Via MLBTradeRumors, Joel Sherman of the NY Post reports that the Chicago Cubs have landed Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler.
The 20-year old had the second-most hype to the A's Yoenis Cespedes in the offseason, but couldn't get his paperwork settled in time to join the frenzy. It may have worked out anyway -- Soler is said to be a more complete player and might have a higher ceiling, but he's further away. Cespedes' success so far may have helped his market.
It's not a surprise that the Cubs got Soler. They're a couple years away from being relevant, and by then if they develop him well, Soler can be a key cog in their machine. Plus: International free agents are one of the few ways you can just throw money around these days. The new CBA has limited draft spending, so Theo and Co. must have believed that this was a worthwhile risk.
I thought the Red Sox might have similar reasoning, and their outfield situation isn't exactly set for the next few years. Sure, Carl Crawford, should he ever be able to use all limbs at once, will be there. But Jacoby Ellsbury is no sure thing depending on the sales job Scott Boras can put together for other GMs. And right field? Ryan Kalish looks nice and everything, but he's probably not a building block.
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