Jorge Soler finally available

[Icterus galbula]

"@Ken_Rosenthal: Source: Cuban outfielder Jorge Soler, 20, is now a free agent, eligible to sign with any club."

"@Ken_Rosenthal: Let the bidding on Soler begin. He had been waiting to be cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control."

"@Kevin_Goldstein: VG athlete, RF profile, massive raw power. RT @Mr_OH10: @Kevin_Goldstein what's the book on Soler?"

I know some people around here have had interest in this guy, so I thought I'd pass along the news.

[Can_of_corn]

Since he doesn't fall under the new spending guidelines I expect the bidding to be brisk.

And for the O's not to end up with him.

[Icterus galbula]

Since he doesn't fall under the new spending guidelines I expect the bidding to be brisk.

And for the O's not to end up with him.

Agreed on both counts. The Cubs were linked to him earlier this offseason. A rebuilding big market team makes sense.

[xian4]

PA just heard the news and has left for his hols

[Pickles]

Since he doesn't fall under the new spending guidelines I expect the bidding to be brisk.

And for the O's not to end up with him.

Is there a particular reason he doesn't fall under the guidelines?

[TheBee]

Since he doesn't fall under the new spending guidelines I expect the bidding to be brisk.

And for the O's not to end up with him.

I agree on both counts. Soler is like an opportunity to buy an extra top 5 draft pick. Yes, you will have to pay for that...more than a regular pick would cost for sure. Based on what I've read, the Orioles lack of talent like this at the minor leagues, and the upcoming changes in the guidelines, I would've liked to see the O's be aggressive here. However, I agree with Can-of-corn. It will be out of our league - literally and probably figuratively.

[Greg]

Jon Heyman‏@JonHeymanCBS

Soler has major advantage, no signing limit yet. teams: phils, cubs, orioles, bluejays, redsox. also #mystery teams

[oriole]

Oh, but wouldn't it be nice? Machado, Bundy, and Soler all coming up together around the same time. Its nice to dream about.

[TheWall]

Adding Soler and whoever we get with our top pick this year would be a huge shot in the arm for our farm system. Having Soler, Schoop, and Machado to go along with Bundy and someone like Gausman would be great.

[Can_of_corn]

Agreed on both counts. The Cubs were linked to him earlier this offseason. A rebuilding big market team makes sense.

Cubs make the most sense but who knows with these guys. Cinci were not the leaders for Chapman and who had Cespedes going to Oakland?

[weams]

Cubs make the most sense but who knows with these guys. Cinci were not the leaders for Chapman and who had Cespedes going to Oakland?

If he signs with the Cubs, I expect that it would be investigated. They were reported to have come to a back room agreement a while ago.

[Can_of_corn]

If he signs with the Cubs, I expect that it would be investigated. The were reported to have come to a back room agreement a while ago.

Do you have any faith in MLB to do anything about it even if this was the case?

[Mayor McCheese]

Jon Heyman‏@JonHeymanCBS

Soler has major advantage, no signing limit yet. teams: phils, cubs, orioles, bluejays, redsox. also #mystery teams

Oh yes, more Heyman time. Every team has interest in Soler. Really no mystery here.

[Pickles]

Oh yes, more Heyman time. Every team has interest in Soler. Really no mystery here.

Yeah, I thought the same thing. List 1/6 of the teams and then add in "mystery team" doesn't really narrow it down too much, does it?

[Moose Milligan]

This is where a team who doesn't have more spending power signs him while we're left in the wind again.

Quickly followed by several posts about how we've wasted money over the years on fartknocker veterans but can't pony up similar money for a prospect like Soler.

Ah, Orioles. You're so predictable.