Yangervis Solarte Serves The Blue Jays Best In A Utility Role
Yangervis Solarte has done an admirable job filling in for the injured Josh Donaldson, but when Donaldson returns, Solarte will revert back to a role he is better suited for. Solarte is a quality hitter, but his most valuable asset is his ability to play multiple positions. Having a utility infielder who can also be an above average hitter gives the Blue Jays a weapon that allows them to get everybody rest without sacrificing quality. Recent World Series champions have relied on similar players and for good reason. The right player can add a lot of depth.
I have seen some people suggest that Solarte has been good that the team could afford to trade Donaldson and have Solarte replace his production. Those people are what we call crazy. Solarte's hot streak to start the season has given him a129 wrc+. Donaldson has started the year slower than usual and has still been worth 120 wrc+. Solarte's career high wrc+ is 119. Much of this year's success has come because of a very high 16.1% walk rate and a .250 ISO. Based on his previous performances it's unlikely to think he can continue to maintain these numbers over an entire 162 game season. His plate discipline numbers haven't changed considerably this season to think he will maintain his elite walk rate. His statcast numbers suggest some of the power spike is likely real. Even if Donaldson has declined considerably, he is still a safer bet to have a 120 or better wrc+. Donaldson's production is unlikely to be replaced by Solarte.
Solarte is a career 106 wrc+ hitter. That number would have placed him tied for 15th among 22 qualified third basemen. He doesn't really have the bat to be a starting third baseman on a contender. His bat plays better at shortstop where he would be a top ten hitter, but his defence at short is below average. That leaves second base. His bat profiles well there and he is a good enough fielder to hold down a starting job. With Devon Travis currently struggling the Blue Jays may end up deploying Solarte as the starting second baseman should they demote Travis to the minors.
If Travis turns things around the Blue Jays are best using Solarte as a utility player. With Travis needing regular rest, Donaldson likely needing a day off once a week to keep his body fresh, and Diaz being only a decent player who the team can afford to sit a couple of times a week leaves plenty of playing time available for Solarte.
We all love Solarte's energy and personality. He has been a wonderful addition to this team. As a player, we will see him be most valuable as a jack-of-all-trades. Once Donaldson returns we will get back one of the best players in the game and as a result we will also gain one of the best utility infielders in the game.
