Chicago Cubs Bolster Rotation with Mike Soroka
The Chicago Cubs have finalized the acquisition of pitcher Mike Soroka, coming from the Washington Nationals, in exchange for two promising prospects.
Soroka, 27, has a 3-8 record with an ERA of 4.87 in 16 starts, standing out for leading the league in hit batsmen with 14.
The veteran pitcher, with six years of MLB experience, began his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2018, then went through the White Sox last season and signed a one-year contract with the Nationals for 2025. Soroka was unable to pitch in 2021 and 2022 due to recurring problems in the Achilles tendon. Throughout his career, he has accumulated an ERA of 3.91 in 85 games, including 68 as a starter.
The acquisition of Soroka comes at a crucial time for the Cubs, who have been dealing with the absence of Justin Steele for much of the season. In addition, pitchers Jameson Taillon (calf), Javier Assad (oblique), and Porter Hodge (shoulder) are in the process of recovery, although their return is expected soon.
Soroka will add depth to both the team’s rotation and bullpen, especially after the designation for assignment of right-hander Chris Flexen on Tuesday. The team still has the possibility of making more moves on the last day of the MLB trade deadline.
Despite Soroka’s overall numbers this season not being the best, his expected statistics suggest a superior performance, with an expected ERA of 3.32.
In the agreement, the Cubs sent Triple-A outfielder Christian Franklin and 18-year-old infielder Ronny Cruz to Washington. Both prospects are not among the Cubs’ top 10.
Franklin, 25, batted .265 with eight home runs for Iowa, while Cruz accumulated two home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a batting average of .270 in the Arizona Complex League.
