Braves Trade Jorge Soler and Assess Charlie Morton’s Future

The Atlanta Braves have wasted no time making strategic moves as the offseason begins. On Thursday, Braves’ General Manager Alex Anthopoulos announced a significant trade: outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler has been sent to the Los Angeles Angels. In return, the Braves acquired right-handed pitcher Griffin Canning, who is expected to bring valuable depth to their bullpen. Soler, who rejoined the Braves in late July following a stint with the San Francisco Giants, contributed with a .243 batting average and nine home runs over 49 games. Canning, meanwhile, appeared in 32 games with the Angels in 2024, recording a 5.19 ERA.

In addition to the trade news, there’s speculation surrounding Braves veteran pitcher Charlie Morton. According to recent reports, Morton may be reconsidering his retirement plans. Known for his steady performance and leadership, Morton’s return would be a welcome boost to the Braves’ rotation as they look to strengthen their pitching options heading into 2025.

The Braves are also highly regarded for the upcoming season. Although it’s early, some analysts already place the Braves as the third favorite to clinch the 2025 World Series title, trailing behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. This early prediction reflects the team’s impressive roster and the potential impact of recent trades and future signings.

Looking across the league, several major moves are shaping the 2024 offseason. The Chicago White Sox have officially appointed Will Venable as their new manager, while the San Francisco Giants promoted Zack Minasian to general manager. Cleveland Guardians bench coach Craig Albernaz recently withdrew from the Miami Marlins’ managerial search, narrowing the pool for their next manager. Additionally, a number of players and teams are making roster adjustments, including the Kansas City Royals, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Minnesota Twins, with several high-profile players opting for free agency or retirement.

As the offseason progresses, Braves fans can look forward to seeing how these early moves impact the team’s strategy. The trade of Soler for Canning, coupled with the potential return of Morton, showcases Atlanta’s commitment to staying competitive. With more decisions on the horizon, the Braves continue to build a roster with sights set firmly on another championship bid in 2025.