Chicago Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler will make his professional debut with the organization's Arizona League affiliate on Thursday, as Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago reports. The Cubs officially signed the young Cuban outfielder to a nine-year, $30 million on June 30, after which he reported to the team's minor league facility in Arizona.
After spending some time working out with the organization in Mesa, Ariz., it appears that Soler will finally get into live game action on Thursday. When he was signed, the team didn't specify a timetable for his development, but the 20-year-old will presumably need a good deal of seasoning in the minor leagues.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Soler is expected to play right field going forward, but he'll be filling the designated hitter role in his pro debut on Thursday. The AZL Cubs, who currently have the league's top record at 17-5, will be facing the Mariners' AZL affiliate.
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