What can we expect from Chicago Cubs youngsters in 2015?

Aug 27, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler (68) hits a solo home off Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher

(not pictured) in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Soler – #68 – Outfield

Answering the call to the big leagues in a big way, Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler, who was often overshadowed by the likes of Baez when working his way up through the system, clubbed a home run in his first big league at-bat – setting the tone for the remainder of the season, when he was one of the most consistent, productive bats in the lineup on a daily basis.

Although he appeared in just 24 games after being called up on Aug. 27 against the Cincinnati Reds, Soler put together a very impressive month-plus for Chicago, batting .292/.330/.573 with five home runs and 20 RBI to go along with his eight two-baggers. Heading into 2015, he appears to be a near-lock to man right field for the Cubs – which is hardly a surprise.

Prior to his call-up to The Show last season, Soler spent time with the Cubs’ Rookie, Double-A and Triple-A affiliates, and to say he was effective would be a vast understatement. The 22-year-old slugger was an offensive terror with the Tennessee Smokies across 22 games, batting an unthinkable .415/.494/.862 with six home runs and 22 RBI, which quickly earned him a promotion to Iowa, where he was still impressive, hitting eight homers and driving in 29 runs in 32 games, during which he slugged .618.

While he likely won’t put up that kind of production in his first full season in Chicago, it’s already abundantly clear that Soler is one of the premier young outfielders in the game today. Projections for next season have him slated for a .266/.326/.466 mark, with that slugging percentage trailing only first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who is projected at 31 home runs and a .501 slugging percentage in 2015.

A healthy, productive Soler will be one of the biggest keys to the Cubs’ success in 2015. If he can continue to get on base and drive the ball into the gaps, the outfielder, coupled with Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo, will form a formidable heart of the order.