Kansas City Royals: Would Royals consider trading Jorge Soler?

The Kansas City Royals are in full rebuild mode. Could that mean they decide to trade outfielder Jorge Soler over the offseason?

Two offseasons ago, the Kansas City Royals had some tough decisions to make regarding their impending free agents. Those players still had a year left with the team, but some players could bring in prospects that could held with the eventual rebuild, which was going to take place after those fan favorites left in free agency.

Wade Davis was one of the unlucky ones (or lucky, depending on how you look at it) who was flipped in a trade. The Royals sent Davis, one of the best closers in Royals history, to the Cubs in exchange for outfielder Jorge Soler.

During his tenure in Chicago, Soler hit for .258 with 27 home runs and 98 RBI in three years and 682 at bats. He was very injury prone during his time with the Cubs and didn’t see a ton of action despite being such a young talent.

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Soler was a much better fit in the American League, as he wasn’t great defensively with Chicago. The Royals probably saw him as a future option to slot in at designated hitter most days, but for his first two seasons, he was actually used predominantly in right field.

In year one of Soler’s tenure as a Royal, he was disappointing, batting just .144 and struggling to find playing time. Once then-rookie Jorge Bonifacio got called up to the major leagues, he performed well in right field and that kept Soler off the diamond for most of the season.

In year two, however, Soler was out to prove himself. He showed he could hit, slashing .265/.354/.466 with nine home runs and 28 RBI in 223 at bats. The issue with Soler in 2018, however, was that he got injured in late June and missed the duration of the season. It was a disappointing end to what seemed to be a promising year for Soler.

With the Royals being in full rebuild mode, could Soler be a trade candidate this offseason? He had a respectable 2018 season and has two more years left on his contract. He’ll be 27 years old when the 2019 season starts and it’d be crazy to think that a team wouldn’t be interested in adding a young, talented power hitter to their lineup, especially if they’re planning on being a legitimate playoff contender.

Bonifacio might not have had a good 2018 season, but he appears to be the Royals’ future plan in right field. Soler isn’t great defensively, which limits what the Royals can do with him. They could use him as the designated hitter, but he appeared as the DH in just nine games last year. Then again, he was forced to spend more time in right field due to Bonifacio’s suspension in the first half of the year.

With Soler still being under club control for two years and still being in his prime, teams might bite on trading for him. The Kansas City Royals might not get back as much as they’d like, considering Soler’s injury history over the years, but even a prospect or two could be vital in building for the future.

By the time the Royals are seriously ready to contend again, Soler’s contract will be about up anyway. Wouldn’t it make sense to trade him now and get something to help this team in the next few years?

What do you think about the Kansas City Royals potentially trading Jorge Soler?

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