Atlanta Braves Bring Back Soler And Jackson As Giants Ship Disappoints

The San Francisco Giants have decided to part ways with one of their prominent off-season acquisitions, designated hitter Jorge Soler. Soler, along with right-handed reliever Luke Jackson, has been traded to the Atlanta Braves. In exchange, the Giants will receive injured left-handed pitcher Tyler Matzek and minor-league infielder Sabin Ceballos.

Jorge Soler, who joined the Giants in February on a three-year deal worth $42 million, has struggled to meet expectations in San Francisco. Despite showing improvement after the All-Star break, Soler has only managed to maintain a batting average of .240, a .330 on-base percentage, a .419 slugging percentage, 12 home runs, and 40 RBIs in 93 games.

The Braves, who reportedly took on the remaining financial commitment of Soler’s contract, are hopeful that he can regain the form that impressed them during the 2021 World Series. At 32 years old, Soler emerged as the World Series’ Most Valuable Player, hitting .300 with three home runs and six RBIs in six games, ultimately helping the Braves secure victory against the Houston Astros.

Soler, who was an All-Star with the Miami Marlins last season, has played a total of 11 seasons in the major leagues. His career spans stints with Chicago (2014-2016), Kansas City (2017-2021), Atlanta (2021), Miami (2022-2023), and now San Francisco. Throughout his career, Soler has maintained a batting average of .243, an on-base percentage of .330, a slugging percentage of .462, 182 home runs, and 492 RBIs in 963 games.

The right-handed Luke Jackson was also a member of the Braves’ championship-winning 2021 team. He made three scoreless appearances in the World Series, pitching a total of 3 2/3 innings.

This year, however, Jackson has struggled in his second season with the Giants, recording a 5.40 earned-run average over 36 outings and ending with a 4-2 record. In his nine seasons in the major leagues, which include stints with the Texas Rangers (2015-2016), the Atlanta Braves (2017-2021), and now the San Francisco Giants, Jackson has accumulated a record of 22-10 with 19 saves and a 4.23 ERA across 322 relief appearances.

As for the Giants’ acquisition, Tyler Matzek, he has been on the injured list since early May due to an elbow injury. In his short stint with the Braves this season, Matzek appeared in 11 relief outings without recording a decision, posting a 9.90 ERA. This comeback season followed his absence in 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. Throughout his career, which includes playing for the Colorado Rockies (2014-2015) and the Atlanta Braves (2020-2022, 2024), Matzek has achieved a record of 16-21, one save, and a 3.72 ERA in 168 games, including 24 starts.

The Giants’ trade package also includes minor-league infielder Sabin Ceballos, a 21-year-old player who has showcased his skills in high Class-A Rome, GA. This season, Ceballos has maintained a decent batting average of .259 to go along with an on-base percentage of .353, a slugging percentage of .354, three home runs, and 30 RBIs in 84 games.