The Washington Nationals have come to an agreement with right-hander Michael Soroka on a one-year $9 million contract, reports The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. Soroka struggled as a starter last season with the Chicago White Sox but blossomed after moving to the bullpen.
Still just 27, Soroka features solid upside and untapped potential that made him one of the more intriguing free agents this offseason. Soroka will serve as a starter for the Nationals rotation.
Nationals Sign Michael Soroka
Soroka burst on the scene as a 20-year-old rookie with the Atlanta Braves in 2018. He shined in five starts (3.51 ERA, 118 ERA+) but missed the rest of the season with shoulder inflammation. However, he returned even stronger in 2019.
In his first full season, Soroka tossed 174 2/3 innings across 29 starts and produced a 2.68 ERA (171 ERA+). His great production earned him a spot on the All-Star team, a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year race, and sixth place in the NL Cy Young voting.
Unfortunately, three procedures on his Achilles wiped out most of 2020 and all of 2021-2022. He returned in 2023 but struggled mightily in the majors. Soroka spent most of the season pitching better in Triple-A, but nowhere near his 2019 levels.
After the season, Atlanta traded him to the White Sox. Soroka earned a role in Chicago’s Opening Day rotation but lost his job after nine awful starts. Fortunately for him, Soroka thrived out of the bullpen.
The Canadian increased his slider usage at the expense of his sinker. Plus, he experienced an uptick in fastball velocity due to the nature of the role’s shorter outings. In 13 relief appearances, Soroka posted a 3.45 ERA, stuck out 47, and walked 18 in 28 2/3 innings. He then missed over two months with a shoulder injury but made three more appearances in September and posted a 50 percent strikeout rate.
Washington signs Soroka hoping that this version of him is maintainable over a full season. With the price of established pitchers incredibly high, gambling on Soroka could end up as a steal this winter.
Main Photo: © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
