Health may trump Derby for Soler

This story was excerpted from Christina De Nicola’s Marlins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

It might come as a surprise to some that Marlins slugger Jorge Soler has never competed in a Home Run Derby. That might not change anytime soon.

Speaking to a small group of reporters on Wednesday afternoon at T-Mobile Park, which will be the site of All-Star festivities next month, Soler said he hasn't received an invitation to compete and doesn't know if he would accept one anyway.

"Obviously, in the past it would have been great to participate in an event like this, but since my injury from my back, I don't think it's a good idea to participate in something like this," Soler said via interpreter Luis Dorante Jr.

After winning World Series MVP in 2021 with the Braves, Soler signed a free-agent contract with the Marlins in March '22. Back trouble limited him to 72 games that season, and he slashed .207/.295/.400 with 13 homers.

Through 65 games this season, Soler has primarily served as the designated hitter to maintain his health, and he doesn't think he has had a better first half in his 10-year MLB career.

His 20 homers are third most in the Majors, behind Pete Alonso (22) and Shohei Ohtani (21). Soler became the first Marlin since 2017 to tally 20-plus home runs prior to the All-Star break with his solo shot in Wednesday night's 4-1 win.

The 31-year-old Soler, who knocked an American League-high 48 taters for the Royals in 2019, is a big reason why the Marlins are in second place in the National League East. His performance isn't going unnoticed, either. Soler ranked fourth among NL designated hitters in the first update of the 2023 Scotts MLB All-Star Ballot. Fans can vote until noon ET next Thursday in Phase 1.

"My goal is to finish the season healthy, and then continue helping the team and to make it to the playoffs," Soler said.