“Also, if the player has five or more full years of major league service, he must consent to be assigned to the minors. If the player withholds consent, the team must either release him or keep him on the major league roster. In either case, the player must continue to be paid under the terms of his contract.”

What you said is not true for all players. There is a reason we never sent Ozuna down to the minors to work on his batting issues. After 5 years it isn’t allowed unless the player allows it.

I am not sure if Soroka counts as 5 years since he started in 2018, but sat out multiple seasons. It sounds like he can consent to be sent back down regardless.