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The Los Angeles Angels are a respectable 7-8 on the season, and the optimism outweighs the doubt so far in 2026. Centerfielder Mike Trout is showing some signs of old, and they have a starting pitcher who is going to be in the conversation for the American League Cy Young.
José Soriano, a 27-year-old right-hander, has been a pleasant surprise to start the year. At 3-0, and with an incredible ERA of 0.45, it has been smooth sailing so far. He has only surrendered one home run, seven total hits over 20 innings of work in the three starts.
According to Baseball Savant, there is one incredible stat to pay attention to. Soriano's knuckle curve has been unhittable, and it is not because he has only thrown it a handful of times. Of the 278 total pitches thrown so far, he has tossed that lethal knuckle curve 79 times. It has struck out eight batters and ultimately not been hit so far.
You want to talk about one pitch dictating whether or not you are a Cy Young candidate or not, that is it. The Angels are certainly benefitting from Soriano's upbeat start, and it is imperative for him to continue, as this season might be a one-hit wonder for a World Series chance.
The American League West is going to be an interesting division, with the spotty start from the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros. The Angels, Athletics, and Texas Rangers are all within a game of each other for the lead of the division. This is going to be a close-knit battle, and Soriano is going to have to bring it with every start.
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