The Atlanta Braves have made a significant move ahead of the trade deadline by acquiring power-hitting outfielder Jorge Soler and relief pitcher Luke Jackson from the San Francisco Giants. In return, the Braves sent left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek and promising prospect Sabin Ceballos to San Francisco.
Soler Adds Power to the Braves Lineup
Jorge Soler, 32, brings much-needed firepower to the Braves' lineup at a time when the team is dealing with significant injuries. Soler, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract, is in the first year of his deal. This season, he has slashed .240/.330/.419 with 12 home runs in 93 games. Last season, with the Miami Marlins, Soler posted a robust .853 OPS and hit 36 home runs, showcasing his potent offensive abilities.
Soler's acquisition is crucial for the Braves, especially after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. to a season-ending torn ACL in May. Additionally, center fielder Michael Harris II is sidelined long-term due to a hamstring injury. As a result, Jarred Kelenic has been the regular outfielder for the Braves in recent weeks, while Adam Duvall, Ramón Laureano, and Eddie Rosario have also seen time in the outfield.
Interestingly, Soler has not played a single inning in the field in 2024, and with Marcell Ozuna occupying the designated hitter spot, it remains to be seen how the Braves will manage their outfield defensively. Ozuna's contract is up after this season, but the Braves hold a $16 million club option for 2025, adding another layer of complexity to their lineup decisions.
Jackson Bolsters the Bullpen
Luke Jackson, also 32, aims to provide stability to a Braves bullpen that has faced its own set of challenges. This season, Jackson has pitched 35 innings with a 5.40 ERA. His ERA and FIP stand at 4.49 and 4.63, respectively, indicating room for improvement. Nevertheless, Jackson brings experience and could offer depth in critical situations as the Braves vie for a postseason spot.
Giants Receive a Promising Package
The San Francisco Giants, currently holding a 53-55 record and being four games out of a postseason spot, received left-hander Tyler Matzek and minor league infielder Sabin Ceballos in the trade. Matzek, who underwent Tommy John surgery midway through 2022, has struggled this season, conceding 11 runs in 10 innings and currently being on the injured list with elbow inflammation. Despite his struggles, Matzek is owed the remainder of his $1.9 million salary for this season.
Sabin Ceballos, 21, is an intriguing prospect for the Giants. He is currently hitting .250/.353/.354 with three home runs in 84 games at High Class-A and was ranked as the No. 26 prospect in the Braves' system by Baseball America at midseason. Scouts from Baseball America noted, "He has impressive bat speed but an uphill swing that creates contact concerns."
Implications for Both Teams
For the Braves, currently holding a 56-49 record and sitting 1.5 games up in a wild-card spot, the addition of Soler and Jackson reflects their commitment to making a deep postseason run. By assuming Soler's entire $13 million salary for both 2025 and 2026, the Braves have made a long-term investment in their offense. The move signals that the Braves are all-in and willing to address their immediate roster needs to capitalize on their competitive window.
On the other hand, the Giants gain a high-upside prospect in Ceballos and a veteran arm in Matzek, who could potentially recover his form post-injury. While their postseason hopes are slim for this year, the Giants are clearly focusing on building a more robust roster for the future.
The remainder of the season will reveal the full impact of this trade as both teams navigate their respective paths forward. For now, the Braves have certainly bolstered their lineup, aiming to overcome recent injuries and solidify their position in the playoff race.