Atlanta Braves right-hander Michael Soroka, at one point thought to be a franchise cornerstone in the pitching rotation, saw his time with the organization end last Thursday when he was included in a six-player trade with the Chicago White Sox.
Late on Saturday, Soroka took to social media to thank the fans and the city for embracing him during his time in Atlanta:
Said Soroka in the letter, addressed to "Braves fans":
It has been a ride to say the least. From being drafted in '15 you have embraced me and made me feel like I belonged in the A. I have always been proud to represent this city, and made sure to lay it on the line every time out. I wish so badly I could have been out there more these last three years. Thank you to everyone who believed in me, and continues to believe in me to learn and fight through the difficulties that this game brings. I have met and worked with some of the best people I will meet in my lifetime over these last nine years, and I am thankful for every one. Thank you for the continual support, and until we meet again.
Soroka has one year of team control remaining before reaching free agency in 2025. Who knows, this year in Chicago with the White Sox might just be a detour on his road back to Atlanta.
How long until pitchers and catchers report?
85 days. Atlanta's expected to ask pitchers and catchers to report on Monday, February 12th, in advance of their first spring training game on February 24th against the Tampa Bay Rays. An official announcement of the reporting date will come in January.
Here's the odds for the top 10 teams to win the 2024 World Series according to FanDuel
Atlanta Braves - +600
Los Angeles Dodgers - +700
Texas Rangers - +850
Houston Astros - +850
Philadelphia Phillies - +1100
New York Yankees - +1400
Tampa Bay Rays - +1500
Toronto Blue Jays - +1500
Baltimore Orioles - +1500
Minnesota Twins - +1800
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