Report: Cubs Set To Add Cuban Outfielder Jorge Soler

Published: 13^th Feb 12 9:20 pm

Randy Holt
NHL Network Manager

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Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Though the reports are still few and far between, it looks like the Cubs have grabbed the last major prize out of Cuba off of the free agent market, at least unofficially.

After Monday’s early news that the Oakland A’s had jumped out of nowhere to sign Yoenis Cespedes, Jorge Soler was the only one of the three biggest Cuban players to make the move to the Major Leagues.

The Cubs had already signed one of the three, and the only pitcher, in 18-year-old Gerardo Concepcion. Now it looks like they’re set to add Soler to the mix as well.

The reports aren’t entirely clear yet, but it looks like the Cubs will sign Soler for three or four years, to the tune of $27.5 million. He’s not expected to play any higher than Single A ball this season, though it’s not likely to take too long before we’re hearing about this kid making the move to the bigs.

Soler is listed as a centerfielder right now, but is expected to make the move to one of the corners as he develops in the minors. He’s got a big bat and a strong arm, though he needs work on making regular contact and with his patience at the plate. He’s a big kid though, listed at 6’3″ and 200 lbs currently.

Assuming this is true, and the Cubs will eventually sign Soler, it should be seen as a major victory for the franchise. They grabbed two of the three biggest talents coming out of Cuba, and managed to sign the two youngest, without overpaying for Cespedes. With the 19-year-old Soler, they get a kid who will likely be Major League-ready by the time they’re ready to contend for a title.

There are still issues to be worked out, especially given the fact that Soler has yet to be announced as a free agent by Major League Baseball. Once that approval comes, it should only be a matter of time.

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