Chicago Cubs: Where are they now? A look at some former players’ paths

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: (L-R) Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein, former Cubs players Jason Hammel, Jorge Soler, Travis Wood, Joe Maddon
CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: (L-R) Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein, former Cubs players Jason Hammel, Jorge Soler, Travis Wood, Joe Maddon
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JUNE 30: Jorge Soler #12is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring during the 4th inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on June 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – JUNE 30: Jorge Soler #12is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after scoring during the 4th inning of the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium on June 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jorge Soler

The hype around this man was so ridiculous – in a good way. He was the perfect mix of power, discipline and featured a rocket arm. Defecting from Havana, Cuba, the Cubs signed Soler to a reported nine-year deal, worth $30 million. There was, and is, one minor problem. He has a little trouble staying healthy.

Soler earned his first call-up with Chicago in 2014, making an impact in his first at-bat. He crushed a home run against the Reds – sending fans into a frenzy.

Since then? He’s been stagnant and mediocre, to say the least. To say Soler’s career has been underwhelming would be an understatement. Soler was loved by Cubs fans simply because of the majestic blasts he hit, and how young he was. It probably has something to do with how much he destroyed the Cardinals, and his playoff resume. His playoff slash line reads .344/.488/.781, with three dingers.

Along with the the two players listed above, Soler now plays for the Royals. He was traded last offseason for Wade Davis, straight-up. Also, much like the two listed above, his first year has been a struggle.

His slash currently reads .159/.253/.284. Soler was even sent down to Triple-A at one point…in which he proceeded to hit 11 home runs in 111 at-bats, while slashing .324/.453/.667. Could Soler be a AAAA player? Time will tell. One thing is true, Georgie Sunshine has all the potential in the world, and the Royals are going to give him every opportunity to reach it.

Next: Former Cubs hurlers may be targets for team

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