The Atlanta Braves traded outfielder Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels for starting pitcher Griffin Canning, marking a major offseason move.
Soler’s power and Canning’s reliability could benefit both teams.
Content Highlights
- Trade Announcement: Braves send Jorge Soler to Angels, receive Griffin Canning in return.
- Player Profiles: Soler, a powerful playoff hitter with two World Series wins; Canning, a five-year Angels starter.
- Team Benefits: Soler boosts Angels’ offense; Canning strengthens Braves’ rotation options amid upcoming free agency changes.
- Financial Impact: Braves save with Canning’s $5.4 million salary; Soler’s contract at $16 million annually.
Just a day after the thrilling conclusion of the 2024 MLB season, the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves announced a trade that speaks to a player’s enduring legacy in the game.
The Angels welcomed Jorge Soler, a two-time World Series champion, and celebrated All-Star, as their newest outfielder, acquired in exchange for starting pitcher Griffin Canning.
This deal, announced less than 24 hours after the Dodgers’ 7-6 victory over the Yankees to claim the 2024 World Series title, is more than just another trade; it reflects Soler’s journey through baseball, marked by his iconic postseason heroics and the loyalty of fans who have cheered him on from Chicago to Miami to Atlanta.
Jorge Soler: A Legacy of Big Moments and Bigger Hits
Soler, now 32, recently concluded a second impactful stint with the Braves after being traded from the San Francisco Giants in July.
During his time with Atlanta, he demonstrated once again why he’s known as a clutch player, hitting .243/.356/.493 with nine home runs in just 49 games.
For the season, he closed with a respectable .241/.338/.442 line, adding 21 homers to his career tally.
His first stint with the Braves in 2021 was unforgettable. When Atlanta needed a spark, Soler stepped up, becoming a key replacement for the injured Ronald Acuña Jr.
He slashed .269 with 14 home runs in the regular season, then shined on the game’s biggest stage by hitting .300 with three home runs during the Braves’ World Series triumph over Houston—a performance that earned him World Series MVP honors.
This championship marked Soler’s second World Series win, the first coming in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs.
Over his playoff career, he has proved himself a player who rises to the occasion, with a .275 average, seven home runs, and 12 RBIs in postseason appearances for three different teams.
It’s a legacy that has touched fans across teams, and he continues to inspire with each swing.
A New Chapter in Anaheim: Hope and Continuity for the Angels
For the Angels, Soler brings a potent presence in the outfield and a powerful bat that promises excitement for fans in Anaheim.
As the team faces uncertainty with superstar Mike Trout’s health, Soler’s arrival symbolizes a new hope for consistency and a tribute to the team’s ongoing pursuit of greatness.
Soler’s addition stands as a reminder of his history of resilience and contribution.
From his journey through multiple franchises to his ability to deliver in key moments, he brings an energy that will resonate with fans.
For the Angels, it’s an opportunity to showcase a player known for his dedication and strength on the field.
Griffin Canning: A Potential Fresh Start in Atlanta
In return, the Braves receive Griffin Canning, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher whose five-year career with the Angels has shown moments of promise, including a 4.78 career ERA and nearly 500 strikeouts.
As Atlanta faces changes in its rotation, with veterans Max Fried and Charlie Morton approaching free agency, Canning’s addition offers both a cost-effective option and a chance to shape a new beginning.
Both players embody the spirit of commitment and drive that fuels baseball, and this trade stands as a testament to their journeys and the lasting impacts they aim to make.
As Soler joins the Angels, fans on both sides celebrate the opportunities this brings, confident in the legacy each player continues to build.