The San Francisco Giants have reportedly inked a three-year pact with powerful slugger Jorge Soler, reportedly valued at $42 million. After opting out of a $13 million deal with the Marlins, Soler signed a longer-term deal with a higher annual value. It’s a savvy move for the power-needy Giants, who haven’t had a 30-plus HR season from a hitter since Barry Bonds slugged 45 back in 2004.
Soler emerged as one of the marquee hitters available in this year’s free agent pool, boasting a proven track record. His crowning achievement came in 2019 when he led the American League with a jaw-dropping 48 homers while playing for the Royals. In 2021, Soler was traded midseason to the Braves and proved to be invaluable during their World Series run. In the clinching game, Soler demolished a tie-breaking, three-run homer at Minute Maid Park. He was named World Series MVP after slugging three HR in the series against the Astros.
The Giants are banking on Soler to inject some much-needed power into their lineup, having finished 27th in slugging percentage (.383) last season. Of course, with Soler, there’s always a trade-off between power and strikeouts. During his 2019 breakout, he also led the league in strikeouts. But, the Giants can live with that. He was named an All-Star for the first time last season, as he notched 23 HR during the first half of the year.
This signing comes on the heels of their earlier acquisition of Korean sensation outfielder Jung Hoo Lee, who was secured with a hefty six-year, $113 million deal in December. The Giants are clearly showing a willingness to spend money to improve their roster.
We’ve seen other teams be a bit timid in terms of free agency. However, a franchise as decorated as the Giants can often feel pressure to improve quickly. Especially considering they’re competing in a division with the defending National League pennant winners (Diamondbacks) and a perennial powerhouse (Dodgers). The Giants have finished third or worse in the NL West in six of the last seven seasons (the one exception being a stunning 107-win campaign in ’21). This move might not make them the favorites out West, but the Giants will field a considerably improved roster in ’24.
