New Angels Star Jorge Soler Shocked to Be Traded

Soler was surprised when the Atlanta Braves traded Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels for Griffin Canning. This trade was the first of the offseason and came from an Angels team not known for making big acquisitions recently.

“I wasn’t actually expected to be traded,” Soler said. Sports Tribune. “I don’t know much about the team. I had a really good relationship with Ron (Washington) when I was in Atlanta in 2021.”

Soler has bounced around the MLB quite a bit throughout his career. He spent multiple seasons with the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals early in his career before being traded to the Braves for the first time in 2021. After winning the World Series MVP, Soler signed a three-season contract with the Miami Marlins. annual, $36 million contract. He spent two seasons with the Marlins before opting out of his contract and becoming a free agent in 2024.

The 2023 All-Star began the 2024 season on a three-year, $42 million deal with the San Francisco Giants. His time with the Giants did not last long, as the Giants traded Soler back to the Braves in July. Soler finished the 2024 season batting .241/.338/.442 with 119 hits, 84 runs, 21 home runs and 64 RBIs.

Even so, Soler wasn’t expecting this trade. Soler has a previous relationship with Angels manager Ron Washington. Soler had his first season with the Braves in 2021, when Washington was Atlanta’s third base coach. Both Washington and Soler helped the Braves win the World Series that season, and Soler was named World Series MVP.

The Angels needed help in the outfield this offseason. Kevin Pillar played in the outfield for most of the 2024 season but is now a free agent and could retire. Center fielder Mike Trout is a former MVP, of course, but he has been plagued by injuries in each of the last four seasons. Soler brings proven depth to the position.

Soler also has a championship track record, winning two World Series championships during his career. The Angels plan to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade next season, but they have a young and inexperienced roster overall. Soler arrives having accomplished what the Angels strived for.