Report: Red Sox are pursuing Jorge Soler
The Boston Red Sox lost out on Teoscar Hernandez earlier this week, signing with the Dodgers. The Red Sox are still in the market for a right-handed power bat. Players like Justin Turner and Adam Duvall who played for the Red Sox last season are still available. However, Jorge Soler is still on the board and the Red Sox have reportedly shifted gears into acquiring the former World Series MVP.
Who is Jorge Soler?
Soler is a 31-year-old left fielder but suited more as a designated hitter. At 6-foot-4, 235 pounds, out of Cuba, Jorge Soler has been one of the best pure power hitters in the league when healthy. Think of Giancarlo Stanton-lite when thinking of Soler.
Last season with the Marlins, Soler clubbed 36 home runs with 75 RBIs, receiving his first All-Star selection. While there’s a swing-and-miss in his game–having a 27.6 percent whiff rat, which is better than superstars like Bryce Harper–when Soler makes contact, he barrels baseballs and hits them hard. He placed in the 91st percentile in barrel rate, 94th in xwOBA and xSLG, and in the 81st in exit velocity, according to Baseball Savant.
Debuting in 2014 for the Cubs, even being a part of the World Series winner in 2016. It took Soler six years to have a season with over 100 games played with 2019 being his most productive season, hitting .265 with a league-leading 48 homers and 117 RBIs, appearing in every game. He also led the league with 178 strikeouts.
Since then, Soler was traded to the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves in 2021. In the World Series, Jorge Soler channeled his inner Hank Aaron by batting .300, three home runs and six RBIs across the six-game series.
Most recently, he played the past two seasons with the Miami Marlins and opted out of the final year of a three-year, $36 million deal.
Soler Would Mash in Boston:
Jorge Soler would mash in Fenway Park. Seeing his power firsthand in a game in 2018, this guy could hit 35-plus home runs with half a season played in Boston. The Green Monster in left will do great for him with his offensive numbers, after seeing his two seasons overlayed onto Fenway Park. The Red Sox need Soler.
The Red Sox are in desperate need of a legit 25-plus homer-type hitter from the right side. Soler looks to be a far more realistic option with the front office’s offseason philosophy this year, with players like Trevor Story and Tyler O’Neill are question marks in terms of production at the moment.
Acquiring someone with Soler’s abilities will complement Rafael Devers in Boston’s lineup; the most important thing for this offense to improve on is the homerun ball. Yes, Duvall and Turner may be viable options, but I believe both of them may sign with contending teams or get better offers.
Spotrac has Soler’s value at $13.9 million, a deal similar to his Marlins contract in terms of years and options may get the job done; teams like the Blue Jays, Mets and Diamondbacks have also been linked to Soler throughout the offseason.
Interest Kings Strike Again?
Boston has been the “interest” king of the last two offseasons. I am praying they can get Soler, the home runs he will hit in Boston would be absolute cinema. I don’t care how many times he strikes out, his kind of home run potential will have him play every day.
Boston is seemingly looking for a trade to be made to improve the roster, especially a starter. Signing Jorge Soler should be your top priority on the free agent side then.
Don’t screw this up!
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