Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the Oakland Athletics have a strong interest in 19-year-old Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler. Beyond the Athletics, the Rangers, Yankees, Nationals, Phillies, Marlins and Cubs have all expressed interest in Soler this offseason.
Though Yoennis Cespedes has been the Cuban native that’s garnered the most media attention this offseason, Soler is younger and highly talented himself.
Only 19, Soler is not ready for the majors like Cespedes. Still, Soler is seven years younger than Cespedes and has been deemed more talented than fellow Cuban outfielder Leonys Martin.
Scouts don’t think Soler will be able to sustain as high of a batting average as Cespedes, but the teenager could potentially hit for more power. Some even speculate Soler could reach the forty home run plateau.
The raw potential is there as Soler stands 6-foot-3. Scouts have compared Soler’s body to that of Hanley Ramirez and note that he possesses a plus arm and bat speed. Soler is also described as having a great makeup. Baseball America feels that Soler would have been a top five pick if he was in 2011 MLB Draft.
Because of his level of talent, most expect Soler to command a deal greater than the $15.5 million the Rangers gave Martin this May. Slusser hears the Rangers, Phillies and Yankees may all be willing to go north of $20 million to bring in Soler.
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