Cubs trade for Michael Soroka from Nationals

The Cubs strengthened their pitching rotation by acquiring Michael Soroka from the Nationals.

Cubs finalize deal for pitcher Michael Soroka

The Chicago Cubs are reinforcing their pitching roster with the reported acquisition of right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic announced the deal, which will send outfield prospect Christian Franklin and infielder Ronny Cruz to Washington in exchange for Soroka. Currently, Soroka holds a 3-8 record with a 4.87 ERA in 16 starts for the Nationals this season. Despite his struggles, his underlying statistics suggest he is performing better than his ERA indicates, with a strong WHIP of 1.13 and over 87 strikeouts in 81.1 innings. Soroka, who previously starred for the Atlanta Braves, is known for his early career prowess, having been an All-Star in 2019 before injuries sidelined him for several seasons. Given his potential and the Cubs’ strong defensive front, he could become a valuable asset for the team as they seek to bolster their rotation ahead of the trade deadline.

Acquiring Michael Soroka represents a calculated risk for the Cubs. While his recent performance has been inconsistent, the Cubs seem to believe in his untapped potential, as he approaches the peak of his career at 28. The decision to part with two promising prospects shows their commitment to immediate improvement. This move illustrates the current competitive nature of the season, where teams are looking to strengthen their rosters for a playoff push. If Soroka finds his rhythm with the Cubs' solid defensive backing, he could become a key player down the stretch.

Highlights

The Cubs are betting on Soroka's potential to make an impact this season.