<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/phillies-news-rob-thomsons-approach-to-closer-role-after-craig-kimbrel-gregory-soto-additions');   ga('set', 'title', 'Rob Thomson’s approach to closer role after Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto additions');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Phillies-news-Rob-Thomson_s-approach-to-closer-role-after-Craig-Kimbrel-Gregory-Soto-additions.jpeg"></figure><h1>Rob Thomson’s approach to closer role after Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto additions</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-01-19T11:55:18-08:00">January 19th, 11:55am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-01-19T11:55:18-08:00">January 19th, 11:55am</time><address><a>Colin Gallant</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Rob Thomson’s approach to closer role after Craig Kimbrel, Gregory Soto additions

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/phillies-news-philadelphia-inside-information-gregory-soto-kody-clemens-tigers-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Phillies got ‘inside information’ on Gregory Soto, Kody Clemens before Tigers trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/phillies-news-philadelphia-got-inside-information-on-gregory-soto-kody-clemens-before-tigers-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>Phillies got ‘inside information’ on Gregory Soto, Kody Clemens before Tigers trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-01-07T15:12:29-08:00">January 7th, 3:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-01-07T15:12:29-08:00">January 7th, 3:12pm</time><address><a>Quinn Allen</a>Quinn Allen is a freelance sports journalist and full-time editor for ClutchPoints. He specializes mainly in soccer, basketball, and baseball. When Quinn isn't producing content for CP, he's writing predictions across the European soccer and NBA world for bettors at Sports Betting Dime, one of the fastest-growing sports betting sites in North America.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/gregory-soto-roger-clemens-son-headed-to-phillies-in-trade-with-tigers" rel="noopener">Philadelphia Phillies pulled off</a> an intriguing trade on Saturday, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/grading-phillies-tigers-gregory-soto-trade" rel="noopener">acquiring closer Gregory Soto</a> and utility man Kody Clemens from the Detroit Tigers in exchange for Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands. It also appears GM Dave Dombrowski <a href="https://twitter.com/byalexcoffey/status/1611843625419444224" rel="noopener">had some inside information</a> before deciding to bring in the two players.</p><p>Via Alex Coffey:</p><p>“Dombrowski mentioned that the Phillies got some “inside information” on Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens from David Chadd, who was the Tigers’ assistant GM before he joined the Phillies’ org this offseason. Chadd now works for the Phillies as a special assignment scout.”</p><p>Connections are always valuable in baseball. Dombrowski had one with David Chadd, who clearly told him the Phillies should consider Soto and Clemens. The move for Soto is the most intriguing one of the lot though because the southpaw is electric on the mound with a high 90s heater and can even touch triple digits. While he went just 2-11 in 2022 with 34 walks in 60.1 innings of work, the lefty notched 30 saves in 33 opportunities. The problem for Soto has always been command. He is a two-time All-Star and can truly be elite if he can throw strikes on a more consistent basis.</p><p>As for Clemens, his experience at the big league level is limited, making his debut last season. The son of Rogers Clemens hit .145 with five homers in 56 games. Clemens did slash .274 in Triple-A Toledo, though. The Phillies are coming off a World Series appearance and also signed Trea Turner to be their next franchise shortstop this offseason. They should be a contender again in 2023, even with Bryce Harper missing time after undergoing Tommy John.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Phillies got ‘inside information’ on Gregory Soto, Kody Clemens before Tigers trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/grading-phillies-tigers-gregory-soto-trade');   ga('set', 'title', 'Grading Phillies-Tigers Gregory Soto trade');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/grading-phillies-tigers-gregory-soto-trade.jpg"></figure><h1>Grading Phillies-Tigers Gregory Soto trade</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-01-07T11:36:03-08:00">January 7th, 11:36am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-01-07T11:36:03-08:00">January 7th, 11:36am</time><address><a href="https://joeymistretta.wordpress.com">Joey Mistretta</a>Joey Mistretta is a writer/editor who covers multiple sports. Notably, Mistretta covers baseball, basketball, and football. He is originally from a small town in Southern California and spent the majority of his time growing up playing baseball and basketball. He graduated college with a degree in broadcast journalism. In addition to writing, Mistretta runs a sports Youtube channel and works as a seasonal play-by-play sports broadcaster.