Former Braves World Series MVP Jorge Soler has inked a three-year, $42 million deal to join the Giants, according to Mike Rodriguez.
The 32-year-old opted out of the final year of his three-year, $36 million contract with the Marlins following a campaign in which he blasted 36 homes with a .250/.341/.512 slash line, good for a 126 wRC+. Moreover, his 11.4% walk rate and 24.3% strikeout rate were the second-best of his career.
The Giants have a need for the former Braves slugger. They’ve struggled to hit the long ball in recent years. Most notably, San Francisco hasn’t had a 30-homer season since 2004 when Barry Bonds put up 45.
Jorge Soler has averaged 32 home runs per 162 games played throughout his career, and Braves fans know as well as any how clutch he can be in the postseason. Of course, with that power comes streakiness, which Atlanta knows too.
Before the trade during the 2021 deadline, he was hitting just .198/.288/.377 in 360 plate appearances with the Royals. He slashed .269/.358/.524 following the change of scenery.
Though he can start in left or right field in a pinch, I’d expect him to be the primary designated hitter for the Giants. Hopefully, the Braves don’t have to see Jorge Soler in October. We don’t want to be on the wrong side of his iconic power.
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