Veteran Jorge Soler Emerges as a Key Trade Prospect for the Angels

A year ago, the Los Angeles Angels faced a challenging situation. Mike Trout, their star outfielder and three-time MVP, was coming back from a knee injury, and the team was hesitant to overexert him in the outfield. They needed his offensive prowess but were cautious about his workload.

Jorge Soler, who entered Major League Baseball ten years ago with the Chicago Cubs as a corner outfielder, had recently transitioned to primarily designated hitter duties. However, the Angels' choice to start Trout over Soler in the outfield—a decision made by then-manager Ron Washington—proved questionable. Soler's adjustment to regular outfield play was difficult, leading to a subpar season for both players. Trout recorded his lowest offensive performance (.797 OPS) despite playing 130 games.

Fast forward to the current season, and Trout has regained his form, emerging as one of the top players in the American League in 2026. Conversely, Soler is struggling, with a batting line of .212/.294/.389 as of late May. Despite ranking among the top 20 designated hitters in various metrics, including RBIs and home runs, his performance hasn't sparked significant interest among fans. Nevertheless, his improving bat speed (up to 74.8 mph according to Statcast) keeps him on the radar as a potential trade candidate ahead of the August 3 deadline.

The Angels, sitting at 23-37 and far from playoff contention, may see trading Soler as a viable option. With Soler in the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract, his $13 million salary could be more enticing to teams if the Angels are willing to subsidize part of it. Potential suitors include the San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays, and Chicago White Sox, all of whom are seeking better production from their designated hitters and are currently in playoff positions.

With the Angels unlikely to make the playoffs regardless of Soler’s presence, general manager Perry Minasian may prioritize acquiring prospects in a trade. Additionally, saving on Soler’s contract could appeal to team owner Arte Moreno. If the Angels continue their current trajectory, a decision regarding Soler’s future with the team appears imminent.