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia Phillies and Detroit <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/gregory-soto-roger-clemens-son-headed-to-phillies-in-trade-with-tigers" rel="noopener">Tigers agreed to a trade</a> on Saturday. If the deal is officially completed, the Phillies <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1611782772674134021" rel="noopener">would receive</a> LHP Gregory Soto and INF Kody Clemens. The Tigers would get OF Nick Maton, OF Matt Vierling, and C Donny Sands in return, per Jon Morosi.</p><p>Gregory Soto, a 2-time All-Star, highlights the deal. But there are a number of interesting pieces included in this reported trade. At first glance, it is a move that seemingly helps both sides. Philadelphia gets a key bullpen piece and a young hitter, while the Tigers receive 3 players. But let’s take a closer look at this Phillies-Tigers trade.</p><h2><b>Tigers trade return</b></h2><p>As aforementioned, the Tigers received Nick Maton, Matt Vierling, and Donny Sands from the Phillies.</p><p>Vierling was the odd man out in Philadelphia. He may have been in line to receive more playing time amid Bryce Harper’s injury this season. But with a wealth of offensive depth, he was an expendable piece for the Phillies.</p><p>However, he’s a player who has breakout potential. All he needs is a legitimate opportunity. Vierling, who’s still only 26-years old, can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield. His offensive numbers at the big league level up to this point don’t jump off the page. But he has the potential to develop into a solid hitter.</p><p>Detroit desperately needed offense following their miserable 2022 campaign. If Vierling finds his form, he could be an importance part of the lineup next season.</p><p>Nick Maton is a 25-year old who offers infield and outfield versatility as well. Maton has hit around .250 through his first 86 games in the big leagues. Due to the Phillies’ offensive depth, he has yet to carve out a regular role with a team. In similar fashion to Vierling, Maton is a player who may be able to find his footing in the right situation.</p><p>Tigers fans may roll their eyes at the notion of receiving Vierling and Maton from the Phillies. Both are past their exciting prospect status and haven’t done much at the MLB level. But they will be interesting players to keep tabs on.</p><p>Meanwhile, the final player Detroit received in return is catcher Donny Sands. Sands was the Phillies No. 21 overall prospect in 2022. He’s already 26 but could turn into a decent hitter.</p><p>Detroit’s return is fairly underwhelming. But they receive MLB-ready pieces as they look to compete sooner rather than later.</p><h2><b>Phillies trade return</b></h2><p>The Phillies received Gregory Soto and Kody Clemens.</p><p>The Tigers have been expected to trade Gregory Soto for a long while. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb-rumors-tigers-open-for-business-on-reliever-trade-market" rel="noopener">Trade rumors surfaced once again</a> during this offseason which ultimately led to the Phillies-Tigers deal.</p><p>Soto has been Detroit’s closer over the past few years. The left-handed flame-thrower has exceptional stuff. But his control of the strike zone tends to be questionable. Nevertheless, Soto has been an All-Star in each of the past two seasons. He’s posted ERAs of 3.39 and 3.28 during those years.</p><p>Gregory Soto is talented enough to pitch around the walks. But the base on balls will be something that Philadelphia needs to monitor. He is set to join a bullpen that already includes talented arms such as Jose Alvarado, Seranthony Dominguez, Craig Kimbrel, Matt Strahm, and others.</p><p>Kody Clemens is a 26-year old who can play multiple positions. The son of former big league superstar pitcher Roger Clemens, Kody features a decent amount of potential. He could provide depth for the Phillies.</p><h2><b>Final thoughts/grade</b></h2><p>The Phillies won this trade. Detroit is fresh off of a lackluster season and failed to acquire any current top-level prospects for an All-Star closer. The move isn’t terrible if Detroit believes they can contend in 2023. But it certainly isn’t a great rebuild effort.</p><p>Philadelphia is clearly focused on building a strong bullpen. Gregory Soto, despite his command issues, will benefit the Phillies this season. The addition of Clemens doesn’t hurt matters wither.</p><p><b>Final Tigers trade grade: D+</b></p><p><b>Final Phillies trade grade: B+</b></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Grading Phillies-Tigers Gregory Soto trade

