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Former Blue Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala discuss trade to Los Angeles Angels ‘It was crazy’
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Photo credit: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Oct 16, 2026, 07:00 EDTUpdated: Oct 15, 2026, 14:43 EDT
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Over the past few years, the Toronto Blue Jays’ farm system has allowed them to be aggressive when it comes to making trades to improve their major-league roster. 
2026 was no different as the Blue Jays sent three prospects, including Arjun Nimmala, Eddie Micheletti Jr., and Angel Rivero to the Los Angeles Angels to acquire right-hander José Soriano. 
At the time of the trade, Nimmala was listed as the Blue Jays’ No. 2-ranked prospect and had climbed as high as Double-A New Hampshire within Toronto’s organization. Through 33 games with the Fisher Cats in 2026, Nimmala batted .279 with four home runs and 11 RBIs. The 20-year-old reached base at a .355 clip and was starting to show why the Blue Jays selected the infielder with the 20th pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. 
Upon completion of the 2026 campaign, Nimmala headed to Arizona to continue his development in the Arizona Fall League. While speaking to MLB.com this week, Nimmala touched on the experience of being traded, his decision to take part in the AFL, and his excitement about joining the Angels organization. 
“I got a call from the farm director and he goes, ‘We’ve just traded you to the Angels for José Soriano,’” Nimmala said. “It was crazy. I had no expectations and no thoughts going into deadline day. Obviously, the biggest thing was just continuing to play baseball throughout the rest of the season.” 
Nimmala is playing for the Mesa Solar Sox during his stint in the AFL, and through five games, he is batting .292 with one home run and four RBIs. Nimmala has impressed with his .452 OBP and after appearing in only 89 games this season, the shortstop is looking to use his time in Arizona to prepare him for the 2027 season. 
“Obviously, I had an injury and missed some time in Rocket City. I think catching up on those reps is going to be huge,” Nimmala said. “We have a good environment here to do that, and I think it’ll be good. The biggest thing I’m trying to work on is to just continue to improve. I would love to continue to work offensively, defensively, and on the bases.”
Following the trade, Nimmala joined the Rocket City Trash Pandas and appeared in 27 games. During that span, he batted .260 with eight home runs and 17 RBIs. Nimmala produced a .389 OBP and showed strong eye, highlighted by 21 walks across 104 at-bats. Now listed as the Angels’ No. 1-ranked prospect, Nimmala has the opportunity to head to Triple-A to begin next season as he gets closer to achieving his ultimate goal of playing in the big leagues. 
“It came as a shock to me [the trade], but now that I look back on it, it was a pretty good thing to happen. Knowing the Angels believed in me and saw the potential in me, it makes me super proud,” Nimmala said. “I just want to prove them right. I’ve heard it from everyone within the organization, it’s a land of opportunity. You can continue to move up fast if you do your job, and I believe that’s a good thing.” 
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