On March 7, Peter Gammons of the MLB Network reported that a scout thought that Cuban free agent outfielder Jorge Soler would sign with the Chicago Cubs for $27 million.
Today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that Soler has been deemed a free agent by the MLB, so he may now begin fielding official offers and may agree to play for a ball club.
Jim Callis of Baseball America said Soler has "explosive bat speed" and could be a "classic right fielder." The 20-year-old prospect has an extremely high ceiling, but is still incredibly raw.
Callis also compared Soler to the Kansas City Royals' hyped prospect Bubba Starling. This comparison is exciting, however, it may be premature.
Many fans may remember the courting of fellow Cuban free agent Yoenis Cespedes and jump for joy that the Cubs may be close to signing a similar free agent. While earlier this season Cespedes did impress many MLB critics and silence some of his doubters, as of late he has not proved worthy of his $36 million contract, batting only .236 with five home runs.
The striking difference between Soler and his fellow Cuban Cespedes is that when Cespedes was signed, he was 26 years old. Soler is only 20 and would have to spend at least one, if not two seasons in the minor leagues before making it as a Chicago Cub.
While many may see this long-term investment as a deal needing to happen, Chicago should hold off on signing Soler. The supposed $27 million deal is hefty and if Soler takes far too long in the minors, or worse flames out, the Cubs will remain with another big contract that does not pay dividends.
Raw ability does garner much attention in the baseball world, however, it often comes with high risk. The Cubs cannot afford to spend $27 million on a prospect that may bat .236 in the majors. If Chicago does sign Soler, Cubs fans should be excited, but they also should know that this is a bold gamble for the franchise.
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