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Los Angeles Angels right-hander Jose Soriano has established himself as a reliable rotation piece with breakout potential in 2026. The 27-year-old Dominican standout is 8-6 with a 3.49 ERA and is under team control through 2028.
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The key word in that first paragraph is “Angels.” So naturally, he’s probably going to be traded.
With two weeks to go before the Aug. 3 trade deadline, the Angels are in a familiar spot – 39-61 with the worst record in baseball and already thinking about next season and beyond.
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Soriano is actually in a two-month swoon. After posting a minuscule 1.17 ERA in five April starts, his ERA in May and June (11 starts) is 5.34.
Nevertheless, baseball minds believe that, in the right situation, he can flourish again. He’s 6-3, 220 pounds, with a 1.28 WHIP and a .219 average allowed. Early on, he befuddled hitters with a mix of four pitches and elite swing-and-miss stuff. Soriano throws hard (97 mph fastballs) and forces more grounders than fly balls. At his best, he’s a potential No. 2-3 starter with strikeout dominance and ground-ball tendencies.
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The team won’t trade poor Mike Trout, so others with value might go. Soriano is near the top of the list – and his trade value has risen lately because demand for starting pitching is high, but supply has shrunk.
Tigers Cy Young star Tarik Skubal and Red Sox standout Sonny Gray were considered top arms to get moved at the deadline. But with team resurgences, it seems more likely Detroit and Boston will stand pat and make playoff pushes, making Soriano a top target of teams like the Cubs and Cardinals.
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The Angels’ minor league system, despite being sellers rather than buyers most years, is considered one of the weakest in baseball. Trading Soriano could help.
Teams Interested In Jose Soriano
So, who may pull the trigger on a Jose Soriano trade?
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have had issues keeping starters healthy. Edward Cabrera and Ben Brown are both out until at least until mid-August. They’re chasing the Brewers in the NL Central but are the top team in a crowded and competitive NL Card race.
St. Louis Cardinals: The proud Cardinals haven’t been to the postseason since 2022 and haven’t won a playoff series since 2019. They’re battling the Marlins, Pirates and Diamondbacks for the final spot in the NL Wild Card.
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Arizona Diamondbacks: The D’backs are right there as well, and No. 2 starter Mike Soroka continues to deal with a “lower body” injury and Corbin Burnes (elbow) could be, or not be, back in September.
Chicago White Sox: The Sox have made the postseason twice in the last 17 years, but currently hold a one-game lead over the Guardians in the AL Central. Starting depth is a concern after Davis Martin and Sean Burke.
Washington Nationals: The Nats have a powerful offense and a porous rotation. Soriano is an immediate Top 3 starter for a team that hasn’t been to the postseason since winning the World Series in 2019.
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This story was originally published July 20, 2026 at 8:33 AM.