Chicago Cubs: Jorge Soler providing early spark on offense

The Chicago Cubs have given fans great excitement so far this season with their 8-5 record, their best start in years. They’ve spent more days above .500 this season than the past five seasons combined.

While it’s been a team effort to get there, Jorge Soler has been the spark to the 2015 Chicago Cubs season so far.

The young Cuban, who made his debut last season but is still technically a rookie, is showing that he’s the real deal at the plate and in the field. He hits the ball to all fields, has the speed to get the extra base, and has the power to hit the ball out of the park. In the field, he has an arm that players fear running on.

Soler has been one of the most consistent players on the Cubs this season. He currently has an 8 game hitting streak and has reached base safely in 11 of 13 games. His .327 BA and .894 OPS are meeting the lofty expectations set upon him by fans.

Although those numbers are high right now, Soler gives reason to believe he can keep it up. He’s a disciplined hitter who doesn’t chase bad pitches every often so his contact rate could rise as he sees more major league pitching. He gives the Cubs a patient, reliable bat who can hit anywhere from second to fourth in the lineup.

In the field, one play that showcases Soler’s cannon-like arm is Jon Lester overthrowing first base and Soler rushing to the ball and dispatching a runner trying to get to third with a laser beam throw. Since then, runners have been cautious when the ball is hit right field.

Soler is turning into the star the Cubs envisioned when they signed him in 2012 and he could be the first true Cubs mainstay in right field since Sammy Sosa.

Hey, “Slammin’ Soler” has a nice ring to it.

Next: When will the buzz build around Baez again?