Chicago Cubs: In a crowded outfield, is Soler squeezed out?

The Chicago Cubs are one of the deepest teams in Major League Baseball. But their embarrassment of riches may squeeze someone out of playing time.

It is something that most teams envy. The Chicago Cubs built a team that could win for many years. They are deep and have talent. And, they reinforcements are in the minors. But, now the Cubs may be too deep in the outfield. And that is just with potential starters.

Outfield Depth

Sure, Dexter Fowler is a free agent. And I doubt that he will re-sign with the team next year. While he was an important part of the Cubs’ success, paying Fowler $17+ million per year seems out of character for President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein. Yes, he has handed out two major contracts since arriving, but everything else has been team friendly.

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With Fowler out, a spot opens up for Albert Almora Jr. to fill in center field. While this has been the Cubs plan for many years, he may not be 100% ready to step in full-time. It is possible, even probable, that Jason Heyward would start in center and Almora in right. On the current roster, these would be the only options for center field.

Left field is left to two players, both deserving of daily playing time. Ben Zobrist earned World Series MVP for his offensive support, but he also performed well in left field. His ability to put together quality at-bats and switch hit cement his place in the line-up. He is more than a glorified utility player. He is a starter. But will it be in the outfield or second base?

The story of Kyle Schwarber grew to legendary status with his return to the team for the World Series. While limited to only a designated hitter role, he came up big. He proved to be important enough of a player to the Cubs that they refused to trade him, even if they could get a king’s ransom for him. With his ability to hit, the middle of the Cubs’ lineup is fearsome. However, can he play defense.

Soler flare?

With at least two of the three positions filled regularly and players like Ian Happ, in the minors, where does this leave Jorge Soler? After his 2016 campaign, his time with the Cubs may be extinguished. But, Epstein still thinks there is more to Soler’s ability than we witnessed.

Soler was limited to just 264 plate appearances in 2016 and hit for a .238/.333/.436 split. While the average is a career low for the young outfielder, the on-base percentage is his best. Compared to his 2015 season, one where Soler achieved 404 plate appearances, he hit two more home runs (12 versus 10), one least walk (31 vs. 32), and scored two fewer runs (37 vs. 39) in 2016. There is progress.

However, as we witnessed in the post-season, Soler still swings at pitches that out of the strike zone. Maybe he put extra pressure on himself after a fantastic 2015 playoff showing. Or, maybe it was the lack of playing time that kept him from seeing pitches well. The problem is with a Gold Glove winner, two bats that are musts in the line-up and another young player that showing the ability to produce? Soler maybe relegated to the bench. He needs at-bats.

Trade Bait

Soler was the topic of trade speculation before the mid-season deadline, but the Chicago Cubs kept him. With a team-friendly contract and control until 2020, Epstein and General Manage Jed Hoyer could sell a team on Soler’s value and potential. The team has already declared that there are no untouchables, although we know several are not going anywhere.

In terms of Soler, if given regular playing time, the potential is there to put up 30 home runs every year. That could be appealing to every team in the majors. And, with the depth and talent in the minors, packaging a deal should not be too challenging. For example, if the Cubs wanted a veteran center fielder, sending Soler and Jack Leathersich to the Rockies could bring Charlie Blackmon. Or, maybe Chris Archer from Tampa Bay. Possibly Sean Doolittle from the Oakland Athletics.

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Maybe the team holds on to Soler and sees where they stand come July. However, he may receive few at-bats in a loaded outfield. Making the most of his chances will be key to playing more.