Pittsburgh Pirates: Three Potential Outfield Free Agent Targets

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Jorge Soler #12 of the Atlanta Braves hits an RBI double during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 25, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Jorge Soler #12 of the Atlanta Braves hits an RBI double during the tenth inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on September 25, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
(Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Outfielder/Designated Hitter – Jorge Soler

If the Pittsburgh Pirates want some more power and excitement in the lineup for 2022, they should consider signing Jorge Soler. Soler will turn 30 in February and will be a free agent after the 2021 season. After starting the year with the Kansa City Royals, Soler was traded to the Atlanta Braves at the trade deadline for right-handed pitcher Kasey Kalich.

Soler played in 149 games in the 2021 regular season. He had 516 at bats, in which 115 were for hits. He had 27 doubles and 27 home runs on the season. Soler slashed .223/.316/.432 with an OPS of .749 with both the Royals and Braves. He started to play better once traded to Atlanta. In 55 games with the Braves, Soler slashed .269/.358/.524 with an OPS of .882 with 14 homeruns. This is the type of player the Pirates should acquire during the offseason.

Soler has a contract just over $8 million for 2021. With how little the payroll is for the Pirates, there should be no excuse not to come up with a similar contract. Soler also likes hitting in Pittsburgh. In his career at PNC park, he has played in 11 games batting 12 for 39. He is the type of player that can help a rebuild with his veteran presence on the field.