Braves and Padres “In Talks” with Free Agent Outfielder Jorge Soler!

What’s up with free agent outfielder Jorge Soler?

CelebnSports247.com has learned that the Braves and Padres are “in talks” with free agent outfielder Jorge Soler, reports David O’Brien of The Athletic…

Jorge Soler’s options are reportedly down to the Braves and Padres, despite San Diego’s trade for Luke Voit on Friday afternoon.

San Diego GM A.J. Preller would employ Voit as a full-time DH, while letting Eric Hosmer play first base. That could leave an outfield spot open for Soler, should he sign.

SOURCE: The Padres are intensifying talks with Jorge Soler. The Braves remain very interested in bringing him back. https://t.co/tA7Uk8ISwY

— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) March 18, 2022

Here is what we are hearing via MLB Rumors.

With a luxury tax number near $219M (per Roster Resource), San Diego may be hesitant to fork over a contract necessary to sign Soler however. Crossing the new luxury tax threshold of $230MM would incur additional penalties for a Padres team that crossed the threshold last season.

The site has pegged Soler for a three-year $36M deal at the start of the offseason, a contract that would nudge the Padres right into penalty territory.

Will Braves keep Jorge Soler?

The Braves could use Soler as a big bat in the lineup to increase outfield depth. While Marcell Ozuna is expected to take the new universal designated hitter slot, which would be a perfect fit for Soler as well, the 30-year-old free agent isn’t a liability defensively just yet.

The Braves signing Soler could also be a point of principle. After losing Freddie Freeman to the rival Dodgers. On the other hand, Soler signing with the Padres would be a slap in the face according to Fan Sided.