When a reliever makes you hold your breath every time he enters a game, but still somehow records outs, is it still “relief” pitching?

Ha. Ha. OK, but how should we estimate the value of a flamethrowing lefty who hits 98 on the radar gun, strikes out hitters in bunches, and also has an ERA around four while walking four-and-a-half batters a game? In Gregory Soto’s case, the answer depends on whether you’re measuring by game-by-game anxiety levels or by the prospects the Orioles ultimately received in return.

The Gregory Soto Experience in Baltimore was brief but memorable—and not always for the right reasons. Acquired from the Phillies on July 30, 2024, Soto arrived with an impressive pedigree as a two-time All-Star who had dominated in Detroit during 2021 and 2022. By the time he depart

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