Soto is still one of the hardest throwers in the game - his 96.9 mph average fastball velocity placed him in the 87th percentile according to Statcast - but 2025 was the second straight year the southpaw has lost roughly a half-mile-per-hour on his sinker. While opposing hitters are squaring up more against his fastballs, they continue to struggle when Soto tosses his slider. The veteran's 45.5 whiff percentage on the pitch ranked 10th among those who threw a minimum of 300 sliders in 2025. Soto's ratios weren't the best, but he finished last season with 22 holds across 70 appearances between the Orioles and Mets, proving he still can be counted on in high leverage. The lefty signed a one-year, $7.75 million contract with the Pirates this offseason, where he figures to remain in a high-leverage role. However, the majority of save chances in Pittsburgh will presumably go to Dennis Santana. Read Past Outlooks