The 'dangerous' Soler would give the Marlins more power

JUPITER, Florida, USA (AP) Miami Marlins manager Don Mattingly said he found Jorge Soler an extra spark on the plate.

“We talked about how the lineup has improved,” Mattingly said. “This gives us another dangerous player in the lineup.”

The Marlins officially announced the hiring of the Cuban for three years and 36 million dollars on Tuesday, ahead of the Grapefruit League match against San Luis. In order to find space for Soler in the 40-player roster, Miami dropped second baseman Isan Diaz.

Puerto Rican Diaz was the only player still with the organization among those who arrived in the Christian Yelich exchange.

Soler's father, mother, wife and children live in Miami, who will now play in a city known for Cuban culture.

“Signing with the Marlins was my first choice,” said the Cuban defector. “My family was happy that I will play for the Marlins. It feels like playing at home.”

Miami will be able to put Soler, MVP of the World Series, in the middle of a lineup that needs power. Only two other teams had fewer home runs than Miami's 158 last season.

“I couldn't be happier on behalf of myself and all the team owners, because we can give a player of that caliber to Donnie and the organization,” said Marlins owner Bruce Sherman.

Part of the reason for the lack of home runs in 2021 can be attributed to Miami playing in a park that favors pitching. But Mattingly doesn't think the pitch will affect Soler, who led the American League with 48 home runs in 2019 playing at home with Kansas City, another favorite park for pitchers.

“Players with that kind of power don't care about the park,” Mattingly acknowledged.

In the middle of last season, the Royals sent Soler to Atlanta, Miami's divisional rival. He hit 14 of his 27 campaign home runs in 55 duels with the Braves.

He had three more in the World Series and led the Braves to their first title since 1995 and to be named Most Valuable Player.

Mattingly didn't enjoy watching Soler shred the National League pitchers with Atlanta.

“But now he's on our side, so it's fun,” Mattingly commented.

After most of his career in right field, Soler will switch to left with the Marlins. He played 53 games for the left with the Cubs in 2016 and seven more the following season, but he hasn't played in that position since.

Soler has an average of .246, with 121 home runs and 343 RBIs in eight seasons throughout his career.