Jorge Soler was the first Cuban change addresses this offseason, being traded to a the Los Angeles Angels, The move took place last October between the Angels and the Atlanta Braves, the team where the slugger closed the 2024 campaign received pitcher Griffin Canning in the exchange for the outfielder.
For Soler, this season wasn’t as successful as the 2023 season where he hit 36 balls out of the park and drove in 75 runs with the Miami Marlins. Such a stellar campaign earned him a contract in February 2024 with the San Francisco Giants for the sum of 42 million dollars over three years.
In 142 games last year, he hit a middling average of .241 with 84 runs scored, 34 doubles, a triple, 21 home runs, 64 RBIs, 68 walks, but struck out a staggering 141 times and posted an OPS of .780. For Soler, the Angels will be his sixth franchise in the big leagues .
He previously saw action with the Chicago Cubs (2014-2016), Kansas City Royals (2017-2021), Atlanta Braves (2021, 2024), Miami Marlins (2022-2023) and San Francisco Giants (2024 ). Over his career he has a participated in the All-Star Game (2023), led the American League in homeruns (2019), won two World Series championship rings (2016, 2021) and was also the MVP of the Fall Classic in 2021.
During his 11-year career on the grand stage he hits .243 with 197 doubles, 191 home runs, 516 RBIs and slashed .331/.464/ .794. In the playoffs the slugger has a slash line of .275/.389/.714/1.089, while also going yard seven times and knocking in 12 runs over that same span.
What are your impressions during first days with the Angels?
I’ve been here for a short time, but so far so good. The [spring in Arizona] complex is very nice.
In Atlanta you were also with Ron Washington, now you have him here.
You really feel more confident because they are coaches and the manager who previously knew you.
What was the difference from the beginning of last year to the end in hitting.
I think things started to come together at the end of the season.
Any differences between San Francisco and Atlanta?
It really didn’t go well in San Francisco. There is no excuse I can make. I simply did better in Atlanta.
What do you think of the Angels’ moves to compete?
I have not been very informed, but what I have been able to see that from above is that they have made good additions. I saw that they added the left-handed pitcher [Yusei Kikuchi] which is a very good thing, Travis d’Arnaud, who I know and he is a very good friend.
Do you feel comfortable playing in the outfield on a regular basis?
I really don’t know how they are going to use me, but I am one hundred percent ready for any decision they make. Wherever they think is best, I will be there.
Have you done anything different this winter in your preparation?
No, the same as always.
How well do you know Yoan Moncada?
I know him on the field. Outside of that we don’t have any relationship, but I know he is a very talented player and I hope he is healthy this year. This is going to help the team a lot.
You are a candidate to be a fourth hitter, do you like that idea?
Whatever the manager says, I will be 100% ready.