Rangers acquire Geovany Soto

The Cubs have traded catcher Geovany Soto to the Rangers in exchange for pitching prospect Jacob Brigham. Soto was taken out early in today's Cubs-Pirates game and said goodbye to his teammates.

Soto has hit .195 in 194 plate appearances this year. He earned the 2008 National League Rookie of the Year award and is set to earn $4.3 million for the remainder of the year. He is going to be arbitration eligible for the third time in his career after this season. However, he could be non-tendered due to his awful performance.

Brigham has started in 21 games this year, posting a 4.28 ERA in 124.0 innings at the Double-A level.

Analysis: It's definitely sad to see Soto leave Chicago, because he had so much promise after that great 2008 season. He has just never been able to stay healthy with the Cubs. Hopefully he gets a fresh start with Texas and gets a chance to make a World Series run. As for the Cubs, Brigham, in my opinion, is an awful prospect but I'm not sure what other teams were willing to give up. Brigham has struggled in the minors and is 24 years old. He should be ready for the big leagues soon, but he's not.