Jorge Soler Targeted by Phillies
Bob Brookover of philly.com is reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies are showing interest in Cuban-defector Jorge Soler. The 19-year-old is expected to hit the free agent market within the next few weeks and has already drawn interest from the Nationals, Cubs, Yankees, Rangers and Marlins.
Soler is often compared to the other big-name free agent expected to come out of Cuba this winter. While Soler is not major league ready like his counterpart Yoennis Cespedes, some say he possesses just as much upside. Soler is also seven years younger than Cespedes, and figures to require significant seasoning in the minor leagues.
Even so, Soler is said to have a plus arm and bat speed, and carries with him the potential to hit for more power than Cespedes. Scouts have predicted that Cespedes could become a 30-30 guy in the majors. Though Soler isn’t expected to hit for as high of an average as Cespedes, some predict that he has the potential to launch 40 bombs a season.
Brookover reports that Phillies scouting director Marti Wolever “was extremely impressed by Soler during a recent workout at the team’s Dominican Republic training facility”. While Soler isn’t expected to command Cespedes money, many believe the outfielder will be receiving offers in the range of Leonys Martin’s three-year, $15.5 million deal.
Brookover points out that the Phillies have never been major players in the international market, but they also never used to have the highest payroll in the National League.
For a club that has traded away so many young pieces over the past few seasons, Brookover thinks “Soler could be worth the high-risk, high-reward gamble”.
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