The Los Angeles Angels have traded for Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves, per Fansided's Robert Murray. The former World Series MVP split his season between the San Francisco Giants and Braves last season.
His second stint in Atlanta did not end as well as the last, with a Wild Card Series elimination. ESPN's Jeff Passan confirmed that Griffin Canning, a starting pitcher, would be headed to Atlanta in the deal.
The first move is an interesting one for the Angels, who were in the basement of the American League this season. They were missing star center fielder Mike Trout for most of the season. This trade gives them some injury insurance and some pop in the lineup if they do lose Trout again.
Soler had 21 home runs and 64 RBIs between his two stops in 2024. He was solely a designated hitter with the Giants but played some corner outfield in Atlanta. The Angels need as much MLB-caliber play as possible, so expect him to be in the outfield in Anaheim.
Canning started 31 games for the Angels last season, posting a 5.19 ERA and winning six games. With a brutal team behind him, his numbers suffered. The Braves will likely use him as a bottom-of-the-rotation arm next season.
Angels and Braves improve with this trade
Jorge Soler has two years remaining on his contract that pays him $16 million per season. The Angels are getting a high-caliber player without having to make a long-term commitment in free agency. For lower-budget teams, that is the key to building a strong team.
If the Angels had the resources of the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Yankees, they would still have Shohei Ohtani. They have brought Soler in to give them veteran influence without breaking the bank.
Canning's addition is interesting as the Braves approach a big free-agency decision. Homegrown starter Max Fried is an unrestricted free agent after a solid season in Atlanta. He was outshone by Chris Sale and will be the third starter when Spencer Strider comes back. Atlanta may be bringing Canning in as insurance if Fried decides to leave.
No Angels team in their 64-year history has posted a lower winning percentage than the 2024 team. With Trout playing fewer than 30 games and Ohtani across town, the vibes were pretty low in Anaheim, California, last season.
They have parted with a pitcher who struggled to bring in a bat that can be an offensive catalyst. Expect better numbers out of their offense with Soler in the middle of the order.