Angels pitcher Jose Soriano earns ace designation from MLB Insider

The Los Angeles Angels are gaining attention thanks to Jose Soriano’s 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’s impressive early run.

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.

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’ rotation.

Soriano showcased his dominance in a start vs. the Atlanta Braves Monday, earning a 6–2 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.

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’s early surprises of 2026.

Some under-the-radar starting pitchers off to starts:

– Jose Soriano
– Taj Bradley
– Michael Soroka#MLBCentral | @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/coVqSzx2Co

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 8, 2026

Heyman expanded on his rise, placing Soriano firmly in elite company based on his early production.

“He leads the majors with a 1.2 WAR. He’s already among the leaders in innings and wins. He’s a guy with great talent. Sometimes it takes a couple of years, and it feels like he’s an ace now. He throws 99 miles an hour, keeps the ball on the ground, and at this point, he’s an ace.”

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.

This development signals a potential shift for the franchise. Soriano’s emergence gives the Angels a legitimate anchor at the top of the rotation as expectations continue to rise early in the season.

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