The Atlanta Braves made a significant move late Monday by acquiring outfielder Jorge Soler and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson from the San Francisco Giants. This trade reunites them with two key players from their World Series-winning 2021 roster.
In exchange, the Braves are sending left-handed reliever Tyler Matzek and minor league third baseman Sabin Ceballos to the Giants. San Francisco, which has been playing some of its best baseball of the season, appears to be shedding payroll, as the Braves will take on the remainder of Soler’s salary for the current season, plus the $26 million remaining on his contract from his recent deal with the Giants.
Soler, 32, is returning to Atlanta nearly three years after the Braves originally acquired him from Kansas City. Soler was a standout in the 2021 World Series, earning MVP honors with his iconic 446-foot home run in Game 6. His power remains formidable; he recently hit the longest home run of the season at 478 feet and has 12 homers this year, with a .240/.330/.419 batting line.
The Braves, struggling with injuries to key players like reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace Spencer Strider, have managed to stay in first place for the NL wild card. The opportunity to bring back Soler and Jackson was too appealing to pass up, despite the team not initially planning a busy trade deadline.
Jackson, also 32, has had a mixed 2024 season but has performed well in July, with a 5.40 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 35 innings. He strengthens the Braves’ bullpen, which leads the NL with a 2.90 ERA.
By trading Soler, the Giants indicate a willingness to offload players from a team that has won four straight games and is just four games out of the third NL wild-card spot. Soler, who has been used as a designated hitter this season, is expected to play in the outfield for the Braves, who already have All-Star slugger Marcell Ozuna as DH.
With Acuña and center fielder Michael Harris on the injured list, the Braves’ outfield has been in flux, featuring Jarred Kelenic, Ramon Laureano, and other 2021 acquisitions like Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario.
The Giants may continue to make moves, with reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell being a potential trade candidate. However, Snell’s $30 million player option for next season and San Francisco’s demand for a strong prospect return could limit the likelihood of a deal.
