Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 1:32 am GMT
As September unfolds, the Atlanta Braves are riding a wave of optimism, thanks in part to the resurgence of right fielder Jorge Soler. Just when the Braves needed him most, Soler has reignited his batting prowess at a crucial moment in the season, giving the team a significant boost in their quest for a playoff spot.
Soler’s Journey Back to Atlanta
Jorge Soler carved out a memorable place in Braves history during the team’s 2021 World Series triumph. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the series, posting an impressive .300 batting average alongside three home runs and six runs batted in (RBI). Soler’s stellar performance established him as a fan favorite, making him only the second Cuban-born player to earn this accolade since Liván Hernández in 1997.
After his successful stint with the Braves, Soler took his talents to the Miami Marlins for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. However, after opting out of the final year of his contract with Miami, he signed a three-year agreement with the San Francisco Giants for the 2024 season. Unfortunately, his time with the Giants got off to a rocky start, prompting the Braves to bring him back to Atlanta at the trade deadline.
Challenges on His Return
Soler’s return to Atlanta wasn’t without its challenges. The first month was difficult, marked by a batting average of just .194. His stats included only 14 hits, five home runs, 12 RBI, and 16 walks against 23 strikeouts. His defensive performance also suffered, as reflected in his -7 Outs Above Average (OAA), indicating struggles in the field.
Despite these setbacks, Soler maintained a strong on-base percentage (OBP) of .348 from July 1 through the end of August, showcasing his ability to get on base even when hits were hard to come by. His season seemed to hinge on finding his groove again, a process that has now begun to pay off.
A September to Remember
As the calendar flipped to September, Jorge Soler began to heat up. His transformation has been remarkable, with a current batting line of .290/.359/.551 over the month. This includes 20 hits, six doubles, four home runs, and 12 RBIs in just a few weeks. Although he has recorded fewer walks recently, his increased contact rate and power hits reflect the adjustments he has made.
Soler’s contributions are significant as the Braves find themselves in a tight playoff race. His ability to connect with the ball, combined with a .910 On-base Plus Slugging (OPS), suggests he is fully embracing his role as a key offensive player at a vital time. The slugger’s performance is supported by impressive metrics, such as:
- Walk Rate: 11.8% (92nd percentile across MLB)
- Barrel Percentage: 12.4%
- Hard-Hit Percentage: 43.9%
- Bat Speed: 75.4 mph (14th in MLB)
These numbers demonstrate that Soler is not just finding his form; he is doing so at a level that places him among the elite hitters in the league.
Impact on Playoff Aspirations
Winning is contagious, and the Braves are benefiting from Soler’s resurgence. Currently on a five-game winning streak, the team is making a strong push for the playoffs. They are now just one game up in the second Wild Card spot, improving from being two games behind for the third Wild Card position only a week ago.
With the postseason on the horizon, Soler’s performance could be pivotal. His ability to deliver in high-stakes situations makes him a player to watch. If he continues to build on his form, the Braves could see him in contention for another MVP award should they push deep into the playoffs.
Looking Ahead
As the Braves gear up for the final stretch of the regular season and the impending playoff battles, Jorge Soler’s impact on the team could prove invaluable. His journey from a rough season start to a thriving player reinforces the notion that timing and perseverance matter in sports.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos’ decision to re-acquire Soler appears to be paying off. With his bat heating up just in time, fans and players alike have reason to feel hopeful. Soler has the chance to make his mark once again, potentially leading the Braves on another thrilling postseason run.
Jorge Soler is having a great comeback, just like the whole Braves team this season. They are working hard to reach their goal of winning a championship. As they try to secure their place in the playoffs, players like Soler will play a big role in how successful the Braves can be. It’s exciting to see Soler getting better and better, showing us just how fun and surprising baseball can be!
