The Atlanta Braves are wasting no time in reshaping their roster, already kicking off offseason trades less than a day after the season ended. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos sent power hitter and former World Series MVP Jorge Soler to the Los Angeles Angels in a bold, unexpected move. Seemingly first to break the news was Mike Rodriguez on X.
The return? Griffin Canning is a 28-year-old pitcher entering his final year of arbitration. So, why did the Braves make this move, and what does it mean for their 2025 plans?
Why Did The Braves Trade Jorge Soler?
Soler’s second stint with the Braves looked promising on paper, as he contributed a strong .243/.356/.493 slash line over 49 games, boosting Atlanta’s offense just when they needed it most. But his defensive metrics told another story. With a -7 Outs Above Average (OAA) and -10 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) over just 326 innings in the outfield, Soler was far from the defensive asset the team needed.
Atlanta essentially faced an outfield logjam for 2025, with Marcell Ozuna firmly planted in the DH role and Ronald Acuña Jr. set to return early in the season. Add Jarred Kelenic’s potential as a regular option in left field, and it’s clear that Soler’s presence complicated their plans more than it helped.
But the Braves were also staring down a hefty $32 million left on Soler’s contract, a price they were unlikely to want on their books with some significant free agents on the horizon. The Angels, however, saw an opportunity to add another bat to their lineup, even taking on the entirety of Soler’s contract, providing Atlanta a clean slate financially.
Why Did The Braves Want Griffin Canning?
So, what about Griffin Canning? With a career 4.78 ERA and a similarly middling 4.78 FIP, he’s had mixed results in his time with the Angels. Baseball Savant suggests he’s got potential with a solid changeup but ranks poorly in his fastball and breaking pitches. He could serve as a fifth starter, filling the void left by veteran Charlie Morton, or if the Braves decide his contract isn’t worth it, he might be let go before the season even begins.
Strategy Behind The Trade
The trade is about more than just player swaps; it’s a strategic move by Atlanta to free up cash. By offloading Soler’s contract, they’ve positioned themselves with increased financial flexibility, setting the stage to potentially pursue big names like Max Fried, Willy Adames, or even Juan Soto in free agency.
With no money retained in the deal, the Braves are now in a stronger spot to reload for another title run. It’s a move that shows they’re committed to building a versatile, defensively sound team – one prepared to splash some cash where it really counts this offseason.
