The Los Angeles Angels designated outfielder/designated hitter Jorge Soler for assignment Aug.4, according to multiple reports, one day after a massive MLB trade deadline overhauled their roster.
The Angels have designated Jorge Soler for assignment.
— Francys Romero (@FrancysRomero) August 4, 2026
Soler, 34, was in the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract originally signed with the San Francisco Giants. He was slashing .203/.291/.373 in a season limited to 86 games by an injury.
MORE: Embarrassing details emerge about Gold Glove outfielder’s scooter accident
With the Angels embracing a youth movement, Soler was not part of their future. However, they will be on the hook for a pro-rated portion of his 2026 salary ($9 million) if he is claimed by another team.
The Angels have yet to officially announce the transaction, but their impetus was obvious. In the hours leading up to the trade deadline, they made a series of moves to rebuild a roster that produced a 43-69, worst in the American League, through Aug. 3.
MORE: Reviews of Netflix’s Home Run Derby telecast are one-sided
Gone via trades are Chase Silseth, Logan O’Hoppe, Jose Soriano, Brent Suter, Jo Adell, Ryan Zeferjahn and Kirby Yates. Shortstop Arjun Nimmala and catcher Moises Ballesteros, two Top-100 prospects entering the 2026 season, headlined the return.
Earlier in the day Tuesday the Angels promoted their 2025 first-round draft pick, pitcher Tyler Bremner, to Double-A Rocket City, among a slew of promotions.
The Angels are at last rebuilding — a long overdue move for a team with MLB’s longest postseason drought. Soler, a free agent at the end of the season, wasn’t going to be part of the return.
MORE: Cubs’ 6-year veteran suddenly retires at 28
Soler was the World Series MVP for the Atlanta Braves in 2021, when he batted .300 with three home runs and six RBIs in six games.
In March 2022, Soler signed with the Miami Marlins and made his first and only All-Star team that summer.
The last three seasons haven’t gone as well. Soler hit 21 home runs in 2024, splitting the season between San Francisco and Atlanta, and finished the regular season with a .780 OPS (120 OPS+).
The Angels acquired Soler in an October 2024 trade for pitcher Griffin Canning. He’s been worth -0.5 WAR in 168 since, slashing .208/.292/.380.
