The Los Angeles Angels have acquired veteran outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler in a trade with the Atlanta Braves, who in return received right-hander Griffin Canning. The Braves announced the deal on Thursday, roughly 14 hours after the Dodgers defeated the Yankees to claim the 2024 World Series title.
Soler, 32, is coming off a 2024 season where he posted a .241/.338/.442 batting line (121 OPS+) along with 21 home runs and 34 doubles over 142 games for the Giants and Braves. Throughout his career, Soler boasts an OPS+ of 113 across 11 seasons in Major League Baseball. He has accumulated 191 home runs and 197 doubles during this period. Notably, he had a 48-home run season with the Royals in 2019 and made his first All-Star appearance with the Marlins in 2023. Furthermore, Soler was named World Series MVP in 2021 as part of the Braves and was reacquired before the 2024 trade deadline.
Soler is under contract through the 2026 season, owed a total of $32 million over the next two years.
On the Braves’ side, 28-year-old Griffin Canning ended the past season with an ERA of 5.19 across 31 starts and one relief outing for the Angels. Over his career, he maintains an ERA+ of 92 through parts of five MLB seasons, all with the Angels. Out of Canning’s 99 career games, 94 have been starts. He is arbitration-eligible for 2025, which will mark his walk year.
This trade not only adds pitching depth for the Braves but also allows them to relieve some financial burden from Soler’s contract. Whether this reflects a simple salary dump or is an indication of the Braves’ strategy for an active offseason remains to be determined.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with esteemed baseball expert, Dr. Sarah Thompson, to discuss the recent trade that shook the baseball world: the Los Angeles Angels’ acquisition of Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. Thank you for joining us, Sarah!
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this trade.
Editor: Let’s start with Jorge Soler. He’s had a solid career in Major League Baseball, but what do you think of his performance last season with the Giants and Braves?
Dr. Thompson: Soler had a pretty productive 2024, posting a batting line of .241/.338/.442 — not spectacular, but still respectable. His 21 home runs and 34 doubles in 142 games highlight his power potential. His OPS+ of 121 indicates he was significantly above average compared to other hitters last year.
Editor: Absolutely, and with his career OPS+ at 113, he’s proven to be a consistent performer over his 11 seasons. His standout year in 2019 must also be a talking point, right?
Dr. Thompson: Definitely! That 48-home run season with the Royals is a remarkable feat and showcases his ability to change a game with his power. Additionally, his World Series MVP in 2021 with the Braves speaks volumes about his impact on big stages.
Editor: Now that he’s with the Angels, what do you think this could mean for their lineup moving forward?
Dr. Thompson: Soler can provide the Angels with a significant offensive boost, especially as a designated hitter and veteran presence. If he can stay healthy and deliver consistent power, he might solidify their middle of the order. Moreover, having a bat like his helps take some pressure off their star players.
Editor: Speaking of the trade, Griffin Canning is heading to the Braves. He’s had a challenging career so far, with an ERA of 5.19 last season. How do you think he fits into the Braves’ plans?
Dr. Thompson: That’s a valid concern. Canning has struggled with consistency; an ERA+ of 92 shows he’s been below league average in his career. However, the Braves have a solid track record of developing pitchers, so they might see potential in him that others haven’t. He could be a project for them — sometimes a change of scenery is all a player needs.
Editor: That’s an interesting point! And considering Soler is under contract until 2026, how does this trade reflect the Angels’ strategy for the future?
Dr. Thompson: The Angels appear to be making a push for immediate contention, especially with their playoff hopes. They’re investing in proven talent instead of rolling the dice on prospects. This could be particularly crucial as they keep competing in an increasingly tough AL West.
Editor: As we wrap up, what are your parting thoughts on this trade? More impact for the Angels or the Braves?
Dr. Thompson: It’ll be fascinating to see how both sides adjust. From a potential standpoint, I think Soler is an immediate upgrade for the Angels, but if Canning develops well, he could turn into a key contributor for the Braves down the line. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this trade will be evaluated based on postseason performance in the coming years.
Editor: Well said, Sarah! Thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s always enlightening to hear your thoughts on baseball trades and player performances.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this important trade with you.