Blue Jays Acquire Right-Handed Starter José Soriano from Los Angeles Angels

The Toronto Blue Jays have made a significant move ahead of the MLB trade deadline, acquiring right-handed starting pitcher José Soriano from the Los Angeles Angels. In return, the Angels will receive shortstop prospect Arjun Nimmala, outfielder Eddie Micheletti, and right-hander Angel Rivero.

Soriano, 27, has enjoyed a strong season in 2026 as a member of the Angels rotation. His impressive performance this year has significantly added to his trade value, allowing the Angels to secure a substantial return. Interim Angels general manager John Mozeliak was able to negotiate a favorable deal, and the Angels will receive a valuable haul in return for Soriano.

The Blue Jays have been searching for a right-handed starter to complement their existing rotation. Soriano’s loud stuff and less-than-stellar control make him an ideal fit for the Blue Jays. Whether they can help Soriano harness his stuff the same way they helped Dylan Cease remains to be seen, but Soriano aligns with what the Blue Jays do well with pitchers.

Despite the hefty price the Blue Jays paid for Soriano, the deal is geared more toward the future, given his remaining team control. Toronto enters play Monday 4 ½ games behind the third wild card spot with six teams ahead of them. Soriano will boost the team’s slim postseason odds this year, but the trade is more focused on the 2027 season. The Blue Jays have a ton of money coming off the books after this season, and they can make a play for a free agent starter to slot into the top half of their rotation.

Blue Jays’ 2027 Rotation Depth Chart

Here is the Blue Jays’ 2027 rotation depth chart using only players under contract or team control beyond this season:

RHP Dylan Cease

RHP José Soriano

RHP Trey Yesavage

RHP Cody Ponce (rehabbing from ACL surgery)

RHP José Berríos (out until second half with Tommy John surgery)

RHP Bowden Francis (will miss first few weeks with Tommy John surgery)

RHP Jake Bloss

The Blue Jays have a promising young rotation, and the addition of Soriano will give them a boost in the future. However, the deal is a pricey gamble, and the Blue Jays will need to see if Soriano can live up to his potential.

Angels Receive Significant Prospect Haul

The Angels, under new leadership, got back a significant prospect haul, headlined by 20-year-old Arjun Nimmala. Nimmala, the No. 20 pick in the 2023 Draft, is a consensus top 40 prospect in baseball. He has the talent to be an impact player at an up-the-middle position and has been promoted as high as Double-A this season.

Nimmala has been hitting .279/.355/.451 in Double-A, showcasing his impressive skills. The Angels needed a true stud prospect to trade Soriano, and they got one in Nimmala. The other two prospects, Eddie Micheletti and Angel Rivero, are also valuable additions to the Angels’ system.

Blue Jays Grade: B+

The Blue Jays have a type – loud stuff and less than stellar control – and Soriano fits it to a T. However, the deal is a pricey gamble, and the Blue Jays will need to see if Soriano can live up to his potential. The Blue Jays have a promising young rotation, and the addition of Soriano will give them a boost in the future.

Angels Grade: A

The Angels cashed in on Soriano’s breakout season and got one of baseball’s top infield prospects in Nimmala. The Angels needed a true stud prospect to trade Soriano, and they got one in Nimmala. The other two prospects, Micheletti and Rivero, are also valuable additions to the Angels’ system.