Robert Murray of Fansided recently reported that the New York Mets have shown interest in designated hitter Jorge Soler. On Thursday night, Héctor Gómez of Z101 Digital reported that the Mets are showing heavy interest in Soler. Gómez notes that the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Boston Red Sox are involved, too, with the latter being the frontrunner. Soler is seeking a contract of at least three years guaranteed.
Soler, 31, had a big season in 2023 when he hit 36 home runs and posted a 128 OPS+ in 137 games for the Miami Marlins. He was an All-Star for the first time in his 10-year big league career. Given the level of his defensive skills, Soler played 102 of those games last season as the designated hitter and only 32 games in right field. It was a bounce-back season for Soler after he posted only a 96 OPS+ and hit just 13 home runs for the Marlins during the 2022 season.
Soler’s best season came in 2019 with the Kansas City Royals when he led the league with 48 home runs, knocked in 111 runs, and finished 21st in MVP voting. He was the 2021 World Series MVP after hitting three home runs for the champion Atlanta Braves.
MLB Trade Rumors predict Soler will get a three-year, $45 million deal this offseason.
The Mets have also shown interest in DH-types Justin Turner and J.D. Martinez this offseason. However, on Wednesday, during a Zoom call, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said he didn’t see the addition of a bat as “essential” to the team for the 2024 season.
