The Atlanta Braves are getting the band back together.
Jorge Soler, 2021 World Series MVP with Atlanta, is being acquired from the San Francisco Giants, the Braves announced on Monday.
The outfielder won’t be the only one set for a reunion as pitcher Luke Jackson will also be re-joining Atlanta as part of the deal.
In return, the Giants received pitcher Tyler Matzek and minor league infielder Sabin Ceballos.
Soler, 32, left the Braves following their World Series win three years ago and signed with the Miami Marlins. He was a one-time All-Star through two seasons in South Florida before leaving and signing a three-year, $42 million deal with the Giants ahead of the 2024 campaign.
The two-time World Series winner has logged 82 hits, 24 RBIs, 57 runs and 12 home runs. Soler is slashing .240/ .330/.419 through 341 at-bats.
Over his 11-year career, Soler has totalled 182 home runs, 492 RBI, and 473 runs scored through 963 games with the Giants, Braves, Marlins, Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.
For what it’s worth, the last time the Braves made a midseason deal for the Cuban they ended up winning it all. With a 56-49 record in 2024 and sole possession of the first Wild Card spot in the National League, another title run could be in the making.
Meanwhile, Jackson, 32, was also a member of Atlanta’s 2021 title team. He spent six consecutive seasons with the Braves after his first two years in the league were with the Texas Rangers. He then signed with the Giants ahead of the 2023 season and is now in the second year of a two-year, $11.5 million contract.
As part of the Braves World Series campaign, Jackson went 2-2 in 71 appearances with an ERA of 1.98 and WHIP of 1.162 over 63.2 innings pitched.
The reliever has a 4-2 record this season with a 5.40 ERA, 33 strikeouts and 1.429 WHIP through 35 innings pitched.
In a surprising turn of events, the Atlanta Braves have re-acquired outfielder Jorge Soler and pitcher Luke Jackson in a trade with the San Francisco Giants. The move comes as a shock to many fans, as both players were key contributors to the Giants’ success last season.
Soler, who was acquired by the Giants at the trade deadline last year, made an immediate impact with his powerful bat. In 55 games with San Francisco, the 29-year-old slugger hit .247 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs. His presence in the lineup provided much-needed power and depth to the Giants’ offense, helping them secure a playoff spot.
On the other hand, Jackson was a reliable arm out of the bullpen for the Giants, posting a 3.67 ERA in 58 appearances. The 30-year-old right-hander was often called upon in high-leverage situations and delivered solid performances throughout the season.
The Braves, who originally drafted Soler in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, are no strangers to his talents. During his time in Atlanta, Soler showed flashes of brilliance, but struggled to find consistency at the plate. With a change of scenery back to familiar surroundings, the Braves are hoping that Soler can recapture his past success and provide a boost to their lineup.
As for Jackson, the Braves are looking to bolster their bullpen depth with his return. His experience and versatility make him a valuable asset for Atlanta, especially as they look to defend their World Series title in the upcoming season.
Overall, this trade is a win-win for both teams. The Giants receive some much-needed roster flexibility and potentially some prospects in return, while the Braves add two proven veterans to their roster. It will be interesting to see how Soler and Jackson perform in their second stint with Atlanta and how their presence impacts the team’s chances of repeating as champions.