The tradeBlue Jays get: RHP José SorianoAngels get: INF Arjun Nimmala, OF Eddie Micheletti and RHP Angel RiveroToronto gets a solid head start on 2027Angels: A-
Blue Jays: A-Much has been made of Soriano’s otherworldly start to the season (0.24 ERA through six outings) and his underwhelming results since (4.64 ERA in 16 outings), but if we zoom out, the picture is pretty clear: This dude is actually really consistent. His FIP the last three seasons: 3.80, 3.73, 3.79. Opponents’ expected average against him each of the last three seasons: .239, .242, .242. The Blue Jays know what they’re getting in him, and that’s especially useful considering he has two and half years of team control. There’s other encouraging stuff beneath the hood, too. His hard-hit rate is way down this year. His strikeout rate is up. His whiff rate has soared.Here’s why this is shrewd, though: The Blue Jays are getting a head start on homework they would have had this winter. No one likes a procrastinator. They’re reloading their rotation on the fly. They traded Kevin Gausman, who was an impending free agent. Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer are headed for the open market in a couple months. Toronto is building around Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, and now Soriano (and eventually Cody Ponce), and that’s a strong group. — Zack MeiselThe Angels make an uncharacteristic move with eyes on the futureAngels: A-
