Soler kicked off the 2021 World Series with a home run, clinched the go-ahead home run in Game 3, and ultimately earned the series MVP title by slugging .800 with three homers and six RBI in Atlanta’s 4-2 victory. Jackson delivered 3.2 scoreless innings from the bullpen during the series, giving up only one hit.
Following the season, Soler capitalized on his impressive postseason performance by securing a lucrative contract with the Miami Marlins. On the other hand, Jackson sat out the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, and later signed with the Giants before the 2023 season. When Soler inked a three-year deal with the Giants earlier this season, he was once again united with Jackson.
Currently, they are teammates heading back to Atlanta, where the team is trailing the Philadelphia Phillies by 8.5 games in the NL East but leads a tight National League wild-card race. With Ronald Acuna Jr. sidelined for the season and center fielder Michael Harris II out for a couple more weeks, Soler brings much-needed firepower to the outfield.
Although Jackson has struggled with a 5.40 ERA this season in San Francisco, the Braves are hopeful that his return to Atlanta will help him regain his form.
For the Giants, this trade signifies a decision to prioritize cost savings over attempting to climb up from their seventh-place position in the wild-card race. The move appears to be mainly about shedding the remaining two years and over $32M left on Soler’s contract, along with the approximately $5M owed to Jackson.
In exchange, the Giants receive Sabin Ceballos, a 21-year-old third baseman ranked as Atlanta’s No. 17 prospect by MLB.com, and Tyler Matzek, a reliever who has been inactive since May 17 due to Tommy John surgery and has struggled with a 9.90 ERA this year.
While the Giants focus on trimming expenses and potentially regrouping, Atlanta is charging ahead. After all, the last time they acquired Soler at the trade deadline, the Braves went on to win it all.
