MLB trade grades: How experts rated the Giants trading Soler to the Braves Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
The Giants have officially made their first of several potential moves ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline at 3 p.m. PT.
San Francisco sent designated hitter Jorge Soler and relief pitcher Luke Jackson On the way to the Atlanta Braves Monday night in exchange for minor leaguer Sabin Ceballos and left-hander Tyler Matzek.
While the trade might initially signal the Giants are sellers after a disappointing first half, unloading Soler’s contract offers current and future salary cap relief while potentially Opening the door to exciting young prospects Marco Luciano would like to gain consistent playing time.
Here’s how MLB experts rated the nightly exchange between San Francisco and Atlanta:
“The Giants will reduce their payroll and now have a chance to hit the luxury tax threshold, especially if they trade Michael Conforto,” wrote Grant Brisbee.
“The trade also looks to open up two roster spots. The Giants have been trading Spencer Bivens away from Sacramento, even though he’s pitched well at both spots, and they also weren’t sure how to get Marco Luciano at-bats now that he’s on a roll in the minors. Now they have a spot.”
Brisbane Giants Grade: B+
Brisbee Braves Grade: B
“Atlanta desperately needed an offense,” Sam Blum wrote. “But they brought in a one-dimensional player who isn’t getting any younger. They’re trying to play with the hits. Maybe it will work. But on paper, this trade is a headache for them.”
From Blum Giants’ rating: B
Blum’s grade for the Braves: D
“Maybe it’s because it’s late and because the day before the deadline felt like the actual deadline day, but I find it hard to get too excited about this deal for either team, even when I can see the logic for both,” Bradford Doolittle wrote.
“Soler hasn’t had a great campaign, mixing some of his usual home runs (but fewer than usual) with his typical walk and strikeout rates. Eight of his 12 homers have come on the road, and it turns out that San Francisco’s Oracle Park isn’t a great place for him. He’s hit .280/.393/.522 in his career in Cobb County, and a return to those friendlier environs could propel him into one of his patented hot streaks.
“Jackson hasn’t had a great season and isn’t throwing as hard as he did when he was with the Braves. But maybe returning to a familiar place will help spark something in him.”
From Doolittle Giants’ rating: C-
Doolittle Braves Grade: C+
“Soler returns to town in the midst of a rough season, as he’s hitting just .240 with 12 homers,” Zachary Rymer wrote. “Only this time, he has no underlying metrics that point to an inevitable resurgence.
“It’s worth the risk, though. Soler will take Ronald Acuña Jr.’s place in both right field and the leadoff spot, and may only need to leave San Francisco. Of his 12 homers, eight have come on the road.
“Getting that money off their own books is basically what this trade is all about for the Giants, and it’s a good thing for anyone with a vested interest in the club’s bottom line. For everyone else, the hope now must be that the savings will eventually be reinvested.
“There’s also the possibility that the Giants do something with Ceballos. He hasn’t shown much power as a pro, but any kid who’s 6’3″ and 230 pounds is still a player with the potential to be a hitter worth dreaming of.”
From rymer Giants’ rating: B
Rymer’s Braves qualification: B