Is Jorge Soler Good?

Frank Jones

Is Jorge Soler Good

Jorge Soler is a professional baseball player from Cuba who currently plays as a right fielder for the Kansas City Royals in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has been playing in the league since 2014 and has been known for his strong arm, powerful swing, and overall athleticism.

However, despite his reputation, many baseball fans and experts are still debating whether or not Soler is actually a good player.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Soler’s performance and statistics to determine whether he truly deserves to be considered a good player in the MLB.

Offensive Statistics

Soler’s Power and Ability to Hit Home Runs

Jorge Soler is known for his immense power and ability to hit home runs. He has one of the highest exit velocities in the league and is capable of hitting the ball out of any park.

In 2019, Soler hit a career-high 48 home runs, leading the American League in home runs and setting a new franchise record for the Kansas City Royals.

Soler’s Batting Average, on-base Percentage, and Slugging Percentage

While Soler’s power numbers are impressive, his overall offensive numbers are somewhat more mixed. In 2020, he hit just .228 with a .326 on-base percentage and a .443 slugging percentage.

His career batting average is .247, his career on-base percentage is .331, and his career slugging percentage is .473. These numbers are respectable but not necessarily elite.

Comparison of Soler’s Offensive Numbers to Other Players in the League

When compared to other players in the league, Soler’s offensive numbers are solid but not outstanding. In terms of OPS (on-base plus slugging), he ranks around the 60th percentile among qualified hitters since 2019.

His wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) is in the mid-120s, which is very good but not quite elite. In short, Soler is a very good offensive player, but not necessarily one of the best in the league.

Overall, Soler’s offensive statistics are impressive in terms of power, but his overall offensive profile is somewhat mixed. However, he is still a valuable player and a key contributor to any team’s lineup.

Defensive Struggles

Soler’s Defensive Metrics and Advanced Statistics

Jorge Soler’s defensive metrics and advanced statistics show that he is not a strong defensive player. His defensive Runs Saved (DRS) is -8, indicating that he has cost his team eight runs defensively compared to an average player in his position.

His Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) is also negative at -1.8, meaning he is below average in range and defensive abilities.

How Soler’s Defense Affects His Overall Value as a Player

Soler’s defensive struggles affect his overall value as a player. Despite his offensive prowess, his subpar defense detracts from his overall contribution to the team.

As a right fielder, his primary role is to defend his position, and when he struggles defensively, it can lead to runs scored against his team.

Additionally, his lack of range in the outfield can limit his ability to make plays and reduce the team’s chances of winning.

Comparison of Soler’s Defensive Struggles to Other Players in the League

Comparing Soler’s defensive struggles to other players in the league, we see that some players with similar defensive metrics include Yasiel Puig, Nomar Mazara, and Hunter Renfroe.

These players have also struggled with negative DRS and UZR ratings, highlighting the challenge of balancing offensive and defensive abilities.

Other players, like Mookie Betts and Aaron Judge, excel in both offensive and defensive categories and demonstrate the value of being a well-rounded player.

Other Contributions

Examination of Soler’s Baserunning Abilities

Jorge Soler has above-average speed, which allows him to be a threat on the bases. In his career, he has stolen 34 bases and has been caught stealing only 10 times, giving him an impressive 77% success rate.

Additionally, he has shown the ability to take extra bases on hits and fly balls, which can lead to more runs for his team.

How Soler’s Speed and Athleticism Contribute to His Value as a Player

Soler’s speed and athleticism not only make him a threat on the bases but also help him in the outfield. While his defensive metrics may not be great, he has the range and speed to cover a lot of ground in the outfield, which can save runs and extra-base hits.

His speed and athleticism also make him a valuable player in late-game situations, as he can be used as a pinch-runner or defensive replacement.

Comparison of Soler’s Other Contributions to Other Players in the League

When looking at other players in the league, Soler’s baserunning abilities and speed are comparable to players like Michael Brantley, Amed Rosario, and Kyle Tucker.

While his defensive struggles may lower his overall value compared to some of these players, Soler’s offensive production and speed on the bases still make him a valuable player on any team.

Market Value

Soler’s Market Value as a Free Agent

Soler will be a free agent at the end of the 2023 season, and his market value will depend on his performance leading up to that point. If he continues to produce at a high level offensively, his market value could be quite high. However, his defensive struggles may limit his marketability.

Potential Teams That Could Benefit From Signing Soler

There are a number of teams that could benefit from adding Soler to their lineup, particularly those in need of a power bat. Some potential landing spots could include the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, or Texas Rangers.

Comparison of Soler’s Market Value to Other Players in the League

Soler’s market value will ultimately be determined by a number of factors, including his offensive production, defensive abilities, and overall potential.

Compared to other players in the league, Soler may not command as high of a price tag as some of the top free agents due to his defensive struggles.

However, his offensive upside and potential to provide value as a designated hitter or outfielder could make him an attractive option for teams in need of a power bat.

2021 Season Statistics Comparison – Jorge Soler vs. League Average

StatisticJorge SolerLeague Average
Batting Average.223.246
On-Base Percentage.311.319
Slugging Percentage.485.417
Home Runs4823
RBIs11777
Walks6949
Strikeouts163131
Stolen Bases28
Defensive Runs Saved-60
Ultimate Zone Rating-2.60

This table compares Jorge Soler’s 2021 season statistics to the league average for each category. It includes offensive statistics like batting average, on-base percentage, and home runs, as well as defensive metrics like defensive runs saved and ultimate zone rating.

This table provides an easy-to-read comparison of Soler’s performance to the league average, which can help contextualize his overall value as a player.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Jorge Soler won any awards during his career?

Yes, Jorge Soler won the World Series MVP award in 2021. He also won the American League Player of the Week award in September 2019.

What is Soler’s contract situation with the Kansas City Royals?

Jorge Soler became a free agent after the 2021 season, and he is currently not signed to a contract with any team.

How does Soler’s power compare to other players in the league?

Jorge Soler’s power is highly regarded, and he is one of the most prolific homes run hitters in the league. His 48 home runs in 2019 led the American League.

Has Soler always been a right fielder, or has he played other positions? 

Jorge Soler has primarily played right field during his career, but he has also played some games in left field and designated hitter.

What is Soler’s background before joining Major League Baseball?

Jorge Soler is originally from Cuba and played for the Cuban national team before defecting to the United States in 2011. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2012 and made his MLB debut in 2014.

To Recap

Jorge Soler is a talented and powerful hitter who has shown the ability to hit home runs and drive in runs at a high level. While he has struggled with his defense and baserunning at times, his offensive production and potential make him a valuable asset to any team.

As a free agent, Soler’s market value will depend on a variety of factors, including his offensive performance, defensive improvements, and demand from potential suitors.

Overall, Soler’s potential as a top-tier offensive contributor makes him an intriguing player to watch and a potential impact player for any team that signs him.

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