One Team Now Frontrunner For Both Jorge Soler & Matt Chapman

 The two most notable hitters still available on the free agent market might just be joining forces on the West Coast, as Jorge Soler and Matt Chapman are both in discussions with the San Francisco Giants. 

BREAKING: The #SFGiants are in talks with Matt Chapman and Jorge Soler. pic.twitter.com/MvdTgBGnwz

— Mets Batflip (@metsbatflip1) February 6, 2024

The Giants, says MLB Insider Jon Heyman, "obviously they have a lot of money, (and) I'm not saying they should keep up with the Dodgers, but they should get going on something whatever that is."  

"They know that they are one bat short, if not more than that," agrees fellow insider Jon Morosi. 

San Fran has made a couple of major moves this offseason, trading for former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, while signing Korean star Jung Hoo Lee to lead off and play centerfield, and top reliever Jordan Hicks (to be in the rotation). But it feels like there's at least one other big offensive bullet in the cylinder, and either Chapman and/or Soler could be it. 

As for Chapman, the 4-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman is still looking for a taker for a massive ask of likely around $150 million. Last season with the Toronto Blue Jays he had a down year offensively, hitting only 17 homers, his lowest total in a full major league season since his rookie year in which he only played half the season. But his defense was still there, once again being named the top third baseman in the American League.

He's been tied to the Chicago Cubs and the incumbent Jays during the winter, but it seems Toronto is out after signing Justin Turner, and no one seems to know what's going on with the Cubs at this point. 

I’m hearing the Giants are in talks with Jorge Soler - he makes a lot of sense for them given their lack of power. Given the remaining free agents, this is one I think they need to get done to have more pop in the middle of the lineup.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) February 5, 2024

Giants beat writer Susan Slusser notes that the team is in talks with Soler, who blasted 36 long balls for the Miami Marlins last season, with an OPS+ of 128. He was thought to be on the verge of signing with the Blue Jays a couple of weeks back, but they've obviously pivoted to Turner. 

Soler has also been tied to the Boston Red Sox, another team seemingly short on power, but the Giants may have moved into the lead here as well. 

The slugging Cuban opted out of a $13M option with the Fish after last season, so he is now seeking a multi-year deal with an AAV north of that.

Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports