Another man down from the Nats’ pitching staff: the team announced late Wednesday night they have dealt RHP Michael Soroka to the Chicago Cubs for SS Ronny Cruz and OF Christian Franklin.
Cruz, 18, was Chicago’s third-round pick in 2024 out of a Miami high school. He made his pro debut this year with the Cubs’ Arizona Complex League rookie-level affiliate, slashing .270/.314/.431 with 2 HR, 21 RBI, and 10 steals in 46 games. He appeared primarily at short but also had significant time at second and third base.
Franklin, 25, was the Cubs’ fourth-round pick in 2021 out of Arkansas. He has spent this season at Triple-A Iowa, slashing .265/.393/.427 with 8 HR, 41 RBI, and 11 steals in 86 games.
Soroka, who was a starter for most of his career before finding a renaissance in the White Sox bullpen in 2024, signed a one-year, $9 million deal last winter to join the Nats. The 27-year-old made 16 starts, going 3-8 with a 4.87 ERA in 81 1/3 innings.