Will Cubs find new home for rejuvenated Soriano?
Alfonso Soriano is doing what he can to boost his trade value.
But it’s far from certain that he will be dealt before Tuesday’s non-waiver deadline, even though a major-league source told FOXSports.com that at least one club has inquired about him.
Soriano, 36, entered Wednesday with a robust .918 OPS and 19 home runs in 70 games since May 1, thus positioning himself as one of the top right-handed outfield bats on the market. It’s unclear if other desirable right-handed outfielders – Philadelphia’s Hunter Pence and Minnesota’s Josh Willingham – will be moved at all.
With Soriano, the issue is – and has been – money. He has roughly $6 million left on this year’s contract, followed by $18 million in each of the next two seasons. The Cubs likely would need to include a substantial amount of money to facilitate a trade. On top of that, Soriano has a full no-trade clause.
On the field, though, it’s been hard to ask for much more. Soriano is on pace for his best offensive season since 2008, while playing “at least average – and maybe even above average” defense in left field, according to one scout.
The Dodgers, Giants, Indians and Pirates are among the teams that could benefit from Soriano’s power. But Soriano’s hefty contract would be a major complication in virtually every case.
-- Jon Paul Morosi
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Cubs probably would be willing to pay most of it but i still don't see him going anywhere
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I would highly have to question why the Cubs would have to pony up any money at all. Based on what Soriano has done this year, and his greatly improved defense he would seem to be a bargain now at $18 million/year in today's market. I almost hope the Cubs keep him since there really isn't anybody in the minors ready to fill his spot as of now. Soler and Almora will probably be about ready when his contract is up.
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He's on pace to just barely match the amount of production in terms of WAR that would earn him his salary this year. The last time his production matched his salary was 2008. He's 36 years old. There's no freaking way any team would bet on his next two season being like this one. The Cubs will have to eat a lot of his contract.
