MILWAUKEE — Jorge Soler will obtain a hero’s welcome when he returns to Atlanta this week to play in entrance of a fanbase that can endlessly take into account him to be a legend.
Soler and Luke Jackson had been acquired from the Giants in alternate for left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek and Minor League infielder Sabin Ceballos late Monday night time. Each gamers acquired performed key roles for the Braves after they received the 2021 World Sequence.
TRADE DETAILSBraves obtain: DH/OF Jorge Soler, RHP Luke JacksonGiants obtain: LHP Tyler Matzek, 3B Sabin Ceballos (Braves’ No. 17 prospect)
Soler is the centerpiece of this acquisition for the Braves, who desperately wanted so as to add to the lineup. The 32-year-old veteran hasn’t performed the outfield this yr, however he’ll man one of many nook outfield spots for Atlanta and certain fill the membership’s want for a leadoff hitter. He sat on the high of Atlanta’s lineup throughout the 2021 postseason run.
Soler has hit .240 with 12 homers and a .749 OPS. He was hitting .190 with 13 homers and a .655 OPS when the Braves acquired him from the Royals earlier than the 2021 Commerce Deadline. He hadn’t performed a lot outfield that yr both.
However he carried out adequately defensively over that season’s last two months and highlighted his brief keep in Atlanta by profitable the 2021 World Sequence MVP. His titanic blast that exited Houston’s Minute Maid Park in Recreation 6 stays some of the iconic moments in Atlanta sports activities historical past.
Soler, Jarred Kelenic, Adam Duvall, Ramón Laureano and Eddie Rosario at present stand because the outfielders on Atlanta’s roster. Michael Harris II might be part of this group when he comes off the injured listing inside the subsequent few weeks.
No money was included on this deal. So, the Braves pays Soler roughly $28 million by the top of the 2026 season. That features about $2 million this yr and $13 million in each 2025 and ’26.
Matzek and Jackson had been two of the 4 key members of The Night time Shift, the identify given to the Braves’ bullpen because it rolled by the 2021 postseason. Matzek has struggled to return from the Tommy John surgical process he underwent on the finish of the 2022 season. Jackson has posted a 5.40 ERA in 36 appearances for the Giants this yr.
