HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 26: Jorge Soler #12 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after hitting a solo home run against the Houston Astros during the first inning in Game One of the World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 26, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
If the Chicago Cubs want to contend next season, they need to consider signing one of these three players from the 2021 World Series.
The Chicago Cubs were one of the more aggressive sellers at the trade deadline this season. After a strong start, the Cubbies suffered a lengthy losing streak, enticing team president Jed Hoyer to trade away all of their top talent and impending free agents. With that, the Cubs careened down the league standings and, unsurprisingly, failed to make the postseason.
This offseason, the Cubs have the chance to add some talent to their rather barren major league roster. If they want to make a return to fall baseball, it would make sense for them to look at the impending free agents of the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros, who are both participating in the World Series.
But who should they go after? Here are three potential options for the Cubs.
Jorge Soler, OF
How about a reunion?
Jorge Soler joined the Cubs back in 2012 as a free agent and made his MLB debut in 2014. In his three seasons with Chicago, he recorded a .258 batting average, a .762 OPS, 27 home runs and 98 RBI. At the conclusion of the 2016 campaign, Soler was traded to the Kansas City Royals for relief pitcher Wade Davis.
Soler was one of Atlanta’s many trade deadline acquisitions, and he made quite the impact in his short time with the team. In 55 regular-season games, the outfielder slashed .269/.358/.524 while recording 14 home runs, 33 RBI and 56 hits.
The outfielder made history in this year’s Fall Classic, as he became the first player in World Series history to hit a leadoff home run in Game 1. In Game 4, Soler and shortstop Dansby Swanson were the first No. 8 and 9 hitters to hit back-to-back home runs in World Series history.
Chicago needs help in the outfield, and signing Soler could be an affordable option for them.