Jorge Soler Trade: Angels swap Gold Glove pitcher for Braves' 2021 World Series MVP
Atlanta Braves veteran slugger Jorge Soler is heading back west. The 2021 World Series MVP has been traded to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for pitcher Griffin Canning, the teams announced on Thursday.
It is an interesting deal for both teams, particularly for the Angels, who have been starved of some offensive firepower. While Soler has struggled with consistency throughout his MLB career, he is still a major upgrade for an Angels lineup that struggled in the 2024 campaign.
Last season, the Angels were in the bottom half of nearly every offensive category, including finishing 28th in total runs scored. While the roster has a long way to go, acquiring Jorge Soler is a step in the right direction.
The veteran slugger posted a .241 batting average with 21 home runs and 64 RBIs last season with the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco Giants. With Mike Trout expected to switch his defensive position in an attempt to limit reps on his body, Soler could see himself serving time in the outfield and as a designated hitter.
Atlanta Braves bolstered their pitching staff by swapping Jorge Soler for Griffin Canning
On the other side of the trade is Griffin Canning, who is making his way to the Atlanta Braves. It will be an interesting offseason for the Braves as they look to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024 and return to World Series contention in 2025.
It is an intriguing landing spot for Canning as the Braves have been able to get the most out of their pitchers in recent years. Canning, a 2nd round pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has struggled to reach the potential that some believe he could have. It will be interesting to see if the Braves can get the most out of him.
It was a disastrous campaign for Canning, who struggled mightily for a disappointing Los Angeles Angels squad. In 171.2 innings, Canning posted a 6-13 record with a 5.19 ERA and an American League-leading 99 earned runs.
We could be in store for an exciting offseason as the Jorge Soler for Griffin Canning trade came less than 24 hours after the World Series.