Jorge Soler provides much-needed power for Giants

It was an ideal match. 

Talks between the 2 sides started in earnest final week as Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported {that a} contract was being mentioned. That deal got here collectively within the early morning on Tuesday, with Soler signing a three-year deal. Former Cubs broadcaster Mike Rodriguez reported that the deal is value $42M. 

Soler is the kind of energy hitter that the Giants haven’t had in almost twenty years. Barry Bonds was the final participant on the Giants to hit 30 or extra homers, doing so in 2004. 

Jeff Kent was the last right-handed hitter to belt 30+ homers, hitting 37 again in 2002. Uncooked statistics wouldn’t point out that Soler would make that a lot of a distinction. He solely has two 30+ house run seasons. Nevertheless, that lack of manufacturing is extra a matter of damage than efficiency. 

Soler has averaged 32 homers per 162 video games performed, exhibiting that he may be the participant the Giants want. He additionally supplies steadiness to the outfield, a righty hitting choice to steadiness out Michael Conforto and Mike Yastrzemski.

Soler is of venture for the Giants as nicely. He’s a streaky hitter, having weeks of prodigious energy alternating with stretches together with his bat being ice chilly. His well being is questionable as he has appeared in over 100 video games simply 4 occasions in his 10 years within the majors. 

Additionally it is of venture the Giants must take – they should enhance the lineup if they will return to the postseason. Soler does precisely that.