Most clubs are set to welcome pitchers and catchers this weekend, but Jorge Soler has still not been officially declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. However, this hasn’t caused interest in the Cuban teenager to wane a bit. As of yesterday, the Yankees and Phillies were reportedly seriously pursuing Soler, while the Blue Jays, Orioles, Cubs, Red Sox, White Sox and Indians were also expressing interest in the outfielder.
When the week began the Cubs were listed as the favorite to land Soler. The Yankees and Phillies jumped into the mix, and their interest has been characterized as serious. Other teams continue to check in on the 19-year-old, who continues to work out in the Dominican Republic.
While the Yankees have reportedly been one of Soler’s most vigorous suitors, Jorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN doesn’t get the feeling that New York will ink the Cuban defector. Yesterday morning Arangure tweeted that while he wasn’t definitely saying the Yankees won’t sign Soler, he doesn’t see it happening if the prospect’s price tag reaches the $25 million range.
While this figure may seem ridiculous to some, it’s been reported that the Cubs have said they’d go as high as $27.5 million for Soler. With as many teams as there are expressing interest in the teenager, it’s hard to say where the bidding will ultimately end.
The Indians are one of the newest clubs to join the Soler sweepstakes. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Indians have worked out Soler “several times” at their baseball academy in the DR.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. offered the last bit of Soler news yesterday. In speaking with Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia inquirer, Amaro confirmed that Phillies scouts have watched Soler and like what they see. Brookover added that Philadelphia is “definitely a serious player in the Jorge Soler sweepstakes”.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.