time All-Star closer was expected to be part of the equation for save opportunities in a bullpen that needed a closer. Soto didn't quite live up to the potential, with a 5-8 record, five saves, and a 4.42 ERA in 112 games.

After swinging a deal with the White Sox for Banks, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was honest when speaking to the media about why he felt it was necessary for the team to move on from Soto at the deadline, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

“We didn't necessarily get him as a closer,” said Dombrowski, per Zolecki. “I think, a lot of times, he envisions himself as a closer, which is fine. He's done fine for us by all means. We weren't dissatisfied with him. But the way we use our 'pen, I'm just not sure there ever was a way that he felt comfortable in that regard.”

Finding a taker for Soto is clearly a win for the organization. When you look at Banks' numbers, the left-hander the Phillies acquired to fill Soto's spot, it's easy to understand why the team wasn't afraid to move on from Soto. They brought in a pitcher who has held opposing left-handed hitters to a .180 batting average and 28 strikeouts in 78 at-bats this season.

The Phillies were clearly ready to count their losses and try to redeem some value for Soto. When the Orioles came calling, it was a no-brainer with the return of two pitching prospects. Seth Johnson, a 25-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, is currently at the Double-A level. He was drafted in the competitive balance portion of the first round in the 2019 Draft and slots in as the Phillies new No. 10 prospect. Fellow right-hander Moisés Chace, currently in Single-A, was signed as an international free agent out of Venezuela.

While neither pitcher is currently a Top 100 MLB Pipeline prospect, both have had solid showings at the minor league level since entering professional baseball. The Phillies were clearly willing to roll the dice and take a flier on adding some young pitchers to an organization lacking quality arms. That's why the Gregory Soto trade deserves a grade of B+. It's clear he wasn't a good fit for the bullpen, so picking up a few prospects for Soto was a stealth move.

Phillies' Gregory Soto trade grade: B+