The Philadelphia Phillies acquired a fastball relief pitcher in a trade with the Detroit Tigers. Two left-handed pitchers who throw the fastest among the bullpens in the major leagues have gathered in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia acquired 30-save pitcher Gregory Soto and infielder Cody Clemens through a trade with Detroit on the 8th (Korean time). Instead, they gave up utility Nick Mayton, outfielder Matt Bearing, and catcher prospect Donnie Sands. The key is that they gave up young prospects and strengthened the bullpen. Soto went 2-11 with 30 saves and a 3.28 ERA in 64 games for Detroit last year.
Philadelphia, which acquired Soto, has a record. It is a team that has two left-handed pitchers who threw the fastest pitches in the major leagues last season. According to ‘Baseball Savant’, Soto’s four-seam fastball average velocity last year was 98.7 miles per hour (about 158.9 km), ranking first in the major leagues. 스포츠토토 Next is Philadelphia setup man Jose Alvarado’s 97.8 mph (about 157.5 km).
Aroldis Chapman, the “Cuban Missile,” ranked first in the sinker with 100.2 miles per hour (about 161.3 km), but his four-seam fastball was 97.5 miles (about 157.0 km), third after Soto-Alvarado.
Philadelphia already has another fastball pitcher, right-hander Serantoni Dominguez. Dominguez recorded an average speed of 98.2 miles (about 158.1 km) for sinker and 97.6 miles (157.1 km) for four-seam fastball last season.
President Dave Dombrowski said: “We like all the players we gave away. It wasn’t an easy decision. All three players helped the team last year. But on the other hand, we thought we should add a bullpen. “He’s a player we can keep for a while. It’s a trade that will help us start the season.”
MLB.com pointed out the anxiety factor, saying, “Soto’s walks per 9 innings were 5.1 last year and 5.3 over the last 4 years. The strikeout rate fell from 27.5% in 2021 to 22.8% last year.” Still, it was positive that Philadelphia had thickened its bullpen by recruiting players with experience as closers, including Craig Kimbrel and Soto.