The Atlanta Braves made a significant move by trading for two former players, Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson, from the San Francisco Giants.
Soler, the 2021 World Series MVP, is remembered fondly in Atlanta and is expected to inject some much-needed energy into the team’s struggling offense.
Alex Anthopoulos, Braves’ General Manager, hopes Soler can replicate his past success. Despite primarily being a designated hitter now, Soler will be expected to cover the outfield until Michael Harris recovers from injuries.
Upon Harris’s return, Soler could form a platoon with left-handed hitter Eddie Rosario or even join him and Jarred Kelenic as a regular outfielder, though his defensive capabilities remain a concern.
Soler’s recent performance has been exceptional, boasting a .550 batting average and a 1.529 OPS since July 24. This hot streak has significantly contributed to his season’s WAR of 0.8. With 12 home runs and a .749 OPS over the season, Soler has shown he can still be a powerful offensive force.
The Braves are also bringing back Luke Jackson, a reliable reliever, to bolster their bullpen. This trade is seen as a calculated risk by the Braves, who are banking on Soler’s bat to offset his defensive limitations and propel the team back into contention.
