The Los Angeles Angels have traded right-handed pitcher Jose Soriano to the Toronto Blue Jays, according to reports confirmed Monday morning. The Angels acquired Double-A shortstop Arjun Nimmala, Double-A outfielder Eddie Micheletti, and Rookie Ball pitcher Angel Rivero in the deal.
The move comes as a surprise, as the Blue Jays had recently appeared to be shifting into a seller's role, having traded starter Kevin Gausman to the Cubs on Sunday. Toronto currently sits 52-60 and is 4 1/2 games out of the final American League wild-card spot.
Soriano was scratched from his scheduled start against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night to ensure he remained healthy leading up to a potential trade.
This season has marked the best of Soriano's big-league career. He holds a 9-6 record with a career-best 3.29 ERA and has recorded 127 strikeouts over 123 innings pitched in 22 starts. He earned AL Pitcher of the Month honors in May after posting a 5-1 record with a 0.84 ERA. While his effectiveness has slightly decreased in his last seven starts, with a 4.50 ERA, Toronto evidently sees significant value in his performance. Soriano's contract includes two additional years of team control beyond the 2026 season, making him an attractive trade asset.
Soriano's final appearance for the Angels was on July 26 against the San Francisco Giants, where he pitched five scoreless innings and secured a win.