Breaking: The Phillies make a last-minute move to trade a top MLB reliever before the deadline.

Being one of the busiest clubs during the MLB trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies’ 26-man roster had a significant makeover throughout the previous week. When everything settled at 6:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the front office had a plan in place going into the final days before the deadline, and they had upgraded the squad at two key positions: the outfield and the back of the bullpen.

Beneath the surface, all three exchanges reveal a great deal. When struggling reliever Seranthony Domínguez and outfielder Cristian Pache were traded to the Orioles at the trade deadline, the acquisition of Austin Hays was the first indication that some members of the 26-man roster would not make it.

The most intriguing trade of the day was the one in which reliever Gregory Soto was traded to the Orioles in exchange for two pitching prospects. While some prospects were involved in the later trades for Angels closer Carlos Estévez and Chicago White Sox left-handed specialist Tanner Banks, this one involved the most prospects. Addition by subtraction is evident in this trade, which also gives the Phillies access to a couple of pitching prospects.

It was quite surprising that Soto and Domínguez had any trade value at all, considering how hard they had both suffered this season. But the Orioles proved to be a taker for the Phillies. Although Hays is well-known to the public, what kind of players did the Phillies obtain in exchange for right-handers Seth Johnson and Moisés Chace when they sold Soto?

In January 2023, Soto joined the Phillies in a trade with Kody Clemens for Donny Sands, Nick Maton, and Matt Vierling. As a two-time All-Star closer, Soto was anticipated to contribute to save opportunities in a bullpen in need of a closer. With a 4.42 ERA, five saves, and a 5-8 record in 112 games, Soto fell short of expectations.

It was obvious the Phillies were prepared to tabulate their losses and attempt to salvage some value for Soto. With two pitching prospects back, it was an easy decision when the Orioles called. Right-handed starting pitcher Seth Johnson, 25, is presently playing at Double-A. He is now the Phillies’ No. 10 prospect after being selected in the first round of the 2019 Draft’s competitive balance section. Moisés Chace, a Venezuelan right-hander who is presently in Single-A, was signed as an international free agent.