The Angels Have Become a Landing Spot for Braves’ Former Players
As the 2025 season kicks off, it’s become evident that the Los Angeles Angels have turned into a regular destination for players let go by the Atlanta Braves. Over the past four years, the two teams have executed ten trades, and the Angels opened the season with three former Braves from 2024 on their roster.
Those players—Travis d’Arnaud, Jorge Soler, and Ian Anderson—were once fan favorites in Atlanta. But only two months into the new season, it’s apparent the Braves made the right call in parting ways with them.
How the Ex-Braves Are Doing in Anaheim
The offseason began with Atlanta sending 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler to Los Angeles in exchange for Griffin Canning. While the Braves might be second-guessing that return, Soler hasn’t been much help to the Angels.
Now 33, Soler is hitting just .217/.288/.386 with seven home runs and an 89 wRC+, his worst offensive output since 2022. Paired with subpar defense, his value sits at -0.3 fWAR. While still arguably better than two outfielders Atlanta gave playing time to this year, the healthy return of Ronald Acuña Jr. makes Soler expendable in hindsight.
Shortly after the Soler deal, the Braves declined the club option on veteran catcher Travis d’Arnaud. It seemed like a cost-cutting move at the time, but it’s proven to be one of GM Alex Anthopoulos’s savvier decisions.
Now serving as a backup in Anaheim, d’Arnaud has contributed little, batting .211/.273/.324 with just one home run over 77 plate appearances for a -0.1 fWAR. Meanwhile, Braves rookie catcher Drake Baldwin has emerged as a legitimate NL Rookie of the Year candidate.
The last of the trio, Ian Anderson, didn’t even make the Braves’ roster out of spring training. After struggling with command, he was shipped to the Angels for Jose Suarez, a player LA appeared ready to designate for assignment.
Anderson’s time with the Angels was brief and rough—he gave up 12 runs in just 9.1 innings (11.57 ERA) and was released in April after walking nearly as many batters as he struck out. In a twist, Atlanta reclaimed him off waivers just before a series in Colorado. After a brief stint on the active roster, he was waived again and assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett, where he’s been decent (3.71 ERA over 17 innings) but continues to battle control issues. He could still be an option for a spot start later this year.
In summary, the three former Braves have struggled to make an impact with the Angels, with one already returning to the Braves’ system. While Atlanta’s front office has taken criticism for the team’s slow start, letting go of these players clearly wasn’t a mistake.