Braves pull off unexpected 2021 reunion with blockbuster late-night trade

The Braves have made a trade! And they are bringing back two beloved players from the 2021 World Series team. Jeff Passan of ESPN was the first to report that the Braves are finalizing a deal to bring back 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler. Fansided's Robert Murray was the first to report the Braves also brought back former right-handed reliever Luke Jackson. The Braves will send a fellow postseason hero Tyler Matzek, and 18th-ranked organizational prospect infielder Sabin Ceballos to the Giants.

We were speculating a Soler reunion this past offseason, but the slugger found his way to San Francisco instead when he landed a three-year $42 million deal. Now, Alex Anthopoulos has acquired Soler at yet another trade deadline. However, this time the package returning to San Fran is more than Kasey Kalich.

The Giants get a big relief in salary on this deal, as the Braves are expected to pick up all of Soler's $13 million salary. For Atlanta, it's a deal well worth it, as the offense was in desperate need of a spark.

Soler owns a .240/.330/.419 slash line this season, which is no slouch in spacious Oracle Park. Soler's numbers are also starting to pick up after a slow start. Over his last 100 plate appearances, Soler has a phenomenal .403 xwOBA.

The big question is what the Braves do defensively with Soler, as he has been a strict DH out in San Fran. As we know, Marcell Ozuna has manned the Braves DH spot all season. And given the amount of injuries in the outfield, and the Braves continued reluctance to play Ozuna in the field, I don't see that changing with this trade.

That means Soler is likely pegged for a corner outfield spot in an attempt to hide his limited defensive ability. However, all his batted ball data will quickly show fans why this trade was made. Soler still smacks the absolute crap out of the ball, and he is responsible for one of the most iconic swings in Braves history.

As for the Luke Jackson portion of this deal, Mark Feinsand has reported Jackson comes with a $7 million option for 2025 and a $2 million buyout. Jackson hasn't been super effective in 2024, owning a 5.40 ERA and 4.49 FIP. Hopefully, he can take the Jesse Chavez approach and refind his groove while donning a Braves uniform.

Stay tuned here at the HTHB site for everything on the Braves 2024 trade deadline. We're pretty sure Alex Anthopoulos isn't done yet so buckle up folks.

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