The Los Angeles Angels have designated veteran DH Jorge Soler for assignment on Tuesday, just one day after the trade deadline.
The decision comes during what has been a disappointing 2026 season for Soler, who is hitting .203 with 12 home runs, 49 RBIs and a .664 OPS in 86 games played.
Los Angeles was actively trying to trade Soler before Monday’s deadline, but clearly a package they felt was worthy.
Jorge Soler reacts after striking out during a Los Angeles Angels game. AP Photo/Bailey Hillesheim
Soler was in the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract he had initially signed with the San Francisco Giants before the 2024 season.
San Francisco traded him to the Atlanta Braves at the 2024 trade deadline, then Atlanta traded him to the Angels that offseason.
Soler was once one of the more feared sluggers in the sport and won championships with Cubs and Braves, while earning World Series MVP honors for Atlanta in 2021.
The Angels will still need to pay that full amount unless any team claims him off waivers, in which case that team will take on the $3.91 million remaining on his 2026 contract.
It is unlikely that Soler, 34, will be claimed off waivers given his production and that he has only been a designated hitter this season.
If he does clear waivers, the Angels will officially release him, at which point he can sign with any other MLB team.
The move reflects Los Angeles’ decision to focus on the future, after trading Jo Adell to the Cleveland Guardians and dealing Jose Soriano to the Toronto Blue Jays before the deadline.
Jorge Soler runs the bases during a Los Angeles Angels game. Getty Images
Jorge Soler during a Los Angeles Angels game. Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
