Los Angeles Angels outfielder and DH Jorge Soler was designated for assignment on Tuesday, just one day after the trade deadline, ending his time with the club after a disappointing 2026 campaign. The 34-year-old struggled at the plate this season, recording 12 home runs and 49 RBIs, while hitting .203 with an OPS of .664 in 86 games.
The move quickly sparked reactions from fans on social media.
“Anybody playing for the Angels is a career suicide.”
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“Phillies what we doing here? Make the call.”
“Surprised the Angels couldn’t even get some cash or ptbnl for him.”
“BlueJays lets make that phone call like today.”
“Soler has been awful this season, but Angels have no business putting him in that 4 spot, destined to fail.”
“He’ll get claimed before he finishes packing his bags.”
Soler is a two-time World Series champion, with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and with the Atlanta Braves in 2021. Notably, he was the 2021 World Series MVP. His sole All-Star selection came with the Miami Marlins in 2023.
Soler entered the final year of his three-year, $42M deal with the San Francisco Giants before being traded to the Braves, who later traded him to the Angels that offseason. Los Angeles will remain responsible for clearing the remaining portion of Soler’s contract unless another team claims him off waivers.
Jorge Soler’s time with Angels end after Trade Deadline shakeup
The Los Angeles Angels designated Jorge Soler for assignment as part of a series of roster moves following Monday’s Trade Deadline. The team is set on giving more opportunities to younger players while bringing in new additions like Moises Ballesteros. They moved veterans, including Jose Soriano and Jo Adell.
“We always talk about the relationships, and it just makes it tougher. But we feel like this is the direction that we’re going right now. This is what we have and we’re excited about this opportunity to move forward,” manager Kurt Suzuki said.
Jorge Soler’s departure creates more room for Ballesteros, who is expected to receive regular playing time while also getting an opportunity behind the plate. He said he’s “excited to put on this new uniform” and play with the Angels.
With Soler and Adell no longer in the mix, players like Mike Trout, Wade Meckler, Jose Siri and Josh Lowe are expected to take on larger roles. As for Trout, Kurt Suzuki said while he knows the veteran loves to play center field, he’ll still get the option to DH whenever Trout feels he needs a break.
Edited by Safeer M S