The Philadelphia Phillies hit the trade market and made a big move in the process on Saturday.
The Phillies have traded for former All-Star reliever Gregory Soto. Soto, an All-Star in 2021 and 2022, will go to Philadephia from the Detroit Tigers, with whom he’s played his entire career for.
NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury initially tweeted Saturday afternoon that the trade was in the works. Then, MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported the full deal, which includes Soto and four others, including Roger Clemens’ son, Kody Clemens.
“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,” Morosi tweeted.
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
He then reported later that the deal was agreed upon, pending medicals.
Obviously, Soto is the centerpiece of the deal. Over the last two seasons, Soto has posted an ERA of 3.34 with 136 strikeouts in 124 innings pitched. That’s good for a K/9 ratio of 9.9.
Reactions to the trade came from all over.
Nick Stellini tweeted, “That’s a fair bit of depth to get rid of but Soto is pretty good. You kind of have to grab a Chad Pinder/Brian Anderson type now. Not a bad move at al if they plug the holes.”
That’s a fair bit of depth to get rid of but Soto is pretty good. You kind of have to grab a Chad Pinder/Brian Anderson type now. Not a bad move at all if they plug the holes. https://t.co/3Hex9Mo1HN
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) January 7, 2023
Tim Kelly tweeted his initial reaction, saying, “Phillies now have some work to do in adding bench depth, but Soto gives you another reliever with late-game experience. He’s also a lefty that can’t become a free agent until after the 2025 season. Good trade.”
Initial reaction: Phillies now have some work to do in adding bench depth, but Soto gives you another reliever with late-game experience. He's also a lefty that can't become a free agent until after the 2025 season. Good trade. https://t.co/4IdxhCNMMZ
— Tim Kelly (@TimKellySports) January 7, 2023
Marlins writer Kevin Barral tweeted, “Phillies just get better and better man.”
Phillies just get better and better man. https://t.co/oGDpYVhSgg
— Kevin Barral (@kevin_barral) January 7, 2023
Lastly, Jon Becker wasn’t so convinced about the move for depth reasons.
Man I do not love the Phillies trading away this much depth https://t.co/w4VaVfH5dT
— Jon Becker (@jonbecker_) January 7, 2023
