ANAHEIM, Calif.— Just 14 hours after the 2024 World Series ended, the Angels made the first trade of the MLB offseason.
The Angels acquired right handed outfielder Jorge Soler fromt he Atlanta Braves in exchange for starting pitcher Griffin Canning.
Soler played in 142 games last season for the San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves. The 32-year old hit 21 home runs, hit 34 doubles, had an OPS of .780 and a 119 wRC+.
He ranked fourth in doubles among outfielders last season and tenth in walks (68).
Soler is slated to make $16 million over the next two seasons.
"I wasn't really expected to be traded," Soler said. "I don't know a whole lot about the team. When I was with Atlanta in 2021, I had a really good relationship with Ron (Washington)."
OFFICIAL: The Angels have acquired OF/DH Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for RHP Griffin Canning. pic.twitter.com/27yz5X2D0c
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) October 31, 2024
Where Soler fits in defensively on the Angels is more of a mystery. Soler played 43 games in right field in 2024, three in left field and was the designated hitter in 92 games. He joins an outfield that includes Mike Trout, Taylor Ward, Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak.
"I have no issue at all wherever they put me," Soler said. "I'm going to be ready for wherever the team wants me to be."
Soler has a two-time World Series champion, once with the Cubs in 2016 and with the Braves in 2021. He was named MVP of the World Series in 2021.
"We identified Jorge as somebody that would really fit. It's right-handed power, somebody that can change the game with one swing of the bat," Angels general manager Perry Minasian said. "We felt it was a really clean fit for us and somebody that could change our lineup."
Soler brings much-needed power to the Angels lineup which finished 28th in MLB in slugging in 2024.
Canning had the worst season of his career for the Angels last season, posting a 5.19 ERA in 171.2 innings with a 6-13 record.
His ERA was the highest among qualifying pitchers in the American League. Canning is in his arbitration year and is expected to make around $5 million in 2025.
Canning played five seasons for the Angels and was at one time the organization's highest-ranked pitching prospect. He is local to Southern California playing at Santa Margarita High School and UCLA.
Free story: Griffin Canning throws gem in Angels win over A's@SportingTrib @TaylorBlakeWard @ArashMarkazi #ReptheHalo #Angels https://t.co/ewpvdkKI3h pic.twitter.com/QB7y5RyeGs
— Michael Huntley (@mikehuntley63) June 25, 2024
Angels general manager Perry Minasian said he expects this to be the first move in a busy offseason for the Angels.
"When you win 63 games, there's a lot of areas where you can improve," Minasian said. "This is move No. 1. We expect there to be more moves. We are going to be aggressive in terms of conversations."
Minasian said the owner Arte Moreno and the organization is committed to winning.
"The ownership group wants to win. I'm excited for payroll to climb and we'll see what we can do with it," Minasian said.