Last offseason, the Boston Red Sox missed out on several right-handed outfielders who could have balanced their lineup, including slugger Jorge Soler. Soler eventually signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the San Francisco Giants just before spring training. However, his stint with the Giants was brief, and he was traded back to the Atlanta Braves, one of his former teams, before the trade deadline.
Bleacher Report recently identified Soler as a prime trade candidate for the Braves ahead of the 2025 season. With Atlanta picking up Marcell Ozuna’s option and expecting Ronald Acuña Jr. to return early next season after his ACL recovery, the Braves may no longer have room for Soler, especially in the designated hitter role.
While Bleacher Report listed the Red Sox as a potential landing spot for Soler, the fit doesn’t seem ideal. Boston, despite needing more right-handed power, already has a crowded outfield and an established designated hitter in Masataka Yoshida. Although Yoshida, who underwent shoulder surgery in early October, could be traded along with some left-handed outfielders, Soler wouldn’t be an upgrade defensively. In 2024, Soler posted -7 outs above average in just 46 outfield appearances. His defense, especially in Fenway Park’s challenging right field, pales in comparison to Wilyer Abreu, who handled it with ease.
Offensively, Soler didn’t perform as expected in 2024, slashing .241/.338/.442 with a .780 OPS and 21 home runs between the Giants and Braves. Although his power would suit Fenway if he found his home run form again, his overall numbers were a step down from the 36 homers he hit with the Marlins in 2023. Given Boston’s current roster and needs, Soler doesn’t seem like a strong fit for the Red Sox in 2025.
Leave a Reply