Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have made it clear they prefer to rotate players through the designated hitter spot in their lineup this season, the team nevertheless was connected to sluggers Nelson Cruz and Jorge Soler since free agency resumed after the lockout ended.
Cruz was said to be deciding between the Dodgers and San Diego Padres, but eventually signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Washington Nationals. Cruz’s deal also includes a mutual option for the 2023 season.
Cruz is more limited when it comes to potentially playing the field when compared to Soler, though the Cuban native’s defensive metrics aren’t favorable. Soler offsets some of those deficiencies with his power bat.
However, Soler is no longer an option for the Dodgers as well. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, he is signing a three-year, $36 million contract with the Miami Marlins:
Breaking: Jorge Soler has agreed to a three-year deal with the Marlins, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 19, 2022
Soler’s three-year deal with the Marlins is worth $36 million, per source. Soler has opt outs after both 2022 and 2023.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) March 19, 2022
The Marlins were active prior to the lockout beginning in December, acquiring Louis Head and Joey Wendle from the Tampa Bay Rays; and signing Avisaíl García to a four-year, $53 million deal; plus agreeing to extensions with Sandy Alcantara and Miguel Rojas.
Soler struggled through the first half of last season, but found his swing upon being traded to the Atlanta Braves. He batted .269/.358/.524 with 14 home runs after the trade, and put forth an impressive performance to earn 2021 World Series MVP honors.
Dodgers bench outlook without Cruz, Soler
While the Dodgers did not wind up signing Cruz or Soler, they have addressed their bench thus far by reportedly adding Hanser Alberto on a one-year contract.
The 29-year-old has appeared in parts of six Major League seasons since making his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2015.
Alberto provides the Dodgers with flexibility in the field as he’s primarily played second base, third base and shortstop. At the plate he’s fared well against left-handed pitching throughout his career, batting .333 with an .815 on-base plus slugging percentage.
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