Kansas City Royals: Jorge Soler could be first home run king

With Mike Trout done for the year, Jorge Soler may be on the verge of another first in Kansas City Royals history.

Jorge Soler has already made history for the Kansas City Royals. Not only did he become the Royals’ single season home run leader, surpassing the 38 homers hit by Mike Moustakas two seasons ago, but he also became the first player in franchise history to hit 40 homers in a season.

Soler may not be done adding to his list of firsts for the Royals. Entering action on Sunday, Soler ha hit 44 homers this season, trailing only Mike Trout in the American League. He was also seven homers ahead of third place, shared by Nelson Cruz and Gleyber Torres.

However, with two weeks left in the season, Soler may be on the cusp of becoming the first player in Royals history to lead the league in homers. Trout has been shut down for the rest of the year, as he is set to undergo surgery to remove the neuroma in his right foot.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

While Trout has been sidelined, Soler has been on a power surge. In 12 September contests, Soler has belted six homers while producing a .283/.353/.696 batting line. He has not slowed down since taking over the Royals single season record, and could even have an outside chance at reaching the 50 home run plateau.

For now, first things are first. Soler has one more home run to go to even tie Trout for the AL lead. While that is seemingly inevitable, slumps can happen at any time. Soler also had a ten game stretch in the middle of August where he failed to homer, his longest stretch of 2019.

Barring a complete power outage, or an incredible surge from either Cruz or Torres, Soler should become the first Royals player to lead the league in home runs. He has become a valued building block, a true middle of the order bat that can make a difference.

Jorge Soler may be ready to make history for the Kansas City Royals, as he is on the cusp of becoming the first player in franchise history to lead the American League in home runs in a single season.