The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles have been frequent trade partners lately, and their recent moves continue to ripple through the league. What started as a pair of summer deals-first sending Gregory Soto to the Mets in exchange for two minor leaguers, then flipping Cedric Mullins to New York at the deadline for three more prospects-has now taken another twist.
One of those five prospects the Mets handed over won’t be sticking around in Baltimore. On Thursday, the Orioles shipped infielder Blaze Alexander to the Arizona Diamondbacks in a deal that included three players heading back to Baltimore. Among them: right-hander Wellington Aracena.
Another Layer to the Gregory Soto Deal
Aracena isn’t just a throw-in. He’s an intriguing arm with some upside, and the Orioles clearly see something worth developing.
Last season, he posted a 2.35 ERA across 92 innings between A-ball and High-A, mostly as a starter. That’s not a common path for a pitcher who can touch the upper 90s, and it gives Baltimore some flexibility with how they want to use him.
If the command doesn’t come around, there’s a relief role waiting. But for now, he’s still being groomed as a starter.
At 21 years old, Aracena is still a bit of a project. His 2024 numbers-specifically a 7.30 ERA and a walk rate north of one per inning-paint the picture of a pitcher who hadn't quite found his rhythm yet.
But 2025 was a different story. He showed growth, maturity, and better control, enough to land him 25th on the Mets’ prospect list before the trade.
That’s right around where he slots into Baltimore’s system now.
No Red Flags, Just Raw Talent
What’s encouraging for the Orioles is that Aracena’s development appears to be trending in the right direction. There’s been no chatter about off-field concerns or work ethic issues-something that couldn’t be said for another Mets prospect dealt last summer, Jesus Baez, who drew pointed criticism from analysts like Keith Law. Aracena, by contrast, has simply needed time to grow into his potential.
Baltimore Bets on Blaze Alexander
Now let’s talk about the other side of the deal. The Orioles parted with Aracena and two other players to get Blaze Alexander, a 25-year-old infielder whose bat has yet to match his glove. Offensively, he’s been below average, but Baltimore clearly sees value-enough to give up three players, including a promising arm, to bring him in.
That’s what makes this trade so interesting. Kade Strowd, the major leaguer included in the deal, is coming off a strong showing-25 games, sub-2.00 ERA.
He’s not a headliner, but he’s proven he can get outs at the highest level. So why give up Strowd, Aracena, and another prospect for Alexander?
It’s a bold move, and one that speaks to how highly the Orioles view Alexander-perhaps more than the general consensus. While fans and analysts might be scratching their heads, Baltimore’s front office clearly believes Alexander can be more than he’s shown so far.
The Bigger Picture
This trade is yet another reminder that prospects are currency, and teams value them differently. The Mets’ summer trades with Baltimore didn’t bring the immediate impact they hoped for, but the ripple effects are still playing out. Aracena’s departure is one more domino, and his development in Baltimore-or now, in Arizona-will be worth watching.
For the Orioles, this is about fit and projection. They’re betting that Blaze Alexander can unlock something more in a new environment. For the Mets, it’s another piece moved in their effort to reshape the roster around stars like Pete Alonso.
Time will tell who wins this deal, but for now, it’s another fascinating chapter in a series of moves that continue to reshape both organizations.