One Free Agent the Padres Need to Sign Before Spring Training

San Diego needs to add more power to its lineup.

The San Diego Padres' offseason has been fairly quiet. The front office has been focused on shedding salary through trades and free agent departures, and their efforts have been rewarded. The Padres' Opening Day 26-man payroll currently projects to $151 million ― down from $249 million last year.

Beyond leaning on returning stars (Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Xander Bogaerts), and a couple free-agent additions to the bullpen, it isn't clear how the front office plans to field a roster that can return to the postseason after a disappointing 2023. 

As it currently stands, the Dodgers are arguably the second- or possibly third-best team in the National League West. That's a far fall from where they were expected to be this time a year ago. The holes on the roster are obvious.

Begin in the outfield, where Juan Soto and Trent Grisham departed in a blockbuster trade with the New York Yankees in December. Beyond Fernando Tatis Jr., the Padres have two outfield spots reserved for some combination of Jose Azocar, Cal Mitchell, Bryce Johnson and Oscar Mercado (who was invited to spring training on a minor league contract) and no one else with major league experience.

The offseason is still young, but Tatis and Azocar can't do it alone. San Diego will need to add some outfield help this winter, and one free agent could fit very well.

That would be Jorge Soler, who was great for Miami last season.

With the Padres needing more production from their lineup, Soler makes perfect sense. His bat would be a solid addition, and he would help keep the offensive attack strong with the loss of Soto.

Sheesh, Jorge Soler 😳

This is the 10th time that Soler has hit a home run when Jesús Luzardo is on the mound for the Marlins 🤯

(via @BallyMarlins)pic.twitter.com/Yejubk3LaW

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 27, 2023

He hit .250 with 36 home runs and 75 runs batted in 137 games with Miami last season ― a resurgent performance following a down year in 2022. A dangerous fastball hitter, Soler saw more fastballs last season than he had in the previous six years. 

Although he did most of his damage last season against left-handed pitching (.277/.393/.688), Soler was still an above average hitter against right-handers (.242/.326/.462). While he may see more time at designated hitter, Soler can still play a corner outfield position when needed. 

Adding his power bat into this lineup would be scary for opposing pitchers. Soler wouldn't have to be a star with Bogaerts, Tatis and Machado healthy, freeing him from the pressure of carrying the Padres back into the playoffs on his own.

Beyond the practical benefits, signing Soler would inject some life into a lifeless winter in San Diego. He's won two World Series (2016 and 2021) and is coming off a National League All-Star selection. 

Perhaps the Padres can take advantage of the slow offseason pace to sign Soler to a below-market contract. Time is running out for both sides before spring training; the Padres' first full workout for position players is Feb. 16.