Michael Soroka Bio
Michael John Graydon Soroka is a Canadian professional baseball pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Washington Nationals, and Chicago Cubs. Soroka made his MLB debut in 2018 with the Braves. He was an MLB All-Star in 2019, and he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year Award voting. In 2020, he became the Braves’ youngest Opening Day starter in the team’s modern history before an injury ended his season. Soroka dealt with multiple injuries through the next two years before returning to the major leagues in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Michael Soroka was born on August 4, 1997, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is the son of Gary, a former university and junior hockey player, and Sally Soroka. Tragically, his mother passed away in 2010 due to melanoma when he was just 12 years old. Growing up, Soroka was involved in sports, initially playing hockey as a goalie before shifting his focus to baseball. He attended Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary, where he honed his skills as a pitcher. Soroka’s talent was recognized early on, and he pitched for the junior national team, coached by Chris Reitsma, a fellow Canadian baseball pitcher who became a mentor to him. By the time he reached his senior year, Soroka had committed to play college baseball for the University of California, Berkeley, on a scholarship.
Path to Baseball
Michael Soroka was drafted 28th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2015 MLB Draft. He began his professional career in the Gulf Coast League Braves, where he posted a 1.80 earned run average (ERA) in ten innings pitched. He then moved to the Danville Braves, finishing the season with a 3.75 ERA in six starts. In 2016, Soroka played for the Rome Braves, where he achieved a 9-9 record with a 3.02 ERA. His performance continued to improve in 2017 while playing for the Mississippi Braves, where he posted an 11-8 record with a 2.75 ERA and participated in the All-Star Futures Game. Soroka began the 2018 season with the Gwinnett Stripers, showcasing his potential with a 1.99 ERA before being promoted to the major leagues on May 1, 2018.
Michael Soroka Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Soroka made his MLB debut on May 1, 2018, against the New York Mets, pitching six innings and allowing only one run. His promising start was marred by shoulder inflammation, which led to multiple stints on the disabled list throughout the season. Despite the setbacks, Soroka finished his rookie year with a 2-1 record and a 3.51 ERA over five starts. In 2019, he became a standout player, making 29 starts and achieving a 13-4 record with a 2.68 ERA. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the MLB All-Star Game, making him the youngest Atlanta Braves pitcher to receive this honor. He also finished as the runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Breakthrough (2020-2023)
Soroka opened the 2020 season as the Braves’ youngest Opening Day starter in modern history. However, his season was cut short due to a torn Achilles tendon sustained during a game against the New York Mets. This injury led to a long recovery process, during which Soroka faced additional challenges, including a second surgery on his Achilles. After missing the entire 2021 season, he was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett to begin the 2023 season. Soroka made his return to the major leagues on May 29, 2023, after a 1,030-day absence. He celebrated his comeback by winning his first game since September 2019 against the Miami Marlins.
Notable Works and Milestones
Michael Soroka’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including being named an All-Star in 2019 and setting records as one of the youngest pitchers in MLB history. His resilience in overcoming injuries and returning to the field demonstrates his determination and commitment to the sport.
Michael Soroka Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Michael Soroka has received notable nominations, including being a runner-up for the National League Rookie of the Year Award in 2019.
Michael Soroka Awards Won
Michael Soroka was honored as an MLB All-Star in 2019, highlighting his exceptional performance during that season.
Michael Soroka Family
Michael Soroka is the son of Gary and Sally Soroka. He has two half-sisters.
Personal Life
Details about Michael Soroka’s personal life are limited, but he has expressed a desire to be known as “Michael” rather than “Mike” since 2023.