Gregory Soto: Trade| Stats| Fangraphs| Related to juan soto

Introduction

Gregory Soto, the hard-throwing left-handed pitcher known for his electric fastball and fiery mound presence, has quickly risen through the ranks to become a dominant reliever in Major League Baseball. His performances have captured the attention of analysts, fantasy baseball fans, and front office executives alike. Whether it’s a trade rumor, stat breakdown, or a question about his ties to fellow MLB star Juan Soto, Gregory Soto remains a name that resonates in baseball circles.

In this article, we explore Soto’s MLB journey, his trades, updated pitching stats, FanGraphs projections, and dive into the burning question many fans have: Is Gregory Soto related to Juan Soto?

Who Is Gregory Soto?

Born on February 11, 1995, in Haina, Dominican Republic, Gregory Soto began his professional baseball career with the Detroit Tigers. Signed as an international free agent in 2012, Soto spent several years in the minor leagues developing his command and refining his pitching arsenal.

After showing promise in the minors, especially with his high strikeout rates, Soto made his MLB debut on May 11, 2019. While he initially struggled with control and consistency, he gradually grew into a high-leverage bullpen weapon, thanks to his overpowering fastball that averages 98–100 MPH and a devastating slider.

Gregory Soto’s Career Trade History

Trade from Detroit Tigers to Philadelphia Phillies

On January 7, 2023, Gregory Soto was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Philadelphia Phillies in a six-player deal. The Tigers sent Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens to the Phillies in exchange for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands.

Why Did the Tigers Trade Him?

Despite being an All-Star closer in 2021 and 2022, Soto’s control issues and Detroit’s rebuilding phase prompted the team to maximize his trade value. The move allowed the Tigers to add young, versatile position players with MLB experience, while the Phillies bolstered their bullpen depth heading into a championship-contending season.

Gregory Soto Stats Breakdown

Gregory Soto’s stats reflect a power pitcher who can dominate when he’s in rhythm but also battle with control at times. Here’s a closer look at his career stats up to the 2025 MLB season.

Key Career Stats:

• Total Innings Pitched: 322.5

• Career ERA: 4.05

• Strikeouts: 338

• Saves: 59

While not an elite closer in traditional sense, Soto has carved out a niche as a hard-throwing late-inning reliever who can get big outs — when his control is in check.

FanGraphs Analysis of Gregory Soto

Pitch Arsenal & Velocity

According to FanGraphs, Gregory Soto’s success heavily depends on his fastball-slider combination:

• 4-Seam Fastball: Averages 98.6 mph, generates swings and misses when up in the zone.

• Slider: Sits in the 88-90 mph range with late break, highly effective against left-handed hitters.

• Sinker: Occasionally used against righties for weak contact.

Advanced Metrics (FanGraphs 2024):

• K/9: 10.4

• BB/9: 4.8

• FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching): 4.10

• WAR: 0.7

FanGraphs projects Soto to remain a high-leverage reliever with potential for a bounce-back season if his walk rate improves. Control has been his biggest obstacle; if he can reduce free passes, Soto’s stuff gives him closer-level upside.

Is Gregory Soto Related to Juan Soto?

One of the most searched questions about Gregory Soto is whether he is related to Juan Soto, the superstar outfielder currently with the New York Yankees (as of 2025).

Are They Brothers?

No, Gregory Soto and Juan Soto are not brothers.

Are They Related at All?

Despite sharing the same last name and both hailing from the Dominican Republic, there is no confirmed familial relationship between Gregory Soto and Juan Soto. They come from different cities (Gregory from Haina; Juan from Santo Domingo), and there’s no known family connection.

The confusion is understandable since “Soto” is a common surname in the Dominican Republic and both players entered MLB around the same time.

Gregory Soto’s Role with the Phillies

Setup Role in 2025

In the Phillies’ bullpen, Soto has often worked in the 7th or 8th inning, setting up for closers like José Alvarado or Craig Kimbrel (prior to his 2024 retirement). His velocity and left-handed presence offer a valuable matchup option in late-game situations.

Strengths:

• Elite Fastball Velocity: Rare for left-handers.

• Ground Ball Inducer: Uses sinker/slider combo effectively to get double plays.

• Late-Inning Experience: Proven closer in Detroit, brings stability to a championship bullpen.

Weaknesses:

• Walk Rate: Often above league average.

• Command Inconsistency: Tends to fall behind hitters.

• Injury History: Minor arm fatigue concerns in 2023.

Fan and Fantasy Baseball Impact

In fantasy baseball, Gregory Soto offers high strikeout upside with decent ratios. While he may not close consistently for the Phillies, his holds and K/9 ratio make him a viable option in deeper leagues and categories like HLD or SV+HLD.

In real-life terms, his impact is felt most during tight, late-inning scenarios, especially when facing lefty-heavy parts of opposing lineups.

Comparisons with Other Dominant Lefty Relievers

To put Gregory Soto’s value in perspective, here’s how he stacks up against other left-handed relievers:

While Soto may not match Hader or Chapman in dominance, he remains a valuable middle-relief option with a high ceiling when he’s on his game.

What’s Next for Gregory Soto?

Trade Possibility?

Though under contract with the Phillies, Gregory Soto could be a trade deadline candidate if the team looks to reshape the bullpen or add prospect depth. Teams like the Dodgers, Rays, or Mariners could show interest in a high-velocity lefty if Philadelphia becomes sellers.

Contract Status

Soto is currently under team control through 2025, making him both affordable and attractive for contenders.

Personal Life and Background

• Nationality: Dominican

• Age: 30 (as of 2025)

• MLB Debut: May 11, 2019

• Height: 6’1”

• Weight: 234 lbs

• Throws/Bats: Left/Left

While Gregory Soto keeps a relatively low profile off the field, he is admired in the clubhouse for his fiery demeanor and passion for the game.

Conclusion

Gregory Soto’s journey from a young prospect in the Dominican Republic to an All-Star reliever in the MLB highlights the unpredictable but rewarding nature of baseball careers. Whether he’s closing games, setting up in the 8th inning, or making headlines with trade rumors, Soto continues to be a valuable asset.

And for those still wondering: Gregory Soto and Juan Soto are not related, despite their shared nationality and last name.

As the 2025 MLB season progresses, Gregory Soto will remain a player to watch — whether for his next big strikeout, a trade deadline surprise, or another standout FanGraphs stat that pops off the screen.