Braves Trade 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler to Angels for Griffin Canning; Angels Assume $32M Salary

Oct 31, 2024, 05:54 PM

The Atlanta Braves have traded outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning. The Angels will assume Soler's $16 million salary for each of the next two seasons (2025 and 2026), and no cash was exchanged in the deal. This trade marks the first move of the offseason, occurring less than 24 hours after the World Series ended. Soler, the 2021 World Series MVP, is expected to bolster the Angels' lineup with his power hitting, although his power numbers declined last year. The Angels plan to use Soler both as a designated hitter and in the outfield, where he returned late last season after a two-year absence. Canning, 28, is projected to earn about $5 million in arbitration and has a career 25-34 record with a 4.78 ERA over parts of five MLB seasons. The Braves made the move to shed salary and make room for the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. as they look ahead to 2025.