Could the Chicago Cubs have the NL Rookie of the Year in 2015?

JORGE SOLER – OF

Sep 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder

(68) hits an RBI single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Jorge Soler was one of the few to not be forced out of position on his arrival in Chicago. And while his sample was the smallest at 24 games, it was the most successful of the positional players. Soler hit .292, with five home runs and 20 RBIs, while slugging .573. He also added two outfield assists, showing off his arm in right field. So does his experience from playing in Cuba give him an edge? He and Bryant are around the same age, so should we expect similar result from both of them?

One of the biggest differences in Soler from Alcantara and Baez – which makes him similar to Bryant – is his understanding of the strike zone. Soler found himself ahead of the count often. Only 14 times all season did he find himself in an 0-2 count, and carried a .339 average on BABIP (Avg on batted balls in play). Fangraphs Simply put, he worked the count, and gave himself the best chance for contact.

In his short time in Chicago, Soler appeared to be a more complete player than the rest of the rookies. While only 22-years-old, he seemed to have an uncanny knowledge of the strike zone, and didn’t seem to be pressing too hard. But again, in 24 games, he never really had time to “slump”, so the 2015 season will be huge for Soler and the Cubs.

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