The Astros, Cubs, Pirates, Indians, Red Sox, Phillies, Yankees and Blue Jays appear to have some interest in Jorge Soler, while the Marlins and Mets are not pursuing him. The Cuban outfield prospect must sign by July 2nd if he aims to avoid spending restrictions imposed under baseball’s new collective bargaining agreement. Here’s the latest:
- Angels GM Jerry Dipoto confirmed to Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times that they "won't be a player" for Soler (Twitter link). "I don't know who his agent is. Tells you how involved we are," added Dipoto.
- The next round of bids for Soler are due this weekend, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). The Cubs, Yankees, Braves and Dodgers have been the most aggressive teams so far, Olney reports.
- Ben Badler of Baseball America reports that Soler may be trying to establish his residency paperwork through Haiti, instead of the Dominican Republic, where he has been living and working out. Some agents say they would never consider trying to establish a Cuban player's residency through Haiti, which is not known for accurate record keeping.
- However, Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com hears that MLB verified Soler's residency in Haiti before granting him free agency (Twitter link). It's not an issue, according to Crasnick's source.
Mike Axisa contributed to this post.
I am extremely shocked that the Braves are pursuing Soler, but I am thrilled that they are. He could be the minor league impact bat that they have been looking for.
Me too but they are gonna have tons of money free at the end of the season and depending on what Bourn does this could be interesting. Hopefully we resign Bourn and sign this kid. An OF of Soler – LF, Bourn – CF, Heyward – RF would be pretty sweet.
The Braves have a lot of money coming off of the books. However, not only Bourn is a free agent after this season but Prado and McCann are free agents after next season. I don’t see Bourn resigning with the Braves but Prado and McCann’s contracts definitely need to be extended.
Yeah I see Bourn in Washington actually.
I sure hope not.
Disagree with you about McCann’s extension being “definitely needed”. I like McCann a lot, but I think it really depends a lot about the numbers. If he wants a $90-100M deal, then sayanora. If we can work it into the budget while making him a deal according to the market, then sure. But, you’ve got to wonder what the FO is thinking when they have Bethancourt as one of the top prospects, not including Gattis – who doesn’t project to be MLB C – and drafting 2 catchers in the first 6 rounds of the 2012 Draft. I thought we were kiddie pool shallow in the OF, yet they’re taking catchers. Guess catchers are the richest commodity in baseball.
Soler is still a couple years away but that outfield would look nice.
I’m surprised the Red Sox aren’t going more aggressively after him. They really should throw their wallet around at him because this is the last time they’ll be able to do so for an international free agent.
and you all thought the dodgers didnt even have a chance. new ownership ftw. the fact we’re involved is great. if we win, sweet
go dodgers… would be great to see them sign this guy…..
Waiting for the inevitable Mystery Team X to get involved…
Cash, all I can say is go get this guy. You won’t regret it. Definitely a big boost to the Farm system
The is a Cubs win from the start. He ism comfortable with the Cubs and will sign pretty soon unless the Dodgers pay him 1trillion for 3 years.
Soler would be a pretty solid signing. I know the kid still has a few years to go but the Braves have a history of moving guys swiftly through their farm system.
I’m shocked at the fact that the dodgers are involved, Go blue!!!!
Not shocked at all. An obvious long-term need in LF and finally, money to spend.
Hey Jerry, Soler’s agent is Barry Praver, #9 on the list of agents that rip off teams the most according to Forbes. Praver also handles Willy Tavares and Carlos Zambrano.
We will never know what teams are really trying to sign Jorge Soler. The Angels were never after Albert Pujols and they sign him.
Go get him Astros. This is your last chance to spend big on the farm before the new rules kick in that favor the big market teams. Help smooth over the AL move and make a splash!
The Dodgers should get a tax credit for spending on Soler.