Report: Braves Open to Dealing $42 Million Slugger to Red Sox in Straight-Up Swap
The Atlanta Braves season did not meet expectations in 2024 as they were swept by the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card.
The Braves were decimated by injuries last season, including reigning National League Most Valuable Player, Ronald Acuña Jr. The Braves resultingly made some trades to find a spark. With players set to return from injury, they could look to move one of their deadline acquisitions.
FanSided’s Zach Pressnell proposed this trade that sends Jorge Soler to the Boston Red Sox:
- Braves receive: outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia
- Red Sox receive: outfielder Jorge Soler
“For the Braves, they’re going to be better off trading Soler anyway. Soler was a bad defender last season (though we admire him for trying) and Atlanta just doesn’t have a place to put him,” wrote Pressnell. “Soler was a solid addition as Atlanta looked for a spark in 2024, but with Marcell Ozuna taking up the DH slot, there’s no long term place for him in the lineup.”
Soler is and always will be a legend in Atlanta. He etched his name in Braves history when he won World Series MVP in 2021. However, there just is not a spot for him on the team next year. Garcia is the Red Sox’ No. 12 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
“Garcia, 21, is a good prospect, though he is still considered raw in terms of his talent. He worked his way from Low-A to High-A to Double-A last season, slashing .286/.356/.536 along the way,” wrote Pressnell. “Across 107 games, Garcia smashed 23 home runs, 24 doubles and five triples while stealing 17 bases. He’s a good prospect across the board with his hit tool being his only questionable trait.”
The Red Sox will be looking to add a bat this offseason. Soler will be a cheaper option in terms of trade capital as they would have to eat his contract too. However, it’s likely their best chance of acquiring a bat as they may not be able to lure one in on the open market.
