Cubs trade for veteran righty Michael Soroka |
Tony Crumpton
· · 18 hours ago
Jed Hoyer is making moves before the trade deadline, as the Cubs have traded Triple-A outfielder Christian Franklin (No. 14 rated Cubs prospect) and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cruz (No. 17 rated Cubs prospect) for Nationals pitcher Michael Soroka, according to multiple reports on Wednesday night.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal first reported it. This is a pretty high cost for the Cubs, but Franklin was blocked from playing anytime soon with the Cubs' talented surplus at that position in the majors. Franklin was hitting .265 with eight homers and 41 RBIs with an .820 OPS in 86 games at Iowa. Cruz was picked by the Cubs in the third round of the 2024 MLB Draft and is currently in rookie ball. The 27-year-old Soroka has made 16 starts this season, posting a 3–8 record with a 4.87 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 81.1 innings. He has struck out an impressive 87 batters and walked 24. However, as a reliever last season with the White Sox, he pitched 36 innings with a sparkling 2.75 ERA. He is making $3 million this season and will be a free agent after the season. More details to come as this story develops. The #Cubs are acquiring RHP Michael Soroka from the Nationals, per multiple reports. The Cubs are reportedly getting Michael Soroka according to @Ken_Rosenthal. A 3.32 xERA he'll be a nice boost to the Chicago rotation, especially with the slurve.#BeHereForItpic.twitter.com/GQipBNmAzX Cubs getting RHP Mike Soroka from the Nationals. Soroka was with White Sox after beginning his career with the Braves. 87 K in 81 innings. 3.5 -1 K to walk https://t.co/fDg3gkP193 at full strength and terrific clubhouse teammate.first report @Ken_Rosenthal . Re: this trend. In those three starts to the right on this chart, Soroka had a 2.57 ERA. Obviously prefer him to be sitting 94ish, but in front of a better defense and keeping solid peripherals, he helps their rotation depth. https://t.co/PkCcUAZ3FX
Here's what Chicago has to offer in terms of top prospects: https://t.co/BSuCm4F9bL pic.twitter.com/1XElBLRjSD
