New Angels star Jorge Soler was shocked when he was traded

When the Atlanta Braves traded Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels for Griffin Canning, Soler was surprised. The trade was the first of the offseason and came from an Angels team that hasn’t been known for big acquisitions lately.

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

Soler has been around the MLB quite a bit during 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 with the Miami Marlins for a three-season stint. one-year, $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 with the San Francisco Giants on a three-year, $42 million deal. 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 hitting .241/.338/.442 with 119 hits, 84 runs, 21 home runs and 64 RBIs.

Still, Soler did not expect the transaction. Soler has a previous relationship with Angels manager Ron Washington. Soler had his first stint with the Braves in 2021, when Washington was the third base coach for Atlanta. 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 heading into this offseason. Kevin Pillar played in the outfield for much of the 2024 season, but is currently a free agent and may retire. Midfielder Mike Trout is, of course, a former MVP, but has struggled with injuries in each of the last four seasons. Soler brings proven depth to the position.

Soler also brings championship status, having won two World Series titles during his career. The Angels want to reach the play-offs for the first time in ten years next season, but generally have a young and inexperienced roster. Soler comes in having achieved what the angels strive for.