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/gregory-soto-roger-clemens-son-headed-to-phillies-in-trade-with-tigers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Gregory Soto, Roger Clemens’ son headed to Phillies in trade with Tigers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Gregory-Soto-Phillies-Tigers-Phillies-trade-Roger-Clemens-son.jpg"></figure><h1>Gregory Soto, Roger Clemens’ son headed to Phillies in trade with Tigers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2023-01-07T10:35:17-08:00">January 7th, 10:35am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2023-01-07T10:35:58-08:00">January 7th, 10:35am</time><address><a>Tim Capurso</a></address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Philadelphia <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/phillies-news-craig-kimbrel-reveals-why-he-chose-philadelphia-in-mlb-free-agency" rel="noopener">Phillies</a> continue to upgrade their bullpen, as they have <a href="https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/1611784462848630792?s=12&amp;t=SaatYsSNwVkdpycOS6sZxw" rel="noopener">agreed to a</a> trade with the Detroit Tigers for relief pitcher Gregory Soto, sources told Jon Morosi of MLB Network. Roger Clemens’ son Kody will also be headed to Philadelphia in the deal.</p><p>In exchange, the Phillies will reportedly send Nick Maton, Matt Vierling and Donny Sands to the Tigers.</p><p>Gregory Soto, a two-time All-Star, saved 30 games last year for the Tigers while striking out 60 batters in 60 1/3 innings pitched.</p><p>Meanwhile, Roger Clemens’ son Kody, the no. 18 prospect in the Tigers’ system, has shown power ability in the minors as a primary second baseman.</p><p>In return in the Phillies trade, the Tigers will receive Maton, a utility who has shown the ability to be a valuable bench piece thanks to his versatility.</p><p>Vierling, 26, posted a .648 OPS in 117 games played last year, though playing time was going to be hard to find with Brandon Marsh set to start in center field.</p><p>Meanwhile, Donny Sands, a catcher/third baseman who showed some pop in his bat in Double-A and Triple-A ball in 2021, will also head to the Tigers.</p><p>The obvious headliner here is Gregory Soto, a left-hander who routinely hits the upper-90s with his fastball. The problem has been Soto’s control, as he has posted walk rates in the double digits in each of the last two seasons.</p><p>However, the strikeout stuff has clearly been there in the past- and Soto is not afraid to get the ball in the ninth inning.</p><p>The Phillies bullpen, which has taken a lot of heat in recent years, now looks even better after the Gregory Soto trade.</p><p>With newcomers like Soto, Craig Kimbrel and Matt Strahm, as well as returning relievers like Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez, the Phillies’ bullpen should be in good shape in 2023.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Gregory Soto, Roger Clemens’ son headed to Phillies in trade with Tigers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '');   ga('set', 'title', '3 best destinations for Gregory Soto ahead of 2022 MLB Trade Deadline');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article><header><figure><img src="https://clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/3-best-destinations-for-Gregory-Soto-ahead-of-2022-MLB-Trade-Deadline.jpg"></figure><h1>3 best destinations for Gregory Soto ahead of 2022 MLB Trade Deadline</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2022-07-15T19:25:27-07:00">July 15th, 7:25pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2022-07-15T19:25:27-07:00">July 15th, 7:25pm</time><address><a>Tristin McKinstry</a>I have experience covering sports going back to 2014. Major The Last of Us fan. #1 Jar Jar Binks propagandist. I am currently pursuing a degree in communications.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">MLB</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Detroit Tigers have been greatly disappointing in 2022. After a promising 2021 season, the team added pieces that were supposed to make them competitive. However, it hasn’t clicked.</p><p>The team currently sits at 37-53, fourth in the American League Central division. Their 14 wins on the road are the fewest in the majors, and the injury bug has devastated them.</p><p>The Tigers will once again be sellers at the deadline. And a name that will inevitably come up is Gregory Soto. Soto was made the Tigers closer when AJ Hinch took over as manager prior to the 2021 season.</p><p>And it’s a role where the 27-year-old has absolutely thrived. He is the first Tigers reliever to <a href="https://twitter.com/beckjason/status/1546264621790683136" rel="noopener">earn</a> consecutive All-Star Game nominations since Jose Valverde in 2010-11.