Los Angeles Angels veteran slugger Jorge Soler emerges as an early trade candidate in a piece by Bleacher Report, although it is only April.
The Los Angeles Angels are once again expected to be active in the trade market at the deadline, especially with small playoff hopes this season.
The Angels have become accustomed to trading major league talent for prospects at the deadline, and, barring a stunning turn of events, it should be the same this summer.
No, Mike Trout most likely won't be moved, and neither will Jose Soriano, unless somebody unloads the biggest offer possible.
But, some other names are Adam Frazier and Jorge Soler, as Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report identified in a recent piece.
Soler has been traded a few times, and the Atlanta Braves acquired Soler in 2021 and 2024 before Atlanta sent him to the Angels following the 2024 MLB season.
So, could the Braves want Soler again? Miller said it's possible, which would be a hilarious twist.
"Wouldn't it be fun if the Atlanta Braves acquired Jorge Soler at the trade deadline for a third time in six seasons? They don't exactly need any help in the run production department at the moment, but if Mike Yastrzemski doesn't turn things around, they'll probably be in the market for at least one bat."
Still, Soler is a name who should garner trade buzz at the deadline. As of Wednesday, Soler had a .224 average with five home runs and 19 RBIs, so he is off to a strong start and could bring a boost to lineups across the league.
Now, Soler was suspended seven games, then had it reduced to four, after a brawl against the Braves with pitcher Reynaldo Lopez.
Then, can you imagine Soler joining Atlanta this season after the way things went down? Storylines!
Back to the trade conversation, Soler's value might take a hit since he is almost primarily a designated hitter, but teams would love a power-hitting bat off the bench to give them more flexibility for the stretch run, and Soler brings that to the table.
Again, it's not even May yet, but the Angels will likely receive calls on a number of players, and it makes sense to move veterans on expiring deals for some sort of assets to build toward the future.
Some teams who might make sense include the Braves, obviously, but the San Diego Padres are also always looking for additional bats, and the New York Mets might also be interested, depending on how things shake up.