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10 MLB Rookie of the Year Candidates For 2015

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Mar 26, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kris Bryant (76) at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs outfielder Kris Bryant (76) at bat during a spring training game against the Los Angeles Angels at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler (68) swings the bat against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jorge Soler (68) swings the bat against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

3. player. 9. <strong>2014 Statistics:</strong> .292 AVG, .330 OBP, .573 SLG, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 R, 1 SB with Chicago. .340 AVG, .432 OBP, .700 SLG, 15 HR, 57 RBI, 42 R, 0 SB combined AAA/AA/R.. Right Field. Chicago Cubs. Jorge Soler

It took a defection from Cuba, nearly two full years in the minors, a pair of suspensions and some nagging leg injuries, but hot shot prospect Jorge Soler finally made his Major League debut for the Chicago Cubs in 2014.

After scorching the Double-A Southern League to the tune of .415/.494/.862, six homers and 22 RBI in just 77 plate appearances, Soler moved up to Triple-A Iowa in late July. He continued his hot hitting with eight long balls and 29 RBI in 32 games before being promoted again.

Soler wasted no time going deep in his first big league at bat against Mat Latos in Cincinnati, and connected on two home runs against St. Louis two days later.

This spring, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound outfielder is hitting .333/.380/.600 in 49 plate appearances across 15 games. He has three home runs, ten RBI, a double and a triple and has likely secured a spot in the starting lineup as the Cubs’ right-fielder on Opening Day.

Soler has made a strong impression on Joe Maddon, his new manager, who thinks the 23-year old could be a fit in the No. 2 spot in the lineup this season because Soler is “like Vladimir [Guerrero] with plate discipline.“

He’ll face some stiff competition for the National League Rookie of the Year award – including at least one teammate – but Soler is a big time candidate to bring home the hardware in his first full Major League season, and is a big part of the rebuilding project in Chicago.

Next: Joc Pederson

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