San Francisco, CA
Impactful Jorge Soler Makes San Francisco Giants More Dangerous
MIAMI, FLORIDA – APRIL 05: Jorge Soler #12 of the Miami Marlins celebrates in the dugout after … [+]
The addition of Jorge Soler has added a legitimate power source to the San Francisco Giants lineup.
The right-handed hitting Soler, who turns 32 February 25, gives the Giants a power source in the middle of a lineup that is in need of greater run production.
After spending the past two seasons with the Miami Marlins, Soler signed a three-year deal. He will get a $9 million signing bonus, and a $7 million salary for 2024. He will then receive $13 million in each of the 2025, and 2026 seasons.
According to Fangraphs, the addition of Soler brings the Giants estimated 2024 player payroll to $164 million, a decrease of $32 million from last season.
It would seem the Giants still have plenty of salary room to add even more power or offensive improvement to their batting order.
As of this writing, players like Cody Bellinger, Adam Duvall, and J.D. Martinez remain on the free agent market.
TORONTO, CANADA – SEPTEMBER 9: Jorge Soler #68 of the Chicago Cubs during MLB game action against … [+]
About Jorge Soler:
In 2010 and 2011, Jorge Soler played for La Habana in the Cuban National Series, when he was just 17, and 18-years old.
Soler was viewed as the best overall player on the Cuban Bronze Medal Team in the 2010 World Junior Championships.
Soler was unsuccessful in his first attempt to defect from Cuba, but he did succeed in 2011.
Soler signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent in 2012.
Soler was so highly regarded, the Cubs signed him to a nine-year, $30 million contract. His contract included a $6 million bonus.
Soler made his big league debut with the Cubs in August 2014, when he was just 22-years-old.
Even with his outstanding power potential, Soler played only parts of three seasons with the Cubs.
The Cubs traded Soler to the Kansas City Royals on December 7, 2016, getting pitcher Wade Davis in return from the Royals.
On July 30, 2021, the Royals traded Soler to the Atlanta Braves for relief pitcher Kasey Kalich.
Entering free agency at the conclusion of the 2021 season, Soler signed with the Miami Marlins, where he played until he once again reached free agency at the end of this past season.
In parts of 10 big league seasons, Soler has compiled an offensive stat line of .243/.330/.467/.797, with 163 doubles, three triples, 170 home runs, and 452 RBIs in 3,473 plate appearances.
Slow afoot, Soler has stolen only 11 bases in his meager 16 stolen base attempts.
At 6-4, 235 pounds, like many power hitters, strikeouts remain an issue for Soler.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 14: Jorge Soler #12 of the Miami Marlins reacts after his solo home run … [+]
Soler’s Power:
Jorge Soler will be coming off his final year in Miami, when he hit 36 home runs, and drove in 75 runs in 580 plate appearances.
Last year was his only All Star season.
In his best power season, Soler hit 48 home runs, and drove in 117 runs for the 2019 Kansas City Royals.
Soler was named the 2021 World Series Most Valuable Player, as his Braves defeated the Houston Astros in six games.
In that World Series, Soler hit .300, with three homers, and six RBIs. He was a unanimous choice for MVP.
His postseason success for the Braves, coupled with his outstanding 2023 season with the Marlins, highlight Soler as a true power threat, capable of changing a game with one swing of his bat.
Some analysts believed Soler would earn more than $14 million annually for three years as a free agent. So, some may view the Giants acquisition of Soler as a bargain.
San Francisco Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee speaks during a baseball news conference in San Francisco, … [+]
Projected San Francisco Giants Lineup:
With the Giants, Fangraphs projects Soler to hit in the cleanup spot, and serve as the team’s designated hitter.
Short of an additional offensive player addition, here is the opening day lineup Fangraphs projects for manager Bob Melvin’s Giants:
Jung Hoo Lee-CF
Thairo Estrada-2B
LaMonte Wade Jr.-1B
Jorge Soler-DH
Michael Conforto-LF
Wilmer Flores-3B
Mike Yastrzemski-RF
Patrick Bailey-C
Marco Luciano-SS
MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 16: Jorge Soler #12 of the Miami Marlins celebrates walk-off two-run home run … [+]
What Soler Can Mean To The Giants:
When he was signed by the Cubs out of Cuba, at full player skill maturation, Soler was projected to be a Grade 65 player.
A Grade 65 player is a consistent All Star.
A Grade 65 player is among the best in the game in any given year.
Soler has fallen short of that lofty projection.
However, he remains dangerous, as he demonstrated last year with the Miami Marlins.
Soler has the potential to make every hitter in the Giants lineup more impactful.
