The Atlanta Braves have wasted no time making a statement this offseason, securing one of baseball’s premier power hitters in free agency. Following the departure of ace Max Fried, the Braves have responded in dramatic fashion by landing Jorge Soler on a four-year, $88 million deal.
Losing a pitcher of Fried’s caliber was a tough pill to swallow, but Atlanta’s front office has shifted focus to making their offense even more dangerous. Soler, 32, is no stranger to Braves fans—having played a pivotal role in the team’s 2021 World Series championship, where he won World Series MVP honors. Now, he returns to Atlanta as a proven slugger coming off an impressive season with the Miami Marlins, where he belted 36 home runs and posted an OPS of .853.
The move ensures that Atlanta maintains one of baseball’s most feared lineups, with Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and now Soler forming a deadly core of power hitters.
Soler’s impact is well-known in Atlanta, as fans still remember his towering home runs from their 2021 championship run. His ability to hit for power, combined with a .500+ slugging percentage in 2023, makes him a perfect fit for Truist Park, where his right-handed bat can take advantage of the hitter-friendly conditions.
With Soler in the mix, Marcell Ozuna may see more time in left field or at DH, depending on how the Braves construct their lineup. But regardless of where Soler plays, his bat alone makes this an instant upgrade for Atlanta.
While losing Max Fried to free agency is a significant blow to the Braves’ rotation, the front office remains aggressive in keeping the team competitive. The addition of Soler ensures that Atlanta’s offensive firepower won’t miss a beat, keeping them firmly in the mix for another deep postseason run.
With the Braves still likely to explore pitching options, their World Series aspirations remain very much alive. And with Jorge Soler back in a Braves uniform, Atlanta’s lineup just became even more dangerous.
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