Add the Phillies to the list of clubs interested in 19-year-old Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler. Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Phils scouting director Marti Wolever "was extremely impressed" by Soler during a recent workout in the Dominican Republic. Yoenis Cespedes also took part in that workout and while Philadelphia is known to be looking at the high-profile Cespedes as well, Soler would come at a much cheaper price than what Cespedes will command.
Soler, of course, is cheaper because he's still just 19 and at least a few years away from being a Major League player. In addition to the Phillies, the Yankees, Nationals, Cubs, Marlins and Rangers have also shown interest in Soler.
As Brookover notes, "the Phillies have almost never been a team that gets in bidding wars for international players," though this winter's activity will be limited by the $2.9MM cap on international bonuses under the new collective bargaining agreement. Given the impressive scouting reports on Soler (including how he "might have more offensive upside" than Cespedes, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan), one would think a team would've spent more than $2.9MM on Soler alone were it not for the new cap.
19 in Cuba means roughly 23 in America, so it should be an acceptable signing. Better than old man Cespedes anyway.
I honestly don’t understand what people mean when they say that in Cuba he is 19 but in America he is 23? i don’t know much about Cuba besides Castro, and Kendrys Morales..So can someone explain?
Its because so Latin players lie about there age to make teams more interested… Teams would rather sign a 19 year old than a 23 year old with the same skill set.
Nothing to do with the talent in Cuba, whatsoever. See “Miguel Tejada” he lied about his age and recently came out and said he was several years older.
Makes sense as-well
Doubt that. When you sell out every single night, you can get better players. Better teams become more attractive for high profile players as well. I dont see them falling off the face of the earth in the next 5 years. The other teams in the east are gonna have to earn their divisions over the next decade. Money has a big impact on a team. And with the Nats spending 127 million on Jayson Werth, and him hitting .220, and the Phillies still being the most active in the division, I dont get your logic other than seeing that Braves avatar next to your name!