Soler has the potential to eclipse the 23 homers hit last year by Wilmer Flores, the most on the Giants roster.
Pitchers must now cope with the fact that Soler lurks in the middle of the batting order. His presence may mean hitters like Wade Jr., Conforto, and Flores may see better pitches to hit.
Opposing managers are fond of saying, “Don’t let this guy beat us.” That guy will be Jorge Soler.
To this old scout, because they have added Jung Hoo Lee, and Jorge Soler, the San Francisco Giants are a much more formidable offensive team today than they were when the 2023 season ended.
San Francisco, CA
Driver Arrested After Pedestrian Killed, Three Injured In Mission District Crash
One pedestrian died at the hospital and three others suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a driver struck them in SF’s Mission District earlier this week.
The San Francisco Police Department arrested a driver suspected of fatally striking four pedestrians in the area of 16th and Mission streets Monday morning, as KRON4 reports.
Officers responded to the scene at 12:13 am and found medics treating one pedestrian with life-threatening injuries. The person later died at a nearby hospital, and three other pedestrians sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver was reportedly detained soon after the collision. The department has not announced what charges they will receive.
“We hold the victim and their loved ones in our thoughts, and grieve this loss of life on San Francisco’s streets,” said Jodie Medeiros, executive director for Walk SF, in a release. “We all deserve to be able to get around safely in our city.”
This marks the ninth pedestrian death in San Francisco this year. It’s also the second such death in the Mission, following the tragic death of local musician Danielle Spillman at Mission Street and South Van Ness Avenue in April, as SFist reported previously.
Four pedestrians were killed throughout the month of March, including deaths in Chinatown, the Financial District, North Beach, and the Outer Mission. In late February, a two-year-old was run over in Mission Bay.
Anyone with information may contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or text “TIP411,” beginning with “SFPD.”
Wife of SoMa Hit-and-Run Suspect Says ‘My Husband Is Not a Villain’
Image: Google Maps
San Francisco, CA
California Supreme Court ruling on bail sparks debate over what it means for San Francisco’s safety
A recent California Supreme Court ruling is changing how bail is set across the state, and it’s sparking a sharp debate in San Francisco about what it could mean for public safety.
Inside her office, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said every decision carries weight. She views her role through one lens: protecting the public.
“My responsibility to San Francisco is public safety,” Jenkins said. “And to be transparent to me in achieving that safety. This is a ruling that has real-life consequences, and deny that would be untruthful and would not help people understand why we may see retraction from our progress.”
The ruling requires judges to set bail at levels defendants can afford, shifting the focus away from cash bail and toward whether someone poses a risk to public safety.
Jenkins said she believes that shift could have serious consequences.
“I knew it would be immediately be devastating to public safety and the state of California and had a lot of concerns that I thought needed to be shared with the public and other city leaders,” she said.
She warns that the change could make it easier for repeat offenders, particularly those involved in drug-related crimes, to be released before trial.
“These judges don’t live in San Francisco, many of them,” Jenkins said. “They don’t live in places like the Tenderloin that are most affected by these issues. They are ruling in a way that has impacts on other people’s lives.”
But not everyone agrees with that assessment.
San Francisco Defense Attorney Marsanne Weese said the ruling does not eliminate accountability and that courts still have tools to detain people who pose a threat.
“In regards to her statements, there is no basis for it,” Weese said. “And the justices pointed out that there are a number of non-financial tools the lower courts can use and should use.”
Those tools include options like pretrial detention and supervised release, which allow judges to consider risk without relying solely on a person’s ability to pay bail.
“So, in regards to this being a drastic change, yes, it will be a drastic change, but not to safety,” Weese added.
For Jenkins, the concern is not just the intent of the law, but how it will be applied in real-world courtrooms and what that means on city streets.
For now, there is unease for some, optimism for others, and a growing debate over what public safety will look like under this new system.
San Francisco, CA
World Cup dining guide near Levi’s Stadium and in San Francisco
Son Heung-Min explains how he carries captain’s title into 2026 World Cup
Son Heung-Min talks about carrying the expectations for South Korea in the 2026 World Cup, and how he intends to spread the responsibility among his teammates.
With the World Cup set to bring crowds from around the globe to the Bay Area, fans may be looking for good eats around San Francisco — or closer to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
This year’s tournament will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The 104 games will be spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the U.S. hosting 78 matches.
Here are a few restaurants folks can visit near the stadium and in San Francisco. Looking for things to do near Levi’s or in the city? Check out our guide here.
