{"id":671615,"date":"2026-04-09T12:24:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:24:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/671615\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T12:24:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T12:24:24","slug":"jose-soriano-earns-ace-designation-from-mlb-insider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/671615\/","title":{"rendered":"Jose Soriano earns ace designation from MLB insider"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Angels<\/a> are gaining attention thanks to Jose Soriano\u2019s dominant start to the 2026 season, as the right-hander is emerging as a legitimate ace. That surge has drawn further notice following remarks from MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who pointed out Soriano\u2019s impressive early run.<\/p>\n

The Angels’ 27-year-old pitcher has opened the season in elite form. Through his first three starts, he holds a 3-0 record with a 0.45 ERA and 21 strikeouts, placing him among the most effective starters in baseball.<\/p>\n

He also leads the league in WAR at 1.2 while ranking among the leaders in innings pitched and wins. His ability to combine power pitching with efficiency has quickly elevated expectations within the Angels\u2019 rotation.<\/p>\n

Soriano showcased his dominance<\/a> in a start vs. the Atlanta Braves Monday, earning a 6\u20132 win in the opener of a three-game set. He threw eight innings, allowed one run, and struck out 10 batters, further strengthening his case as an emerging ace.<\/p>\n

MLB Network shared a segment on X, formerly Twitter, featuring Heyman talking about standout pitchers to begin the season, with Soriano named as one of the league\u2019s early surprises<\/a> of 2026.<\/p>\n

Some under-the-radar starting pitchers off to \ud83d\udd25 starts:<\/p>\n

\u2013 Jose Soriano
\u2013 Taj Bradley
\u2013 Michael Soroka#MLBCentral<\/a> | @JonHeyman<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/coVqSzx2Co<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 8, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Heyman expanded on his rise, placing Soriano firmly in elite company based on his early production.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe leads the majors with a 1.2 WAR. He\u2019s already among the leaders in innings and wins. He\u2019s a guy with great talent. Sometimes it takes a couple of years, and it feels like he\u2019s an ace now. He throws 99 miles an hour, keeps the ball on the ground, and at this point, he\u2019s an ace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Heyman pointed to the right-hander’s velocity and command as defining elements of his game, with his ability to limit damage while generating ground balls setting him apart from many starters.<\/p>\n

This development signals a potential shift for the franchise. Soriano\u2019s emergence gives the Angels a legitimate anchor<\/a> at the top of the rotation as expectations continue to rise early in the season.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Angels are gaining attention thanks to Jose Soriano\u2019s dominant start to the 2026 season, as the right-hander is emerging as a legitimate ace. That surge has drawn further notice following remarks from MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, who pointed out Soriano\u2019s impressive early run. The Angels’ 27-year-old pitcher has opened the season in elite form.<\/p>\n