Chicago Cubs Bolster Rotation with Mike Soroka
The Chicago Cubs have finalized the acquisition of pitcher Mike Soroka from the Washington Nationals, in a move announced this Wednesday night. The transaction involves two prospects in exchange for the experienced pitcher.
Soroka, 27 years old, 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 right-hander, with six years of experience in the Major Leagues, began his career with the Atlanta Braves in 2018, before pitching for the White Sox last season and signing a one-year contract with the Nationals for 2025. It is important to note that he did not participate in the 2021 and 2022 seasons due to recurring problems in the Achilles tendon. Throughout his career, Soroka has an ERA of 3.91 in 85 games, including 68 starts.
This acquisition comes at a key moment for the Cubs, who are looking to strengthen their pitching staff ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline. The team has faced the absence of Justin Steele for much of the season, while 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 rotation and the bullpen, especially after Chris Flexen was designated for assignment by the team on Tuesday, prior to the Soroka agreement. The team still has room to make more moves on the last day of MLB negotiations.
Although Soroka’s overall numbers don’t reflect his best performance this season, his expected statistics suggest a superior performance, including 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, according to experts. Franklin, 25, was batting .265 with eight home runs for Iowa, while Cruz recorded two home runs, 10 stolen bases, and a .270 batting average in the Arizona Complex League.
