The Chicago Cubs rumors are beginning to fly around with the MLB offseason getting started and they are reportedly open to trading talented outfielder Jorge Soler. Trading him would be a huge mistake for their franchise and Theo Epstein needs to reconsider that option.
Soler came through with a big postseason this past season for the Cubs and came on strong after being called up from the minor leagues. After seeing his bat come to life late last season, trading him would be a big mistake. Dexter Fowler sounds like he's on his way out of Chicago and Soler could be a much bigger piece in the outfield next season.
During the 2015 season with the Cubs, Soler missed quite a few games due to injury issues. He also sat on the bench due to the talent that the Cubs had ahead of him in the outfield. Kyle Schwarber ended up switching to an outfielder later on in the season and in the postseason as well.
Finding places for him to play each and every night was difficult, which is why he didn't play as much as he could have even with the injuries.
Throughout the course of the season, Soler ended up compiling a .262 batting average to go along with 10 home runs and 47 RBI's. During the postseason, Soler batted .474 to go along with three home runs and five RBI's.
As you can see, his production increased dramatically when his team needed him the most. He was an absolute terror for St. Louis Cardinals' pitchers and was a big reason that they were able to advance to the NLCS. Getting buried by the New York Mets was tough to swallow, but they still went farther than many gave them a chance to.
If the Cubs can get a legitimate starting pitcher that can help them, considering a trade wouldn't be a terrible idea. That being said, no one is going to give up the type of pitcher that it would take to make trading Soler worth it.
At just 23 years old, Soler still has so much more room to grow before reaching his full potential. He has the potential to become a cornerstone for any lineup that he is in. Power is part of his game, but he showed improvement on the contact side of things as well.
Expect to hear Soler's name come up quite often this offseason and for Theo Epstein and the Cubs to consider moving him. While there could be some decent value coming back in return for Soler, trading him would be a huge mistake for the Cubs.
