Report: San Francisco Giants talking with free agent Jorge Soler

Feb 6, 2024, 9:05 AM | Updated: 10:00 am

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 14: Jorge Soler #12 of the Miami Marlins stands on deck during the first...

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Sacramento Kings Beat Writer

Pitchers and catchers around the MLB will report for the first day of Spring Training next Wednesday (February 14th), but a sluggish free agent market continues to unfold at a snail’s pace.

That’s right–One week from the report date, there is still a bevy of big-name free agents available for the taking as we inch closer to the start of exhibition games.

While the San Francisco Giants have been linked to third baseman Matt Chapman and reigning National League Cy Young award winner Blake Snell, another player has emerged as a target: free-agent slugger and outfielder Jorge Soler.

According to The San Francisco Chronicle‘s Susan Slusser, the Giants have talked with Soler about a deal that would bring him to the Bay Area.

Giants have had discussions with free agent slugger Jorge Soler; here’s why he’d make sense: https://t.co/moNQ9xgeKC via @sfchronicle

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 5, 2024

More on free agent slugger Jorge Soler

It’s no secret that San Francisco has lacked power for quite some time.

The Giants’ most recent 30-home run season belongs to Barry Bonds, who mashed 45 home runs during the 2004 season. Since then, no player has hit more than 29 long balls. Soler might be able to help in that department.

Soler, a 32-year-old outfielder who now spends most of his games in the designated hitter slot, hit 36 home runs and drove in 75 runs while hitting .250 for the Miami Marlins during the 2023 season.

During his ten years in the MLB, Soler has won two World Series championships (2016, 2021) and taken home a World Series MVP trophy after hitting three homers during the 2021 Fall Classic.

In 2023, Soler made his first All-Star team thanks to a red-hot start for the Marlins that saw him hit 23 home runs and drive in 51 RBI before the break.

While Soler’s power has been his calling card during his MLB career (170 home runs), his heavy strikeout rate (24%) could hurt his value on the free agent market.

San Francisco has added to its roster this season in the form of South Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee and backup catcher Tom Murphy, but one more bat is likely needed to round out a roster that lacks some pop after losing Joc Pederson to the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency.

According to FanGraphs, the Giants currently have utilityman Wilmer Flores slotted in at the DH spot. If San Francisco were to bring Soler in, he would likely assume the everyday DH role unless new manager Bob Melvin would rather platoon the right-hander with lefties like Michael Conforto and Mike Yastrzemski.

Soler has other suitors on the market, such as the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets, but the Giants could up their efforts for the slugger if they fall short in the Matt Chapman sweepstakes.

According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, Soler is said to be seeking a multi-year contract in the “north of $13 million” per season.

SF Giants Schedule

Spring Training

February 13-15th – Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training workouts
February TBD – Full squad workouts
Saturday, February 24th – Spring Training opener vs. Chicago Cubs

Regular Season