Interviews are sometimes planned… and other times they just happen. This one took place at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, where the Rays are playing their home games while Tropicana Field remains closed following the hurricane. There, the colleague Yordano Carmona spoke with Jorge Soler, a slugger who has made the home run his calling card.
At the time, he had just swatted his 194th homerun in the Major Leagues, tying Yasmani Grandal for eighth all-time amongst Cubans. A day later, he tied Minnie Miñoso with 195. He spoke with complete sincerity about that—and what it means to climb the ranks among legends.
Soler told us how he’s changed his physique to stay competitive, how he’s dealt with the constant moves between teams, and what his goals are for the 2025 season. And yes, he also spoke about Mike Trout. What it means to bat next to him in the lineup, the responsibility of protecting such a player, and what it means to share the field with one of the greats of this era.
You look good physically. How are you feeling about the start of the season?
So far, everything has gone very well this season. We’ve been playing tremendous baseball. Physically, I trained very hard during the offseason, and that’s why I feel very good, thank God.
You have 194 career home runs, one away from tying Minnie Miñoso, how does that make you feel?
That makes me feel very good. First of all, thank God and my family, who have always supported me. Coming from where I come from, from Cuba, and being able to come here to play baseball and hit that many home runs is incredible.
Do you focus on numbers or on goals and do you count your homeruns?
Now I know I’m a few short of 200, but I’m really not counting them, though.
You’ve batted first, second, and now you’re back in the fourth spot.Which do you prefer?
I like to hit further up in the lineup, but wherever the team puts me, I’ll be available to do my job. Wherever they think is best for the team, I’ll be there, trying to do my best.
You have the responsibility of protecting a hitter like Mike Trout in the lineup. Explain the importance?
I think it’s the biggest responsibility I’ve had in my career. Hitting behind him isn’t easy, but we’re mentally prepared for it, and I feel ready.
What does it mean to you to play alongside him?
It’s an incredible experience. At first, when I arrived here, I thought it would be difficult for me to communicate with him, but so far everything has gone very well. He’s a great person.
From Miami to San Francisco, then Atlanta, and now Anaheim. How does changing teams affect you?
Changes are actually a bit difficult. Like everything in life, when you’re traded to another place, it’s a new experience. But in the end, you have to take it with a positive mindset, and I think those changes have been for the best. Since I arrived here, I’ve felt at home.
Aside from being healthy, is there anything specific you’re looking to do in 2025?
I don’t have any numbers in mind, just to be healthy. If I stay healthy all season, the numbers will come.