MLB trade notes: How experts rated the Giants trading Soler to Braves originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The Giants have officially made their first of potentially several moves ahead of the PT MLB trade deadline at 3pm on Tuesday.
San Francisco sent slugger Jorge Soler and relief pitcher Luke Jackson going to the Atlanta Braves on Monday night in exchange for minor league infielder Sabin Ceballos and left-hander Tyler Matzek.
While the trade initially may indicate that the Giants are sellers after a disappointing first half, moving Soler’s contract offers current and future salary cap relief while potentially opening the door to interesting young prospects like Marco Luciano to gain consistent playing time.
See how MLB experts evaluated the night trade between San Francisco and Atlanta:
“The Giants will reduce payroll and now have a chance to get under the luxury tax threshold, especially if they trade Michael Conforto,” wrote Grant Brisbee.
“The trade also involves opening up two roster spots. The Giants have been yo-yoing Sacramento’s Spencer Bivens back and forth, even though he has pitched well at both positions, and they also weren’t sure how to make him Marco Luciano would hit now that he’s warmed up in the minors, now they have a spot.
Brisbee Giants grade: B+
Brisbee Braves grade: B
“Atlanta desperately needed offense,” wrote Sam Blum. “But they added a one-dimensional player who isn’t getting any younger. They’re trying to play off the hits. Maybe it will work. But on paper, this trade is a nuisance for them.”
Blum’s Giants grade: B
Blum’s Braves Rating: D
“Maybe because it’s late and because the day before the deadline felt like the real deadline, but I think it’s hard to get too excited about this deal for either team, even if I can see the justification for both,” Bradford Doolittle wrote.
“Soler didn’t have a great campaign, mixing some of his usual tape-measure swings (but less than usual) with typical walk and whiff rates. Eight of his 12 homers came on the road, and it turns out that San Oracle Park of Francisco just isn’t a great place for him. He hit .280/.393/.522 in his career at Cobb County, and returning to these friendlier environments could spur him on one of his patented hot streaks.
“Jackson hasn’t had a great season and doesn’t play as hard as he did last time with the Braves. But maybe returning to a familiar place could shake something up.”
Doolittle’s Giants grade: C-
Doolittle Braves Grade: C+
“Soler is returning to town in the middle of a difficult season, batting just .240 with 12 home runs,” wrote Zachary Rymer. “Only this time he has no underlying metrics that point to an inevitable resurgence.
“However, it’s worth taking the chance. Soler figures to fill Ronald Acuña Jr.’s shoes in both right field and the starting position, and it’s possible he just needs to move on from San Francisco. Of his 12 homers, eight have come for the road.
“Getting that money off their own books is basically the point of this trade for the Giants, and it’s a good thing for anyone with an interest in the club’s bottom line. For everyone else, the hope now must be that the savings will eventually be reinvested.
“There is also the possibility that the Giants will do something with Ceballos. He hasn’t shown much power as a pro, but any guy who is 6’3” and 225 pounds is worth dreaming about as a potential hitter. “
Rymer Giants grade: B
Rymer’s Bravo note:B
