With little better to do than track former players, Atlanta Braves fans have a vested interest in where Los Angeles Angels outfielder Jorge Soler lands.
While the team's 2024 reunion failed, the veteran remains a franchise legend despite his short stint with the club, winning the World Series MVP and having the defining swing in the series. Now, Soler is likely going to find himself heading to a contender at the upcoming trade deadline as the Angels continue to fall towards the bottom of the division.
Atlanta already attempted one reunion and isn't in a position to take on the former star. There is an argument to be made that the Braves should be sellers, and this is going to be the case if the current slide continues. However, this doesn't mean the outfielder won't possibly be returning to the National League East with one potential contender standing out.
Braves World Series MVP Jorge Soler Could Return as Division Rival
If there is one team in Atlanta's division that is going to be looking for outfield upgrades, it is the Philadelphia Phillies. The team finds itself trailing the New York Mets in the division while attempting to remain in control of a heated wildcard race. If there was ever a team that is getting ready to go all in at the upcoming trade deadline, it is the Phillies.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the team attempt to steal from Atlanta's playbook and bring in the struggling slugger. Soler is in a very similar position to when the Braves added the veteran ahead of the team's 2021 World Series run.
Philly could look to trade for Soler with the hopes that a return to a viable lineup will rebound underwhelming numbers. This was a strategy the Braves employed, and it resulted in the slugger becoming the 2021 World Series MVP.
For the Phillies, it is time to begin making moves as you're chasing both the Mets and attempting to build a team capable of competing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in this year's postseason. Soler could be an enticing addition based on his postseason history and the team's need for outfield production.
The Braves sit in the opposite position with a clear motivation to begin selling off pieces if the season doesn't hit a drastic turnaround. As the Braves continue to find new lows, it wouldn't be surprising to see the next piece of bad news be Soler's return to the National League East with Atlanta's hated rival.