Chicago Cubs: Checking in on former outfielder Jorge Soler

Since leaving the Chicago Cubs after the 2016 campaign, slugger Jorge Soler has found himself as a mainstay for a rebuilding Kansas City Royals ball club.

After three successful seasons in Chicago from 2014-2016, Jorge Soler seemed to be another up and coming star for the young team. Ranked one of the top outfield prospects heading into the 2015 season, the Chicago Cubs seemingly had a good one in the massive Cuban slugger.

Highlighted by a .344 postseason average with the Cubs along with the nickname “Soler Power,” the outfielder undoubtedly made his mark. However, after the team’s World Series championship run in 2016, the team was in need of a closer with Aroldis Chapman heading back to the Yankees in free agency. With a crowded outfield picture, Soler became the odd man out and the Cubs sent him to Kansas City for Wade Davis.

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Nearing the midway point in the 2019 season, the former top prospect has found his footing with the Kansas City Royals. Soler was known for hitting big home runs in his time with the Cubs, and he is earning the same reputation in Kansas City. He has currently slugged 21 home runs so far this season, good for 4th in the American League. Along with the home runs, he has driven in 53, ranking 5th in the American League.

Battling injuries in 2017 and 2018, this is really the former Cubs’ first full season to show his stuff for his new team. On a Royals club that finds itself out of contention already, finding long-term building blocks to form the team around is their priority.

With the way he has performed this season, Soler has brought a great deal of value to the team. He has obliterated his previous single-season home run total (10) – by blasting 21 long-balls to date and has already driven in 53 runs on the year.

At 27 years old, he has earned his right to be a big part of the rebuild. However, he has also generated a lot of trade talk, if the Royals want to ship him to a contender and get a decent haul back. Either way, he undoubtedly will have an impact on the future in Kansas City.

It’s always great to see former Chicago players shine on their new teams. Sure, it would be ideal to see them doing big things still in a Cubs uniform, but sometimes there just isn’t room. Often times it takes a change of scenery for players to unlock their potential, and we have seen that in a few instances.

Along with Soler, Tommy La Stella has reaped the benefits of playing for a new team – heading into this week’s final All-Star voting leading at second base in the American League. Getting a chance to play every day and play a consistent role in their team’s lineups have really helped them tap into their full potential as players.

Looking at this Cubs team right now, I think there’s no question they could benefit from some help at second base and in the outfield. However, sometimes it’s best to do right by the player, and that’s what the Cubs have done.

I, for one, miss having Soler in the lineup, as he brought another level of excitement to the team, but I am so happy to see him shining for the Royals. With the way he’s been hitting bombs, it would be awesome to see him get a shot at the Home Run Derby.