Jorge Soler and Luke Jackson had performed so poorly under the contracts they’d been given over the past two winters that each players were considered immovable before Tuesday's MLB trade deadline, and only a team that had known them in higher days could have even the slightest interest in them.
Farhan Zaidi took the lead on Monday night and sent each players to Atlanta, where they will likely be reunited with the team they helped result in the 2021 World Series. The Braves agreed to send minor league infielder Sabin Ceballos and veteran left-hander Tyler Matzek in exchange, the Giants announced.
Atlanta may even reportedly tackle the rest of the three-year, $42 million contract that Soler signed at the beginning of spring training. Jackson signed a two-year, $11.5 million deal before the 2023 season and had a 2025 club option for $7 million that the Giants were unlikely to choose up.
Despite hitting two home runs as a leadoff hitter because the All-Star break, bringing his total to 12 home runs this season, Soler hasn't had the success the Giants expected after they signed the free-agent designated hitter the week pitchers and catchers reported their performances. In 93 games, he posted a .240 batting average with a .749 OPS, well below his 2023 numbers with Miami.
Jackson performed well in his comeback from Tommy John surgery last season, posting a 2.90 ERA in 33 appearances. However, he struggled to match that success this season as he battled persistent back problems. He was also relegated to pitching primarily when the team was behind, posting a 5.40 ERA in 35 games.
The Braves are betting that each can return to their form from the 2021 season, when each were integral parts of the World Series and Soler was named World Series MVP, amongst other things.
For the Giants, this move is more opportunistic than an indication of a bigger sell-off in the following 24 hours. By trading away Soler, it must be easier for manager Bob Melvin to get younger players like Luis Matos or Marco Luciano to hit.
Luciano, 22, has been playing at Triple-A Sacramento since a hamstring strain ended his transient major league stint this season and has hit his stride currently, with six home runs and a .970 OPS in July. After making five errors at shortstop, he split his time in Sacramento between the 2 middle infield positions and will directly step into Soler's vacated DH role.
Ceballos, 21, was Atlanta's third-round draft pick in 2023 and ranked because the No. 17 prospect in his organization by MLB.com. He has an OPS of .707 in High-A this season despite spending most of his time at third base.
Matzek, 33, is currently on the 60-day injured list and has not pitched since May 4 as a consequence of inflammation of his left elbow.
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