Cubs Trading for Michael Soroka
The Cubs have made a trade!
Cubs acquiring RHP Michael Soroka from Nationals, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2025
Michael Soroka has a 4.87 ERA over 81.1 innings of work, with a 1.13 WHIP and 87 strikeouts. While his actual statistics aren’t great, his expected numbers tell a more encouraging story. He has an xERA of 3.32, along with an impressive 7% walk rate.
Soroka can slot into the back end of the rotation or serve as a bullpen piece. His role with the Cubs will likely depend on how Thursday unfolds regarding the potential acquisition of another starting pitcher.
As expected, Jed Hoyer had to give up a hefty return, even though Soroka is only a rental.
The Cubs are sending Triple-A OF Christian Franklin and 18 year-old INF Ronny Cruz to Washington in the deal for Soroka, sources tell ESPN.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) July 31, 2025
MLB Pipeline ranked Ronny Cruz as the 13th-best prospect in Chicago’s system, with Christian Franklin right behind him at No. 14. Cruz is a young shortstop currently in rookie ball, so he’s still several years away from making an impact at the major league level. Franklin, on the other hand, has performed well with the Iowa Cubs this season, posting an .820 OPS over 86 games.
