Is Jorge Soler Being Traded For Mediocre Performance?

Jorge Soler is currently a top trade candidate for the Los Angeles Angels. Now, why would the Angels ever want to trade him? Well, I can think of a couple of reasons.

Potential Reasoning

There have been some recent controversies about Jorge Soler. A couple of weeks ago, he and his little friend Reynaldo López had some trouble playing nicely. There was a bit of tension building up during the game. One thing led to another, and they ended up beating each other. Fun times.

Some said the suspension was too harsh. Others said it was not harsh enough. Nevertheless, Soler managed to get his seven-game suspension reduced to four games. Now his suspension is over, and he’s back in the game. However, the trade rumors actually have nothing to do with this fight. 

When the Angels originally acquired Soler from the Atlanta Braves, they took on quite an expensive contract. They will pay Soler $13 million this season, and some feel that he has not been deserving of it. When the Angels got Soler, they were really hoping that he would be this great powerhouse. But it seems he was not the player they had hoped he would be.

Probable Financial Reasoning

The Angels need to invest in a better roster. They need strong, consistent players. Soler doesn’t always live up to that standard. He’s had his moments, but he’s been underperforming. The Angels may need to consider better options.

The team really needs someone to boost the offense. The guy was an expensive addition. But his value has dropped since he was acquired. The Angels may need to let him go before his value drops any further.

A Disappointing Season

The Angels acquired Soler on Oct. 31, 2024. The Atlanta Braves got pitcher Griffin Canning in exchange. At the time, Soler was known for being a strong power hitter, which was just what the Angels needed. Sounds like a win-win, right? Not necessarily.

2025 was underwhelming for Soler. He only had a .215 batting average, which is just slightly above the “Mendoza Line” of .200. If you’re not sure what that means, basically, it means in 2025, Soler was bad. Below average, for sure.

He only played 82 games that year. He had 12 home runs and 34 RBI. Those are not good numbers. On June 7, 2025, in a game against the Mariners, Soler apparently had a groin injury. Shortly after, he began having lower back problems and was put on the 10-day injured list. In July, thinking he was fine, he was once again activated. But he was soon put back on the injured list when his back started acting up again. This was because he was not used to playing left field, but he was forced to because Mike Trout was injured at the time.

The Angels’ Decision

It is worth noting that Soler has been improving this season. He has been one of the Angels’ top offensive players, which is why he was acquired in the first place. His mobility and power have gotten much better compared to last year. He has been in better health. Before the brawl, he was looking forward to a good season.

However, financially it may not be viable to keep him on the team. The Angels have not officially stated whether or not they are going to trade Soler, but it would be an understandable decision.