Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels strike first, make first deal of the MLB offseason

The MLB offseason is off to a fast start with the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves making the first trade of the winter. The Angels are bringing in outfielder Jorge Soler from the Braves in exchange for pitcher Griffin Canning.

Braves send Jorge Soler to the Angels for pitcher Griffin Canning

https://twitter.com/TalkinBaseball_/status/1852043420245619062

For the Angels, Soler brings a pretty decent power boost. He was an All-Star in 2023, hitting 36 home runs with the Marlins before signing a three-year, $42 million deal with the Giants.

Soler spent most of 2024 in San Francisco before getting dealt to Atlanta at the trade deadline. Soler finished with a .241 average, a .780 OPS, and 23 homers across two teams.

Known for his massive 48-homer season with the Royals back in 2019, he adds a real punch to an Angels lineup that could use it.

Side Note: Keep an eye on the Angels and how they handle the offseason. Mike Trout is heavily rumored to be traded but if they continue to add pieces around him, that could be off the table.

Meanwhile, the Braves are betting they can salvage something from Griffin Canning’s rough 2024 season. The 28-year-old posted a brutal 6-13 record with a 5.19 ERA and led the league in earned runs allowed with 99. He also surrendered 31 homers.

Despite those struggles, the Braves clearly see untapped potential in the former second-round pick. They’re hoping a change of scenery and some adjustments can turn things around for him. Canning has one more season under team control before free agency, so the clock’s ticking.

The Angels add a reliable power bat, and the Braves take a low-risk shot on a pitcher who could still surprise. Both teams are looking for an edge as they retool for next season, and this trade should help get them to where they expect to be.

Join The Chase