Frankly, once they wrapped up so much money in Heyward, he now has a contract that no one will trade for. It makes sense to get value from Soler and they needed a closer since Chapman was obviously not in their long term plans - though the guy was pretty instrumental in helping to get that World Series.Good trade for the Midwest Yankees. Soler was just a guy, and Davis is an established closer.
I liked Wade too. I think it's win win. Get Soler to DH and keep him from getting injured.I loved Davis, too ... but he's what - 31? This really is a brilliant move, in my opinion. They'll have Soler for four more years, and his best days are ahead. Davis' are in the rear view mirror. He might have one more really great season ... but he was already breaking down a little this past season.
It's not like the Royals have been playing defensive specialists in right field recently. We have seen Orlando, Dyson,Rios,Aoki, etc. and Soler is a much better bat than all of them..
Midwest Yankees? Haters gonna hate. The Cubs are one of the most system-developed teams you could hope to find. A ton of their young stars are guys they drafted and brought up. The contracts they have on young dudes like Bryant and Rizzo are laughable compared to what they'll make the next time they ink a deal.Frankly, once they wrapped up so much money in Heyward, he now has a contract that no one will trade for. It makes sense to get value from Soler and they needed a closer since Chapman was obviously not in their long term plans - though the guy was pretty instrumental in helping to get that World Series.
Good move for both teams.
Dyson is fast, but sorry, that doesn't make him a plus defender, same with Orlando.Dyson rates as a plus-plus defender in both CF and RF. Soler rates as below average. (Albeit in a smaller sample size)
Soler wont be a black hole in RF, but he would be a clear downgrade defensively to Dyson.
...and a tremendous improvement offensively.Dyson rates as a plus-plus defender in both CF and RF. Soler rates as below average. (Albeit in a smaller sample size)
Soler wont be a black hole in RF, but he would be a clear downgrade defensively to Dyson.
You can believe what you want, but the fact is he has measured as an excellent outfielder over the last four years. His elite range makes up for his occasionally suspect instincts, even if it looks frustrating at times.Dyson is fast, but sorry, that doesn't make him a plus defender, same with Orlando.