Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher José Soriano is off to a strong start to the 2026 season.
The right-hander has given up just one earned run off a home run in three starts against the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves this season. He has a 3-0 record and leads the Angels with 21 strikeouts in 20 innings so far this season.
Apr 6, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jose Soriano (59) delivers to the plate in the first inning against the Atlanta Braves at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The 27-year-old has been one of the most dominant players in MLB early this season.
“Soriano has been downright dominant in 2026,” MLB’s Brent Maguire wrote.
“… Soriano has always possessed electric stuff, but it’s gotten even better this year — he’s averaging 97.5 on his fastball and generating a 33.8 percent whiff rate,” Maguire added. “Most encouraging, Soriano is starting to throw more strikes, a frequent problem in the past. With an elite ground-ball rate (he leads all qualified pitchers with a 66.0 percent ground-ball rate since 2025) and improved stuff and command, Soriano has the makings of a true breakout performer.”
Soriano has played all four seasons of his career with the Angels, beginning in 2023. He transitioned from pitching as a reliever during his rookie season to pitching as a starter for the Halos in 2024.
Soriano is coming off a 2025 season where he threw a career-high 152 strikeouts in a career-high 31 starts. His 152 strikeouts ranked 21st in the American League last season. This season, Soriano ranks eighth in the AL with 21 strikeouts.
The Dominican Republic native signed a one-year. $2.9 million contract to avoid arbitration with the Angels this offseason. He will remain under team control through the 2028 season.
Soriano is one of five healthy starting pitchers in the Halos’ rotation, alongside Yusei Kikuchi, Reid Detmers, Jack Kochanowicz and George Klassen.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images