Braves could lose Jorge Soler to NL West in classic Freddie Freeman fashion

The Atlanta Braves are at risk of losing Jorge Soler to the San Diego Padres — potentially making the second star in a week to leave for the NL West.

First, it was Freddie Freeman leaving for greener pastures in Los Angeles with the Dodgers. Now, Jorge Soler could follow to the NL West, as the San Diego Padres remain a potential suitor.

Soler’s options are reportedly down to the Braves and Padres, despite San Diego’s trade for Luke Voit on Friday afternoon. San Diego GM A.J. Preller would employ Voit as a full-time DH, while letting Eric Hosmer play first base. That could leave an outfield spot open for Soler, should he sign.

Adding Soler to an already-loaded San Diego lineup makes for even more home run power, and would help fill a void while Fernando Tatis, Jr. recovers from surgery related to his motorcycle accident.

Will Braves keep Jorge Soler?

The Braves could use Soler as a big bat in the lineup to increase outfield depth. While Marcell Ozuna is expected to take the new universal designated hitter slot, which would be a perfect fit for Soler as well, the 30-year-old free agent isn’t a liability defensively just yet.

Depending on Soler’s contract ask, he makes a lot of sense for the Braves, especially to help make up for some of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s missed production for the first month of the season.

The Braves signing Soler could also be a point of principle. After losing Freddie Freeman to the rival Dodgers, Soler signing with the Padres would be a slap in the face, as two contributors from the 2021 World Series team would have left for NL West teams.

Atlanta can’t have that.