Soler powered Miami Marlins

The Marlins offense started out slowly seeing the team go to a 1-4 record and again falling 3 games behind .500 at 4-7. Whilst being far too early for any alarm bells, some familiar issues were present. 

Soler powered Miami Marlins.

Through the first two series against the New York Mets and Minnesota Twins the Marlins were 8-43 with runners in scoring position and lead the league with 74 strikeouts. Despite hot starts from Luis Arraez and Garrett Cooper the Marlins had stumbled to just 15 runs in their first 7 games.

In signing Jorge Soler, fresh from winning the 2021 World Series MVP award the Marlins had acquired a genuine middle of the order bat though not without his deficiencies. Not known for his defense or ability to hit for average, Soler has one elite tool… monstrous power. 

Power that would play in LoanDepot Park. 

Like much in the Marlins 2022 season things did not go to plan for Soler, his season derailed by a back injury that would see him appear in just 72 games. On the field he would flash the power stroke he’s known for and put up serviceable numbers but never fully reached his full potential. However, it’s hard to say how much the back had troubled Soler before he eventually hit the IL. 

Coming into 2023, the Marlins made offensive changes but didn’t add a middle of the order bat. If they were going to compete, Soler was going to need to put on a show.  Luckily in the early stages, that’s exactly what he has done. 

Through 62 Plate Appearances Soler has racked up 12 extra base hits, twice that of 2nd place Marlin Arraez. It is in the last 6 games however that Soler’s bat has gone red hot, leading the league with a .900 SLG pct.

This offensive explosion has in part propelled the team to a 10-8 record most notably the go ahead pinch hit homerun against the San Francisco Giants. 

With Off-season addition Arraez, a healthy Cooper, and a developing Bryan De La Cruz all contributing Soler isn’t doing it alone but no-one on the roster has the power stroke to compete against a player with a 48 homerun season on his résumè. 

Soler can drive the ball very far, if he keeps it up then time will tell how far he can drive the Marlins.