In an ideal scenario, the New York Yankees would bolster their lineup with another standout batter in 2024. This prospect seems plausible, given recent reports by MLB reporter Francys Romero, who suggests the Seattle Mariners are actively pursuing Jorge Soler from the Miami Marlins. The Yankees have also entered the fray, expressing interest in the 31-year-old outfielder known for his formidable right-handed bat.
For those unfamiliar with Soler, he had an impressive performance last season, playing 137 games and boasting a .250/.341/.512 slash line. His stats included 36 home runs, 75 RBIs, a 24.3% strikeout rate, an 11.4% walk rate, and a 126 wRC+. Notably, Soler has evolved into a superior version of Giancarlo Stanton, with reduced outfield play but stellar defensive metrics from his limited time in the field.
However, the Yankees face challenges in acquiring Soler, primarily due to Stanton’s contract, which poses a financial burden. Despite optimism that the 34-year-old slugger can rebound next season, Stanton’s recent performance has been subpar, hitting .191/.275/.420 with 24 homers and 60 RBIs. Stanton’s decline is a concern, especially as the Yankees are obligated to pay him $98 million over the next few years, with a $10 million buyout in 2028.
Adding to the complexity, Stanton holds a full no-trade clause, necessitating his approval for any potential trade. Convincing him to waive this clause, particularly for a return to Miami, seems unlikely given his substantial financial situation.
While the prospect of acquiring Soler appears challenging at present, the unpredictable nature of the market leaves room for surprises. While dreaming of Soler joining the Yankees might seem like a stretch, stranger things have happened in baseball, as evidenced by the Yankees’ acquisition of Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. While it remains a complicated scenario, the realm of possibilities in the baseball market is known for its unpredictability.