Jorge Soler is ready to play for the Angels anywhere

The Angels wasted no time making moves this offseason. Less than 24 hours after the final pitch of the World Series, the Los Angeles franchise traded starting pitcher Griffin Canning for outfielder and designated hitter Jorge Soler.

Soler, 32, played 11 seasons in the major leagues after making his debut on Aug. 27, 2014. The Cuban outfielder has worked for the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants. This season, the Giants traded Soler back to the Braves at the trade deadline along with right-handed pitcher Luke Jackson in exchange for left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek and third baseman Sabin Ceballos.

During the National League Wild Card Series against the Padres, Soler slashed .286/.375/.714 with an OPS of 1.089. He registered two hits, one run, one home run and one RBI in seven at-bats. Soler played in five postseasons, reaching at least the National League Championship Series in three of his five playoff appearances.

Soler offers the Angels versatility as he played three different positions last season. In 2024, he played 43 games in right field, three in left field and 92 games as the designated hitter. Soler said he is open to any position the team needs him to play.

“I don’t have any problems wherever they put me,” Soler told The Sporting Tribune. “I’ll be ready for where the team wants me to be.”

Soler is a two-time World Series champion, winning in 2016 with the Cubs and 2021 with the Braves. Following his 2021 victory, he was named Willie Mays World Series MVP. In 2023, Soler was selected to the National League All-Star team for the first time in his career.

“We identified Jorge as someone who would really be a good fit. That’s the power of a right arm, a guy who can change a game with one swing of the bat,” Angels general manager Perry Minassian told The Sporting Tribune. “We felt like it was really a perfect fit for us and someone who could change our lineup.”

If the Angels make Soler the designated hitter, his power would be a significant contributor to a team that ranked 28th out of 30 MLB teams in slugging percentage this season. As an outfielder, Soler will join current Angels outfielders Mike Trout, Joe Adell, Taylor Ward and Mickey Moniak.

Soler’s arrival is a big, early win for the Angels this offseason.