Michael Soroka says goodbye to Braves fans after he was traded
There was a brief time in 2019 when Michael Soroka looked like one of the premiere pitchers in the National League. Not only was Soroka considered the future of the Atlanta Braves rotation, but of the entire league as well.
Then, the injuries hit. Soroka missed the better part of two seasons with various ailments and has struggled to get back on the mound ever since. In 2023, he looked the part in Gwinnett, and even put together some decent appearances in the ATL. However, it remains clear that Soroka is not the All-Star caliber pitcher he once was, plus he's caught the injury bug. What's to keep it from coming back?
Soroka was traded to the Chicago White Sox as part of the package for relief pitcher Aaron Bummer. It's a win-win for both sides, as Soroka should get a chance to start right away on the south side of Chicago. The White Sox are without much talent in their rotation beyond Dylan Cease, who could also be traded away this winter.
The Braves, meanwhile, got the bullpen help Alex Anthopoulos has coveted entering the offseason. Bummer had a down 2023, but at his best he's one of the better late-inning relievers in the sport. The smart money is on Bummer reviving his career in Atlanta, just as so many have done before him.
Soroka wished Braves fans farewell after he was dealt to Chicago. Perhaps the most telling statement was how Soroka "wish(es) so badly he could have been out there more these last three years. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, and continues to believe in me to learn and fight through the difficulties that this game brings."
Soroka's name will always be associated with a huge 'what if' in the A, and it's tough to blame fans for feeling that way.
Braves take a risk with Reynaldo Lopez
The Atlanta Braves signed Reynaldo Lopez to a three-year contract on Monday morning. While not necessarily the seismic shift that Braves fans were hoping for in their pitching staff, Lopez is a solid arm who can contribute to the bullpen or starting rotation, depending on how he performs in spring training.
Lopez's career ERA out of the bullpen is 3.01. He career ERA as a starter in near five. Those splits don't exactly sound promising for Lopez, a pitcher who has starting pitcher potential but simply hasn't been able to put it together for long stretches.
Per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Atlanta is preparing as if Lopez will be in their rotation. While I am not one to question Alex Anthopoulos and Brian Snitker often, considering they have an obvious need in the bullpen and Lopez logged a 1.54 ERA and near-30 percent strikeout rate over his final four months of 2023 out of said bullpen, why mess with a good thing? MLB Trade Rumors discussed Lopez's pitch selection, and how there is an avenue in which he could be a decent starting pitcher down the line:
"The 2023 version of Lopez was effectively a two-pitch pitcher: blazing fastball and hard slider (with a seldom-used changeup and curveball). He has, however, had seasons where he's thrown both his change and his hook at a 20% clip or higher, so there's certainly a diverse enough collection of pitches in his arsenal to succeed as a starter — if the Braves can coax better and more consistent results from his secondary offerings," Steve Adams wrote.
If Lopez joins the bullpen, he will join a revamped one. The Braves re-signed Joe Jimenez and Pierce Johnson. They also added Aaron Bummer and Jackson Kowar.
Braves are all-in on Sonny Gray after Aaron Nola heads elsewhere
It's unclear just how real the buzz surrounding the Braves and Aaron Nola was early this offseason, but by most reported accounts so far, Atlanta wanted to sign the rival ace to a rather large contract. In the end, Nola decided to stay home in Philly on a seven-year deal. It's tough to blame him for that, as Nola is most familiar with the Phillies and they've been to two straight NLCS's. They've also defeated said Braves in two straight postseasons.
Nola may be the top-tier free agent starting pitcher the Braves chase this offseason, but he won't be the only player of value. After signing Lopez on Monday and reportedly giving him a shot in the rotation, the Braves have more starting pitching to add. Atlanta did trade away Kyle Wright, Michael Soroka, Jared Shuster and more, for what it's worth. Their organization rotation depth needs a boost.
Sonny Gray makes a lot of sense for Atlanta, and he is at the top of their wish list. Gray will come at a more affordable asking price than Nola, and he likely will not require a seven-year commitment, which surely scared away the Braves when it comes to Nola.
