As far as Cuban prospects go, most of the national media’s attention has been on outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. While the slugger has been a spectacle this winter, another intriguing player is also drawing considerable interest; 19-year-old outfielder Jorge Soler. While the Marlins have made Cespedes their focus, reportedly offering him a contract, the Cubs have set their sights on Soler. Beyond the Cubs, the Rangers, Yankees, Nationals, Athletics, Phillies and Marlins have been tied to Soler this offseason.
Nov. 18, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; From left Chicago The Cubs are reportedly focusing their attention on Jorge Soler. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Cubs are turning their attention away from Cespedes and onto Soler. While major league sources have told Frisaro that Chicago is no longer “seriously in the mix” for Cespedes, the Cubs are prepared to make a run at Soler. Frisaro heard from a pair of industry sources that the Cubs are willing to spend up to $27.5 million on Soler.
Originally, analysts expected Soler to command a deal in the range of the $15.5 million the Rangers gave Leonys Martin last May. If the reported numbers are accurate, the Cubs are willing to nearly double Martin’s deal. $27.5 million also wouldn’t put Soler’s contract that far from Miami’s reported offer for Cespedes, which is said to be under the $40 million mark.
While Soler isn’t expected to hit for as high of an average as Cespedes, some believe the teenager could potentially offer more power than his fellow Cuban defector. Soler, who’s yet to be declared a free agent by Major League Baseball, is 6-foot-3 and reportedly has a plus arm and bat speed on top of his great makeup. In December Baseball America said that Soler would have been a top five pick if he were in the 2011 MLB Draft.
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Tags: Chicago Cubs, Jorge Soler, Leonys Martin, Miami Marlins, Yoenis Cespedes
Blaine joined the crew in April of 2011. He covers current news and notes from around the baseball world for Call to the Pen.
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