Kris Bryant tops Fangraphs’ list of 2015 Cubs’ top rookies

Sep 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler hits a single against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jorge Soler, OF

In the past several seasons, Soler has oftentimes been overshadowed by the exploits of Javier Baez and, more recently, Kris Bryant. However, after heading into the 2014 season ranked as the 41st-best prospect in all of baseball by Baseball America, the 22-year-old put it all together at both the minor league and big league level, providing consistent offensive production in a Cubs lineup that was sporadic all season long.

"In Bryant, Russell, and Soler, the Cubs have a striking collection of prospects who offer not just substantial future, but also compelling present, value. According to Steamer’s computer math, the Cubs could extract nearly eight wins from that triumvirate over a full major-league season in 2015 — more than half, that figure, than the WAR total produced collectively by the club’s batters in 2014."

Soler began the year with the Rookie-Level club, appearing in eight games before making the jump to Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. In 62 games between the three levels, the athletic outfielder did it all at the plate, batting .340/.432/.700 with 15 home runs, 23 doubles and 57 RBIs. Once he was promoted to Chicago, he picked up right where he left off while manning right field for the Cubs.

In 97 plate appearances, Soler batted .292/.330/.573, hitting five home runs and driving in 20 runs. He regularly came up with big hits for the team and Ricky Renteria will be counting on his young corner outfielder heavily heading into the 2015 season, when he will likely have to make adjustments as pitchers become more familiar with him.