MLB Free Agency: Philadelphia Phillies Among Teams Chasing Jorge Soler

With a constant stream of buzz surrounding the top prizes in this year's free agent market, there isn't much of the spotlight to go around when it comes to anyone signing for less than $15 million per season. The heavy media focus on Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and C.J. Wilson has blocked any coverage from hitting serviceable free agents who have MLB experience.

So what type of exposure is given to a foreign prospect that is not yet major-league ready? 

That question can be answered by how much you truly know about soon-to-be free agent prospect Jorge Soler. The 19-year-old Cuban outfielder is set to hit the market in the coming days but has been pushed to the back burner by bigger news.

Viewed as a cheaper option because of his need for polishing in the minor leagues for several years, Soler may have a larger upside than Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes, who is also set to test the MLB free agent market this winter. Cespedes is seven years older and has accrued a considerable amount of Cuban League experience.

If developed correctly, Soler could hold 30-30 potential with 40 home runs not out of the question. What remains to be seen, however, is who will take the chance on the raw talent.

Heading into the latter half of the winter meetings, the dust will eventually settle on the massive contracts being dealt to marquee names. When it comes time for clubs to dig deep into the market, Soler will inevitably be plucked and groomed by a fortunate suitor.

Here are five teams that could be willing to take the leap of faith when it comes to the Cuban prospect.

Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are a team looking to build on the excitement generated with the acquisitions of Jayson Werth, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Adding Soler to their young core during this offseason would only further push forward the change from a losing culture at Nationals Park.

What helps Washington with a potential pursuit of Soler is the propensity for spending money in the past, even if they came up relatively empty-handed. The front office has not shied away from big-name free agents in the past, causing widespread belief that they are willing to throw money at a cause they find vital to their future.

With the attendance uncomfortably low at their home park, the Nationals need to find a way to draw more of an audience that roots for the team. And with at least one future hole in their outfield assuming that Bryce Harper makes the jump in the next few seasons, Soler would seem to be a real option.

Miami Marlins

With all of their activity at the winter meetings, it's not a surprise to see the Miami Marlins on the list when it comes to the possibility of adding Jorge Soler. As they move into a new ballpark, the team seems ready to begin a new chapter in franchise history by preparing to win both now and in the future.

The Marlins already have a strong young core in place with Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Logan Morrison and Josh Johnson. Adding Soler and allowing him to work in the minor leagues would put him on course to still see the field while the stars mentioned above are still in their primes.

Playing in Miami would also give Soler the opportunity to play close to his native Cuba and in front of a large Hispanic fan base should he so choose. For a young player coming into the major-league system for the first time, remaining as close to home as possible could help his confidence as he begins to develop.

Philadelphia Phillies

Not a usual player in negotiations with international free agents, the Philadelphia Phillies have shown interest in Soler as they look to replenish their farm system after years of deadline deals. Acquiring a player with as much reported upside as the young Cuban would provide an immediate jolt into the future of the franchise, particularly the way it looks after a disastrous conclusion to the 2011 campaign.

Soler become an option in part because of the lack of certainty the team has in its left-field situation as it stands at this point in the offseason. The front office has seemingly lost some faith in the once-promising Domonic Brown to be the everyday outfielder they believed he could be.

While the signing of Soler would not solve the current problem that the team faces, possibly having to platoon a starting job, it would give the team promise for the future. The hope of another top-tier prospect waiting in the wings alleviates a lot of the pressure on general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. to make a defining decision on Brown.

After a few seasons of minor-league seasoning, Soler would be ready when Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence would most likely still be patrolling the green at Citizens Bank Park. Their tutelage about the power-speed game in MLB could further the development of a rising star.

Texas Rangers

Ever since he took on a more visible role in the Texas Rangers organization, Nolan Ryan has brought the Rangers to greatness, coming within one pitch of winning the World Series. At this point, it's clear that the culture in Arlington has changed to one in which success is expected.

As the Texas outfield thrives as it ages, there is always room to bring in a prospect like Jorge Soler to step in when his time has come. The Rangers organization would be a perfect fit for the young Cuban because of the lack of pressure to make an impact before he is finished preparing in the minor leagues. 

Texas has been scouting Soler over the past month and thinks he could be a player with the potential of a consistent Nelson Cruz with a better running game. The combination of size, power and speed make him an ideal candidate to replace either Cruz or Josh Hamilton in three to five years, providing him a wealth of experience in the farm system.

New York Yankees

The current favorite to land Jorge Soler is the New York Yankees, a team that has both the capital and ambition to take a risk on a young outfield prospect. It's no shock that New York is in line to present to the Cuban, leaving many to suspect a lucrative offer will be in the works when he finally hits the market.

Aside from the financial benefits, the opportunity to play in New York is one that many free agents, domestic and foreign, do hold close to the top of their wish list each winter. The Yankees' close relationship with their prospects also helps assure Soler of his future in the Big Apple as he hones his approach in the minors.

Much like the Rangers, there would be no rush for Soler to rescue the hopes of the franchise, as the team is set offensively for the next five years. Players like Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira would allow the outfielder to work his way into the lineup and remove the pressure to produce at a high level upon promotion.