Michael Soroka is officially headed to the Chicago Cubs after a trade deal with the Washington Nationals, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The unexpected move marks a significant shift for the Cubs as they continue to retool their pitching staff during a critical phase of the 2025 MLB season.
Soroka, who was once viewed as one of the most promising young arms in baseball, has had a roller-coaster career due to injuries. Now healthy and showing signs of resurgence, the Cubs saw a window of opportunity and took it.
Cubs Bet on Michael Soroka’s Comeback Potential
The 26-year-old right-hander began his career with the Atlanta Braves, where he burst onto the scene in 2019, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Unfortunately, repeated Achilles injuries sidelined him for most of 2020 through 2022.
After signing with the Nationals earlier this year, Soroka posted a modest stat line:
- 2025 Season (Nationals)
- Games: 13
- Starts: 12
- ERA: 4.58
- Strikeouts: 54
- Innings Pitched: 65.1
While those numbers may not turn heads, scouts have noted improved velocity and command from the righty over his last few starts. That uptick is what reportedly intrigued the Cubs’ front office, who remain hopeful they can harness Soroka’s upside.
What the Cubs Traded Away
The exact return to the Nationals has not been officially confirmed, but early reports suggest the Cubs parted with a mid-tier prospect and international signing money. The Nationals, currently in a rebuilding phase, appear focused on long-term asset accumulation rather than immediate wins.
Potential Trade Package (Reported):
| Player/Asset | Position | Prospect Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Devers | RHP | #19 (Cubs) | 21 years old, High-A starter |
| Intl. Bonus $ | — | — | From 2025 pool allocation |
This relatively light trade package speaks to the Cubs’ calculated risk. If Soroka stays healthy and contributes down the stretch, it could be a major steal.
Cubs Rotation Outlook
The addition of Michael Soroka immediately gives the Cubs more flexibility and depth in their starting rotation, which has dealt with inconsistency throughout the season. The current Cubs rotation includes:
- Justin Steele
- Shota Imanaga
- Jameson Taillon
- Javier Assad
- Michael Soroka (Newly acquired)
Veteran Kyle Hendricks has been dealing with ongoing struggles and may see his role adjusted following Soroka’s arrival. Manager Craig Counsell will likely monitor Soroka’s pitch count and innings carefully, given his injury history.
Reaction from the Clubhouse and Fans
Early reactions from Cubs fans on social media have been mixed. Some are excited about the potential value if Soroka stays healthy, while others question why the team is banking on a pitcher with an injury-plagued background.
Teammates, however, seem optimistic. One anonymous Cubs player reportedly said, “If this guy can be even 75% of what he was in Atlanta, he’ll help us win.”
Soroka himself has not made a public comment yet, but sources indicate he’s excited about joining a competitive team and getting another fresh start.
Nationals’ Perspective on the Move
For the Nationals, this trade continues their 2025 trend of selling expiring or risk-heavy contracts in exchange for future flexibility. Soroka, who signed a one-year deal with Washington in the offseason, was never viewed as a long-term piece. By flipping him now, the Nats gain a prospect and cap room for future international deals.
What This Means for the Cubs’ Playoff Push
The Cubs are currently two games out of a Wild Card spot. With the NL Central tightly contested, every move matters. If Soroka can deliver solid starts over the final two months, this low-risk acquisition could prove pivotal in their playoff pursuit.
Fans can expect Soroka to make his Cubs debut sometime this week, possibly during the upcoming homestand against the Cardinals.
The Michael Soroka trade adds intrigue to the Cubs’ season narrative. Whether it ends up being a game-changing acquisition or a short-lived experiment, all eyes will be on Soroka as he takes the mound in Wrigley Field. Stay tuned for updates—and let us know in the comments what you think of the trade.