Braves World Series hero finally finds new home after ditching Marlins
It took a while, but the former Braves slugger finally signed a new deal for 2024 and beyond.
When the Atlanta Braves traded for Jorge Soler back in 2021, few thought he would have the impact that he ended up having. Not only did he help solidify the Braves' lineup, but he proved especially valuable in the postseason including dominating in the Fall Classic on his way to winning World Series MVP. Some still don't believe the homer he hit in Game Six has landed yet.
Soler would sadly leave in free agency after that magical run with the Braves and played the last couple of years with the Marlins. His first year in Miami was not great, but he bounced back in 2023 with 36 homers before declining his player option for the 2024 season and hitting the open market yet again.
Despite his prodigious power, lingering concerns about his hit tool and lack of defensive value made it surprisingly difficult for him to find the multi-year deal he was looking for. Several teams including the Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Red Sox all expressed interest in him, but none appeared willing to give him a three year deal. Fortunately for him, the Giants decided to pony up as the two sides have reportedly agreed on a three year, $42 million deal.
Jorge Soler lands with Giants on a three year deal
While it is rather unfortunate that the Braves weren't able to keep Soler and there just wasn't room for him on their 2024 roster with Atlanta committed to Marcell Ozuna, it is nice to see Soler end up getting a nice multi-year deal. The Giants were in desperate need for some more explosiveness in their lineup and probably need more than just Soler to be serious competitors, San Francisco seems to be a nice fit for him.
At $14 million a year, Soler's contract is a nice little raise for him as well. He did make $15 million last year with Miami, but his option for 2024 was for less than that and he had only made eight figures for two seasons of his 10 year career up until now.
Fortunately for the Braves, their lineup is in great shape once again and Soler spurning the cheap Marlins for a west coast team should keep him from causing Atlanta too much grief. At the end of the day, he helped the Braves make history in 2021 and even though he is playing elsewhere, Braves fans should remain grateful for a long time.
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