Cubs Acquire Soroka From Nationals for Two Prospects

The Chicago Cubs have acquired 27-year-old right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals in exchange for two prospects, outfielder Christian Franklin and infielder Ronny Cruz. Soroka has a 3-8 record with a 4.87 ERA in 16 starts this season, but advanced metrics like a 3.32 expected ERA and 1.13 WHIP suggest stronger underlying performance. The trade comes as the Cubs, currently one game behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, seek extra pitching depth due to injuries among their starters. Soroka is expected to offer flexibility as both a starter and reliever. The Nationals, who signed Soroka to a one-year, $9 million contract in the offseason, receive two mid-tier prospects, with Franklin offering outfield depth and Cruz viewed as a long-term infield project. Analysts consider the trade a win for Washington, gaining valuable prospects in exchange for a rental pitcher.