Can Jorge Soler be the solution to the Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter struggles?

Since the implementation of the universal designated hitter in 2022 the Milwaukee Brewers have not had good luck getting results at the position. Andrew McCutchen got the first crack at it and he finished with a 97 OPS+. Jesse Winker was brought in last season via trade, but ended with a 60 OPS+ while battling a few injuries throughout the season.

Looking ahead to the 2024 season the Brewers currently do not have one specific player expected to be the every day designated hitter. In the future, Christian Yelich may slot into that role on a more permanent basis, but the expectation right now is that he will split time between the outfield and DH.

This leaves the door open for GM Matt Arnold to make a move. One player that he could consider is free agent Jorge Soler. He is coming off of a monster season with the Miami Marlins in which he belted 36 home runs.

Milwaukee Brewers free agent target: Jorge Soler

After entering the league in 2014 with the Chicago Cubs Jorge Soler eventually made a name for himself with the Kansas City Royals. He was a part of some great Royals teams and he personally posted a 48 home run season in 2019.

In 2021 he was traded to the Atlanta Braves where he went on an incredible post season run and was named the World Series MVP. After that he signed a three year, $36 million with the Marlins. His deal included a few opt outs and he exercised that ability after a 2023 season in which he slugged .512 and had a 128 OPS+.

There's no doubt that Jorge Soler would benefit the Brewers and could be the best designated hitter that they have had. The hold up comes in his market value. Spotrac has his estimated value at $13.9 million, but a projection to sign a four year deal. Additionally MLB trade rumors estimated that he would sign a three year, $45 million deal.

Knowing this it seems unlikely that Milwaukee would get him on a one or two year deal. However, they could elect to give him a higher AAV for one season with a second year option and a player friendly buyout. Perhaps a guaranteed $18 million deal would suffice in which Milwaukee offers him $15 million for 2024, a $15 million mutual option in 2025 and a $3 million buyout.