Michael Soroka has become the newest addition to the Chicago Cubs’ pitching staff following a trade with the Washington Nationals. The Cubs, aiming to reinforce their rotation as the playoff push heats up, landed the right-hander just ahead of the MLB trade deadline, confirming rumors that had simmered for weeks.
Soroka, 27, is best remembered for his All-Star campaign with the Atlanta Braves in 2019, but injuries caused major setbacks in the years that followed. After a brief stint with the Chicago White Sox in 2024, Soroka signed a one-year, $9 million deal with the Nationals before the 2025 season. That contract always appeared likely to be flipped at the deadline, and with the Cubs in need of pitching depth, both sides found common ground.
Across 16 starts this season with Washington, Soroka went 3-8 with a 4.87 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in approximately 81 innings pitched. While his overall numbers haven’t turned heads, there are signs he’s regaining his form. Over his last four outings prior to the trade, Soroka posted a 3.00 ERA, fanning 17 hitters and holding opponents to a .200 batting average. A deeper dive into the analytics reveals a 4.11 FIP, suggesting some of his struggles were due to bad bounces rather than poor performance.
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What Soroka Brings to the Cubs
With playoff hopes on the line, Chicago needed a reliable arm for the back end of their rotation. Soroka’s recent improvement may not make him an ace overnight, but it provides hope for a lift down the stretch. His arsenal—a sharp sinker, solid changeup, and command-first mentality—fits well in Wrigley, particularly if the Cubs’ defense rises to the occasion.
Possible roles include:
- Filling out the rotation as a steady starter.
- Providing long relief or a swingman role if other pitchers return healthy or prospects are promoted.
Soroka himself sounded ready for the challenge upon news of the trade:
“I think it’s just one at a time, wherever it may be. Point at the mound, I’ll go throw. The Nationals have done really well by me, and it’s been fun. Whatever happens, happens. But it’s a good place, a lot of good guys. I think I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Recent Stats Snapshot
| Year | Team | G | GS | W | L | ERA | IP | WHIP | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Nationals | 16 | 16 | 3 | 8 | 4.87 | ~81.1 | 1.13 | 83 |
| 2019 | Braves (AS) | 29 | 29 | 13 | 4 | 2.68 | 174.2 | 1.11 | 142 |
The Cubs’ 2025 Outlook
This move aligns with Chicago’s strategy: add proven experience without mortgaging the future. Soroka is a true rental, hitting free agency this winter—meaning the club isn’t tied to a long-term commitment. For the Cubs, who’ve toggled between contention and rebuilding mode the last few years, Soroka represents a smart, low-risk addition for a pitching staff in need of depth.
Whether he returns to his All-Star level or simply settles in as a dependable innings-eater, Cubs fans will be watching closely. As one of the more intriguing deadline moves, this trade might just be what the North Siders need to stay competitive as summer turns to fall.
What’s your take on Michael Soroka joining the Cubs? Do you think this will be the move that pushes Chicago to the postseason? Drop your thoughts below—let’s talk baseball!