Nationals trade Soroka to Cubs

The Chicago Cubs acquired right-hander Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals in exchange for shortstop prospect Ronny Cruz and outfield prospect Christian Franklin, the teams announced.

Soroka, who turns 28 next week, joined the Nats on a one-year, $9-million contract this past offseason. He had been a solid starter for Washington, posting a 4.87 ERA, 4.12 FIP, and 1.13 WHIP with 87 strikeouts over 16 outings.

Soroka has also pitched slightly better than what his inflated ERA indicates. His 3.32 xERA ranks in the 75th percentile, and he's held opponents to a .218 average. Additionally, his 2.7 BB/9 rate is his best mark since 2019, when he earned an All-Star nod with the Atlanta Braves.

He'll provide additional depth to a Cubs staff that's without ace Justin Steele for the rest of this season. Jameson Taillon and Javier Assad are also on the injured list. Soroka could enter the Cubs' rotation as a fifth starter or work in more of a swingman role.

The Canadian appeared to be a rising star with Atlanta six years ago, finishing sixth in NL Cy Young voting as a rookie. However, injuries have derailed his career, with a pair of Achilles tears costing him the entirety of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Cruz and Franklin, the two prospects heading to Washington, were ranked as the Cubs' No. 13 and No. 14 prospects, respectively, by MLB.com prior to the trade.

Cruz, 18, was the Cubs' third-round selection in 2024 and is in his first professional season. The Dominican is hitting .270/.314/.431 with two homers, 21 RBIs, and 10 steals over 48 games with the Arizona Complex League Cubs.

Franklin, 25, has spent this campaign at Triple-A, hitting .265/.393/.427 with eight homers, 41 RBIs, and 11 steals over 86 games. The Arkansas product has experience playing all three outfield positions.