SF Giants finalize Jorge Soler signing, transfer recently-signed reliever to 60-day IL

The SF Giants finalized a three-year deal with power-hitting DH Jorge Soler on Saturday, per a team announcement. In a corresponding roster move, recently-signed reliever Austin Warren was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

SF Giants finalize Jorge Soler signing, transfer recently-signed reliever to 60-day IL

The Giants signed Warren earlier in the week, ending his three-year stint with the Los Angeles Angels. The righty reliever has tallied a 3.55 ERA, 3.75 FIP, 1.23 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, and a 3.10 SO/W ratio in an Angels uniform.

However, Warren only made two appearances in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in May. The recovery timeline ranges from 12 - 18 months and it is not uncommon for relievers to return in the earlier part of that range.

However, the move to the 60-day injured means that he will not be eligible to return until 60 days after the start of the season. The 28-year-old has two minor league options remaining, so there is no guarantee that the Giants call him up once he is off of the injured list. The roster flexibility was part of the appeal in signing Warren and gives the Giants optionable bullpen depth.

On the other hand, the Giants finalized a deal to add a potent bat in Jorge Soler. He is slated to earn $42 million throughout the duration of the contract. This includes a $9 million signing bonus with salaries of $7 million this year, $13 million in 2025, and $13 million in 2026. Soler's cap hit will be $14 million against the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT) through the 2026 season.

The right-handed bat is coming off of a very solid 2023 campaign. He registered a .250/.341/.512 line (128 OPS+) with 36 home runs, 75 RBI, and 77 runs in 580 plate appearances. This includes an 11.4 percent walk rate, 24.3 percent strikeout rate, and a .262 ISO.

The 2023 season was the second time in which Soler reached at least 30 home runs in a season and it was the third year in the last four seasons that he eclipsed the 20-homer mark. The Giants have not had a hitter swat at least 30 home runs since Barry Bonds did so with 45 homers in 2004. It has been a long time since then, but they have rarely had a hitter with Soler's power. Could he be the one to break the curse? Only time will tell.