Former Braves All-Star enjoys fresh chance with White Sox

A Braves fan favorite is back on the mound and relishing his opportunity in the Windy City.

When Michael Soroka made his MLB debut at the age of 20, he quickly established himself as an X-factor for the Atlanta Braves. He was one of Atlanta’s top pitching prospects at the moment. In 2019, he got an All-Star Game appearance after going 13-4 with a 2.68 ERA. Soroka finished sixth in the National League Cy Young voting that season, and second in the Rookie of the Year vote. Following that, life occurred.

Soroka only played three games during the abbreviated 2020 season before hurting his Achilles. He suffered several setbacks, including a second Achilles injury, and did not return to a Major League pitch until 2023.

After compiling a 6.40 ERA over 32.1 innings in 2023 and bouncing between Atlanta and Triple-A Gwinnett, the Braves made the painful choice to break ways with Soroka. He was included in a five-player deal to acquire left-handed reliever Aaron Bummer.

We all wanted Soroka to have a spectacular comeback narrative and flourish in a Braves uniform again. However, it did not happen, so Atlanta had to take a chance and use Soroka to acquire a player to assist strengthen their bullpen. It was better for both parties to offer him a fresh start elsewhere.

As previously stated, Soroka was sent to the White Sox along with Jared Shuster, Nicky Lopez, Braden Shewmake, and Riley Gowens. Now that spring training has begun, the former Braves All-Star is ready to take advantage of this fresh opportunity and is finally healthy.

Soroka recently spoke with Gabriel Burns of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ($) about how difficult the trade was at first, but how the new chance has benefited him. Soroka added, “There were some things that seemed to be clicking at the end of last year that I was really getting into. They’re interested in helping me expand on that and learn new things. So far, there’s been a terrific vibe here.”

Earlier in the discussion, he mentioned how emotionally charged it was at first. Soroka believed he could still be an impact starting pitcher, but he was out of alternatives, and the Braves were in need of a bullpen arm like Aaron Bummer. Despite the early difficulties, the transfer to Chicago is undoubtedly a blessing in disguise for Soroka, and I’m sure every Braves fan will be rooting for the Canadian pitcher from afar.

He was an exciting part of the Braves’ return to powerhouse status, and many fans admired Soroka as a person and talent. That is why the decision to trade him was so controversial. Many people believe he will eventually recover, but they also see why moving him was the best move for all sides.

Alex Anthopoulos is an excellent general manager for multiple reasons. He excels at identifying outstanding athletes who are a perfect fit for the clubhouse. However, he is also very adept at ensuring that players engaged in transactions have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. He sincerely cares about the guys in the organization and strives to do right by them.

The right-hander reiterated that view, saying, “I know a lot of guys detest hearing things on social media and from other people. It was good to have that talk with him.”

Soroka has only made one appearance for Chicago in the first two weeks of Spring Training, and that came against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched two innings, giving one earned run and struck out two batters. The lone allowed run was a single homer, and no hard contact was made against him.

Soroka has only appeared once for Chicago throughout the first two weeks of Spring Training, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He threw two innings, allowing one earned run while striking out two batters. The only allowed run was a solo home run, and no heavy contact was made against him.