The fact that at the time of the deal Soriano, whose 2026 Gold Glove nomination is the first of his four-year career, was 9-6 with a 3.29 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 22 games started and 123 innings pitched – coupled with having a contract that also gives the Blue Jays control of his services for the 2027 and 2028 seasons – are the most obvious reasons that Toronto was willing to include Nimmala, along with two other minor-league prospects, in the trade.
