Kansas City Royals still believe in Jorge Soler
The Kansas City Royals thought they had a long term solution in right with Jorge Soler. They still believe they are correct in that assessment.
It is easy to classify the Kansas City Royals trade of Wade Davis to the Chicago Cubs for Jorge Soler as a disaster. Davis continued to be his dominant self, posting a 2.30 ERA and a 1.142 WHiP, striking out 79 batters in 58.2 innings while recording 32 saves. Meanwhile, the Royals had difficulties in closing out ballgames in 2017, with their bullpen issues helping to accelerate their drop down the standings.
Had Soler produced at a relatively solid level in the majors, one could look at the trade with a much less critical eye. Instead, Soler struggled mightily at the major league level, with a .144/.245/.258 batting line and only two homers in 110 plate appearances. He hit well in AAA, producing a .267/.388/.564 batting line with 23 homers, but the Royals front office had to wonder if he would be able to hit major league pitching.
Soler had those same doubts. He had thought his time in the majors had ended when he was sent down after a dismal May last year, knowing he had an awful season. Seeking to avoid a repeat performance, he has been working with Dodgers international scout Mike Tosar to fix his swing, and his mental approach at the plate.
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Tosar has had success working with players before. In the previous offseason, he had worked with Yonder Alonso, transforming the light hitting first baseman into more of a power threat, his 28 homers in 2017 easily a career best. The Royals, and Soler, hope that the same transformation can take place with the talented outfielder.
The rebuilding Royals will need Soler to break out next season. At this point, Soler could well end up as the Royals primary designated hitter or right fielder, should they move Jorge Bonifacio to center. Of course, these plans are entirely contingent on whether or not those changes made to Soler’s swing stick with him.
The Royals still have a chance to ‘win’ this trade. Davis was great with the Cubs, but he departed as a free agent, landing a three year contract worth $52 million. Kansas City has a potential long term building block, if Soler can get his offense back on track. At this point, that is a big if.
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Jorge Soler is still considered a big part of the Kansas City Royals future. Spring Training will tell if that remains the case.