A prolific power hitter the Blue Jays could trade for to inject some thump into the lineup

For the past decade and a half, the Toronto Blue Jays have always ranked in the top ten in all of MLB in the home runs category. Very often, they fielded rosters that had players that were capable in producing double-digit homers throughout the lineup.

However for 2023, they currently rank only 13th in MLB with 83 home runs to date, as the Jays have shifted some of their focus more on team defence and small ball with regards to generating runs, rather than relying on the long ball like in the past. In doing so, they have had some success, but their stubborn inability to cash in runners in scoring position at times have become quite frustrating to watch.

With that in mind, it would be great if the Jays could add a potent bat that could deliver the odd big blast, along with being a strong run producer to help give the team that extra boost so that they don’t keep playing in tight games that cause everyone’s stress levels to go sky high.

As a result, an ideal power-hitting candidate that the Jays can pursue in a trade that could be available by the trade deadline is Miami Marlins’ Jorge Soler. Although the Marlins are currently in contention for a potential playoff spot, don’t let their record fool you as they have mainly been floating around .500 for most of the season until their recent 7-3 record over the past 10 games. Hunch says they will more likely be sellers than buyers by the time the trade deadline draws near.

In terms of the players the Jays currently have, only Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho have double-digit home runs so far this year, and only Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Matt Chapman have more than 30 RBI to date, with over two-fifths of the season already in the books.

On the other hand, Soler has been leading the charge for the Marlins in terms of run production, despite the team being ranked fifth last overall in terms of runs scored. He leads his team by a mile with 20 home runs, with the next closest player with only eight, and he has scored 39 runs and tallied 42 RBI in total 68 games played. That puts him on pace for almost 90 runs scored, 45 home runs and 100 RBI over an entire season.

Being a right-handed batter and having played mainly as a DH and in the corner outfield positions, Soler could potentially work as a platoon with the lefty Brandon Belt at DH, along with having spot starts in the outfield for whoever is resting for that day.

With regards to assets going the other way, the Marlins do not have a long-term solution at first base with Yuli Gurriel just turning 39, along with the inconsistent Garrett Cooper at the MLB level. They also have no 1B prospect that will be ready in the next couple of years as well. In addition, Marlins’ third baseman Jean Segura has been struggling both offensively and defensively so far this year. So a potential Jays’ package centering around Santiago Espinal and/or prospect Spencer Horwitz could land them the power-hitting Soler.

Nevertheless, the Jays will need some type of power boost for the stretch run, so Soler could be the difference maker for the team to firmly secure their spot in the postseason.