Atlanta Braves interested in Jorge Soler
After a lackluster 2015 campaign, the Atlanta Braves are in dire need to improve what was a dormant offense this past season. With a few pieces to potentially use in a trade, Atlanta’s previously stated interest in Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler has once again become a topic of rumors and discussion.
Looking to add a big bat to their lineup, the Braves have shown their interest in Soler dating back to the trade deadline, when the Cubs were also looking to add to a top-heavy starting rotation that was evidently not deep enough for a championship run. With both teams’ needs still relevant in the offseason, the Cubs may be tempted to listen to discussion regarding their young outfielder.
The primary piece the Braves could put on the table to make these discussions possible is 25-year old right-hander Shelby Miller, who was initially acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals, in a trade that sent Jason Heyward to the Redbirds.
While Miller did not have an aesthetically pleasing record at 6-17, he still managed a stellar 3.02 ERA, striking out 171 over 205.1 innings pitched, and was named an All-Star in the National League. Beyond the likes of Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester, the Cubs’ need for depth in the rotation could very easily be addressed by the potential addition of Shelby Miller.
Even though the possibility is very tempting for the Cubs to explore, the talent and performance they have seen from Soler will make them think twice about any potential deal that moves the 23-year old outfielder.
Soler powered himself to 10 HR and 47 RBI in 101 games with the Cubs in 2015, battling through two injuries. He would further make a statement in the postseason, hitting .474 across seven playoff games, blasting three home runs and nine hits, playing a large role in the Cubs’ victory in the National League Division Series over the Cardinals.
Considering the age and potential future that both players have with their respective franchises, a trade may potentially be ill-advised this offseason, as Soler is still looking to complete his first full MLB season, and Miller is looking to continue what has been a stellar career for him so far, as he has the chance to emerge as Atlanta’s ace of the future.
While the trade makes a tremendous amount of sense based on what each team needs, both the Cubs and the Braves may need Soler and Miller too much respectively to entertain the idea of the transaction.