</p><p>He currently holds a 2.67 ERA, and has blown just three saves between this season and last. Soto is a quality arm, and the Tigers have control on him until 2025.</p><p>This creates an interesting question. Do the Tigers hold on to him and chalk up this season to bad luck and injury issues? Or do they move Soto and get value for him while they can?</p><p>If they decide to move on, here are the three best destinations for the two-time All-Star.</p><p><i><b>Watch MLB Games LIVE with fuboTV (<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/stream/mlb/?irad=377812&amp;irmp=492408">click for free trial</a>)</b></i></p><h2><b>3 best destinations for Gregory Soto ahead of 2022 MLB Trade Deadline</b></h2><p><b>1) Atlanta Braves</b></p><p>The Braves, like the Tigers, statistically have one of the best bullpens in baseball. The defending World Series champions are reportedly looking to fortify their pen along with adding a second baseman.</p><p>The Tigers can provide Atlanta with options on both fronts. They can package Soto with Jonathan Schoop, who signed a two-year extension with Detroit at last year’s trade deadline.</p><p>Soto would join a bullpen consisting of Kenley Jansen, Will Smith, and Tyler Matzek. Soto likely wouldn’t usurp the closer’s role from the veteran Jansen but would fit nicely as a seventh or eighth-inning arm.</p><p>Atlanta is also anticipating the return of Kirby Yates. Yates has dealt with injuries in recent years but was one of the most dominant arms in the MLB before the injuries took him out of action.</p><p>Soto would join a team priming up for a deep postseason run again. It’d give him a chance to play meaningful baseball deep in October. And it’d give him a chance to win the World Series.</p><p>Soto is in his prime, and the team control that comes with him may intrigue the Braves enough to pull the trigger on a deal.</p><p><b>2) Boston Red Sox</b></p><p>A couple months ago, the Red Sox being buyers would be an insane thought. They seemed to be down and out. However, they have turned things around just a bit,</p><p>They sit fourth in the American League East with a 47-43 record. That doesn’t scream a buying team, but consider this: the gap between them and the Tampa Bay Rays in second place is just two and a half games.</p><p>The bullpen is one of the Red Sox’s <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/red-sox-2-biggest-needs-for-boston-ahead-of-mlb-trade-deadline/" rel="noopener">biggest needs</a> at this year’s trade deadline. Recently, the Rays media relations staff shared some interesting stats with <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteAbe/status/1547774310797914115" rel="noopener">The Boston Globe</a> about the Boston bullpen.</p><p>The Red Sox have blown a lead in 21 of their 43 losses this season. They have blown a lead of three or more runs on seven occasions. Furthermore, the team is 12-15 in one-run games.</p><p>Soto could arrive in Boston and immediately be slotted in as the closer. He would provide stability to the back end of the Boston bullpen that the team is sorely lacking as of now.</p><p>The Sox are in a position where they easily could find their way back into second place. They likely won’t catch the white-hot New York Yankees, but second place is more than feasible.</p><p>That puts the team into the postseason, and anything could happen then. Soto would have the chance to compete for a title and show that he truly is one of the best late-inning arms in the game.</p><p><b>3) Los Angeles Dodgers</b></p><p>The Dodgers are one of the best teams in baseball. While their bullpen is far from awful, they too can stand to add an arm such as Soto.</p><p>Los Angeles lost reliever Daniel Hudson for the remainder of the season because of a torn ACL in late May. Their current closer Craig Kimbrel has also had a <a href="https://www.mlb.com/player/craig-kimbrel-518886" rel="noopener">rough go of it this season</a>.</p><p>The Dodgers don’t necessarily need to look for a new closer. And Soto wouldn’t take the job away from Kimbrel. However, he’d be a prime late-inning arm who can help bridge the gap to Kimbrel. And the Dodgers would have team control as well.</p><p>Los Angeles is gunning for a World Series title. They want to prove that the 2020 championship win wasn’t because of a shortened season. And Soto could be a big piece for them if they’re willing to meet the Tigers’ asking price.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	HOLDS	SAVES
53	5.094	21	1.5283	4	0

2024 SEASON STATS
IP	ERA	K	WHIP	HOLDS	SAVES
53	5.094	21	1.5283	4	0

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3 best destinations for Gregory Soto ahead of 2022 MLB Trade Deadline

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