In a recent analysis conducted by ESPN’s David Schoenfield, exploring some “under the radar” options for the Diamondbacks in the upcoming offseason, power hitter Jorge Soler emerged as a fitting candidate.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!With the need for a primary designated hitter still evident, Soler presents the kind of power that the D-backs have been lacking.
Last season, the Diamondbacks finished 22nd overall in home runs, which they were able to equalize with their speed on the bases, but the long ball is definitely an area of improvement.
At 31 years old, Soler boasts a decade-long career with stints at four different teams. His most recent tenure was with the Miami Marlins over the last two seasons.
Soler’s 36 home runs were enough to get him an invite to his first ever All-Star game, which he attended in Seattle last July.
However, these 36 home runs were not enough—a career high.
Back in 2019, while playing with the Kansas City Royals, Soler led the league with 48 home runs, recorded 117 RBIs, and ended with a.922 OPS.
Although Jorge may not have any 40+ home runs left in his system, he still hits the ball harder than almost anybody in baseball.
In 2023, he finished in the 94th percentile in xSLG and 81st in average exit velocity, according to Statcast.
So it makes sense that Schoenfield would list Soler as a “possible fit” for the Diamondbacks.
