Scouting Report: Gregory Soto

Summary

Gregory Soto has emerged as the Pittsburgh Pirates' primary closer in 2026 after starting the season in a setup role. The 31-year-old left-hander has posted elite performance metrics with a 1.59-2.42 ERA (depending on date), 0.71-0.85 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts through 21.5+ innings. He has earned 4 saves while also recording 6 holds, demonstrating his versatility in high-leverage situations. Soto signed a one-year, $7.75 million deal with Pittsburgh and brings back-to-back All-Star experience from his time with Detroit (2021-2022). His advanced metrics are exceptional, ranking in the top 1-3% of MLB pitchers in exit velocity, hard hit rate, xBA, xOBP, and xERA (1.91). However, he recently suffered his second blown save on May 16 against Philadelphia, giving up 3 runs in the 9th inning, which has created some uncertainty about his job security despite Dennis Santana's continued struggles.