Last July, Solak was traded to Tampa Bay in exchange for pitcher Peter Fairbanks. The New York Yankees selected Solak in the second round of the 2016 draft out of the University of Louisville.
In 2018, he was traded to Tampa Bay in a three-team transaction after receiving a $950,000 signing bonus.
He took off after joining Triple-A Nashville in July. In 30 games, he hit .347/.386/.653/1.039, earning him a promotion in late August.
In the majors, his surge continued. In 33 games with the Rangers, Solak hit .293/.393/.491/.884. He was named the Rangers’ Rookie of the Year for his efforts.
Finding ways to use him on the major league roster was the main focus for the offseason.
He’s a hard worker. He has a compact, well-kept swing and a strong understanding of the strike zone.
He’s always had some power, but he blasted 32 home runs between Triple-A and the majors last year, indicating that he’s becoming a more legitimate power threat.
He is fast and intelligent. Above all, he has a work ethic and a quiet self-confidence in himself that says he will reach whatever his ceiling is.
Right now, his best position is second base, but it won’t be a regular option unless Rougned Odor flunks again. This spring, he tried out at center field.
While the Rangers admired his work ethic, it became clear after two weeks of games that he wasn’t ready to play there. He’ll need to hit well enough to justify moving to a position with better defenders.
How Much Does Nick Solak Make?
Nick Solak makes an annual salary of $720,000.