Giants ‘In Talks’ With Slugger Jorge Soler: Report
It’s been less than two weeks since ex-Miami Marlins slugger Jorge Soler was linked to the Toronto Blue Jays, but with spring training just over a week away, the San Francisco Giants may now be the frontrunners to sign the star outfielder.
“They’ve had talks,” The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser told MLB Network. “That obviously doesn’t guarantee anything. I think Giants fan are getting a little frustrated with the fact that the Giants seem to be runners up for a lot of guys… I really like [Soler] as a potential fit.”
The fans’ frustration is understandable. Last offseason, San Francisco missed out on signing slugger Aaron Judge to the New York Yankees, and then weeks later, the team passed up a record-breaking deal with Carlos Correa due to a concern with his physical. Slusser mentioned ex-Philadelphia Phillies star Rhys Hoskins, who the Giants were talking to before he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers on January 23.
With very few top sluggers still available on the market this winter, the Giants are likely to have some competition to close with Soler, as well.
On January 7, MLB Insider Héctor Gómez reported the Boston Red Sox had been “very aggressive” in talks with Soler, and on January 17, Bleacher Report’s Zach Rymer identified the Blue Jays as the favorites to sign the 31-year-old. The Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks have also been linked to Soler at various points this winter, but since both teams have now acquired other options to suit their needs, they’re unlikely to still be interested.
With the Miami Marlins in 2023, Soler batted .250 with 36 home runs and 75 RBIs. He declined the $13 million player option on his contract at the end of the season, instead opting to reset his value in free agency. While a possible reunion with Miami seemed possible at the start of the winter, Soler told Pelota Cubana USA reporter Yordano Carmona on January 9 that there’s been no further contact with the Marlins during the offseason.
Soler’s Contract Value
On November 17, 2023, NY Post’s Jon Heyman predicted Soler would land a two-year, $36 million contract this winter, putting his AAV at $18 million. Heyman also quoted an MLB expert, who predicted Soler would get a three-year, $42 million deal ($14 million AAV).
Soler’s player option for 2024 with the Marlins, which he declined, was for $13 million, so it can be assumed he’s looking to sign for an AAV higher than that in free agency.
