The Atlanta Braves are reuniting with two players who helped win them the World Series in 2021. In a trade with the San Francisco Giants, the Braves will acquire both 2021 Series MVP Jorge Soler and right-handed reliever Luke Jackson. Atlanta officially announced the deal on social media after initial reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and FanSided’s Robert Murray. Heading to San Francisco are left-hander Tyler Matzek and minor league infielder Sabin Ceballos. The Braves also DFA’d right-hander Darius Vines to clear room on their roster.
The Atlanta #Braves today acquired RHP Luke Jackson and OF Jorge Soler from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for LHP Tyler Matzek and minor-league INF Sabin Ceballos. pic.twitter.com/o5lgNlpVYe
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 30, 2024
Braves Reunite with Soler, Jackson in Trade with Giants
Soler is the centerpiece of this deal, sure to bring much-needed power to the Atlanta lineup with Ronald Acuña Jr. out for the year. He signed a three-year deal with San Francisco this past offseason, so the fact they are unloading him already comes as a surprise. In 93 games this year, he is hitting .240 with 12 homers, 40 RBI, a .749 OPS, and 57 runs scored. In 2021, he came up big time after time in the Braves’ World Series run after being acquired at the deadline from the Kansas City Royals. During that year’s Fall Classic, he went 6-for-20 with three homers, six RBI, and a staggering 1.191 OPS, taking home MVP honors. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Atlanta will take on Soler’s contract. They will owe him $13 million in both 2025 and 2026.
There is no cash in the Braves-Giants deal. So Atlanta is taking on the $26 million owed to Soler in 2025-26. Jackson has a $7 million club option for 2025 with a $2 million buyout.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2024
Jackson, who was in his second year with the Giants, has taken a step back from last season. In 35 innings of work, he is pitching to a 5.40 ERA with 15 walks and 33 strikeouts, although he does own a 4-2 record. Jackson struggled early in the postseason for the Braves in 2021 (his fifth and then-final year with the team), but locked things down in the World Series. Pitching in three games, he struck out four in 3 2/3 innings and only gave up one hit, good for a stellar 0.273 WHIP.
Heading to the Bay
Matzek has pitched parts of six seasons after debuting in 2014 with the Colorado Rockies. He was in his fifth year with the Braves (fourth active, not pitching in 2023 due to injury). He has struggled mightily in 11 games this year, pitching to a 9.90 ERA and 5.95 FIP. A change of scenery could benefit the 33-year-old southpaw.
Ceballos was initially drafted in the 14th round by the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, then again in the 3rd round by Atlanta in 2023. After spending time in Rookie and A-ball last season, he had spent all of this year with High-A Rome. In 84 games, he has hit .259 with three homers, 30 RBI, and a .707 OPS.
Photo Credit: © John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
