Following an exhilarating foray into the postseason last October, many analysts expected Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler to build on that experience in 2016, myself included.
But the early returns have indicated a much more pessimistic trend. As of Sunday, Soler’s slash line sat at .207/.309/.371, with five home runs to go with just 12 RBIS in 136 plate appearances.
Soler’s calling card is his bat, specifically the prodigious power that has put his batting practice sessions into the company of Stephen Curry’s pregame routine as far as impressive sports warmups go.
Last year, Soler’s non-contact performance gave fans and analysts pause — he posted an alarming 30 percent strikeout rate and an average 7.