Jorge Soler Rumors: Insider lists 2 teams most likely to land star hitter
Free agent outfielder Jorge Soler is another sought-after hitter available on the market, and recently some teams have reportedly shown interest in his services. After having an impressive season with the Miami Marlins last season, he opted out of his final-year, $9 million contract to test free agency.
According to MLB Insider Hector Gomez, the Toronto Blue Jays are willing to give Soler a multi-year deal. The New York Mets are also taking an active interest in his service, while per Gomez, it seems like the Red Sox will once again lose out on another All-Star acquisition.
Previously, Gomez reported that the Red Sox were the frontrunners to land Jorge Soler. However, with the new update, it seems like the Blue Jays are now leading the sweepstakes.
It remains to be seen which jersey the outfielder dons in the 2024 season.
Jorge Soler's fit with the Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays going after blue-chip free agents isn't something new this offseason, as they previously went all in to get two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani, who eventually signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
With Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto no longer available, the Blue Jays' additions have been confined to more defensive-oriented signings like Kevin Kiermaier and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, rather than any significant enhancements to what was arguably a lackluster lineup in 2023.
If Soler lands in Toronto, fans can expect him to take up the DH spot, and on rare occasions play left field. In the last couple of seasons, Soler has made only 89 outfield appearances. Public defensive metrics have never enjoyed Soler's work in right field, but he has been slightly more comfortable in his 875 career innings as a left fielder.
Last season, Soler slashed .250/.341/.512 with 36 home runs in 580 plate appearances for Miami, resulting in a 126 wRC+.