One of the Toronto Blue Jays biggest needs this offseason is power bats. Last season was for sure disappointing for fans who expected the power bats we have been used to in recent years. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s bat taking a step back again this past season, the Jays should look to acquire another big bat this offseason. A player who fits that need is All-Star designated hitter, Jorge Soler.
In 137 games with the Miami Marlins last season Soler hit 36 home runs, which would have led the Blue Jays. Soler has been in the league since 2014 but didn’t really break out until 2019 with the Royals where he hit a career-high 48 homeruns. Although he has had some years where he didn’t hit as many, I think he is still a power bat that could prove important to a struggling Blue Jays offense.
Another thing that the Blue Jays struggled with last season was getting that clutch hit, especially with runners on base. Having a homerun hitter like Soler to slot in the lineup between Bichette and Guerrero Jr. can help prevent runners from being stranded on base. Soler is also a reputable postseason hitter. He won World Series MVP with the Braves in 2021 by slugging 3 home runs and 6 hits including this huge one in game 6 against the Astros:
Soler will not be a player that comes at a cheap price. In the last 2 years with Miami, he made 25 million (12.5 AAV). He is likely to receive the same or possibly more than those past years depending on teams needs and willingness to pay this offseason. He would also fit pretty well into the Blue Jays budget if they could get him at a similar price to what he’s at now.
Overall I think that Soler could be a really good fit with this Toronto Blue Jays team’s needs and budget. He could be a big power bat that the Blue Jays need to make a deep playoff push.