What happened: Soriano rebuilt his career after multiple elbow surgeries and skipped Triple-A before reaching the majors. His sinker has fueled his breakout, while walks remain the central concern.

Why it matters: The Angels hold club control beyond this season, giving them leverage in any talks. For New York, the appeal is a starter who could contribute beyond the current pennant race.

What to watch: The next step is whether the Angels make Soriano available before the trade deadline.