Restaurants near Levi’s Stadium
Folks who have never visited Levi’s Stadium may not know it’s about 40 miles from San Francisco. And while many may have an idea of where to eat during their travels in the Golden City, that might not be the case for the city surrounding the stadium.
Here’s a quick list of options in Santa Clara and San Jose, within walking and driving distance to the stadium:
$ – Chicken Meets Rice – Santa Clara
Chicken Meets Rice is a fast-casual chain that offers Hainanese-style chicken rice. The company has a location about a 10-minute walk from Levi’s Stadium and near the Lick Mill light rail station.
Address: 2213 Tasman Drive, Santa Clara
$$ – Mariscos Costa Alegre – San Jose
For folks looking for Mexican food and flavorful seafood, and who are willing to travel an extra 15 to 30 minutes — depending on traffic — they should consider visiting Mariscos Costa Alegre.
Located in San Jose, this family-owned restaurant offers fresh Mexican seafood dishes, as well as more experimental plates like their Mexican Sushi.
The restaurant also offers an expansive drink menu and weekday specials that fans can enjoy before they head to Levi’s Stadium to support their teams.
Address: 855 N 13th Street, San Jose
$$$ – Birk’s – Santa Clara
Fans hoping to have a finer dining experience should consider visiting Birk’s, a South Bay icon bistro known for its grilled steaks, chops and seafood.
Birk’s is located about a 10-minute drive away from Levi’s Stadium and is right off the 101 highway.
Address: 3955 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara
Staying in San Francisco? Food to grab before heading to Levi’s Stadium
Fans staying in San Francisco could be overwhelmed by the hundreds of restaurant recommendations they may stumble upon. Although no list can be perfect, here are a few options worth considering during your stay in the city, especially for folks who are visiting the United States.
$ – Eddie’s Cafe – Alamo Square
Sitting at the corner of Divisadero Street and Fulton Street is Eddie’s Cafe, a small breakfast diner that’s been feeding the community since the mid-1970s.
For anyone who has wanted to experience a classic American breakfast plate that won’t break your wallet, it might be worth visiting this old greasy spoon diner.
Address: 800 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
$ – Trish’s Mini Donuts / Fun Food Factory / Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop – Fisherman’s Wharf
Anyone heading to Fisherman’s Wharf will be greeted with dozens of seafood dining options worth a visit, but they will also have the opportunity to try a number of fun desserts.
For folks who have never experienced county-fair-like desserts, they should consider stopping by one of the many dessert options on the pier, like Fun Food Factory, Lappert’s Ice Cream Shop, or Trish’s Mini Donuts.
Address: Pier 39 Level, Pier 39, San Francisco
$$ – Tony’s Pizza Napoletana – North Beach
When it comes to pizza, San Francisco is usually not the first city that comes to mind for many people, but folks should consider trying Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. This pizzeria was founded by 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, who won the Best Margherita Pizza at the World Cup in Naples, Italy.
Tony’s Pizza Napoletana is one of the few American pizzerias that appear in the 2025 edition of the 50 Top Pizza World Guide list, ranking 10th on the list.
If you’re willing to wait for a seat and a pie, it’s definitely worth considering.
Address: 1570 Stockton Street, San Francisco
$$ – Four Kings – Chinatown
Although Four Kings has only been open for a couple of years, the Cantonese restaurant has become one of San Francisco’s most popular restaurants. It’s been featured in Bon Appétit and the New York Times as one of San Francisco’s best new restaurants in 2024.
“Restaurants don’t get much buzzier than this bustling Chinatown haunt, where Chefs Franky Ho and Michael Long are drawing crowds eager to sample their breezy contemporary take on Cantonese cuisine,” reads the Michelin Guide’s review of the restaurant.
“From claypot rice with bacon and Chinese sausage to savory ‘fish fragrant’ eggplant, the cooking taps into traditional flavors while offering a fresh perspective, a formula that seems to have struck gold.”
Address: 710 Commercial Street, San Francisco
$$ – Smuggler’s Cove – Hayes Valley
Among this year’s James Beard nominees, Smuggler’s Cove was highlighted as one of the country’s most outstanding bars.
Smuggler’s Cove is a tiki bar in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley neighborhood that features one of the largest rum selections in the United States, and specializes in cocktails from over three centuries of rum history.
The bar’s unique theme and rum-focused drink menu make it worth a visit for folks looking for a memorable night in the city.
Address: 650 Gough Street, San Francisco
$$ – Bar 821 – Divisadero Street
Hidden along Divisadero Street is Bar 821, a small but cozy spot known for its extensive amari collection. Originally established in 2002, the bar closed during the pandemic before reopening as the reimagined cocktail bar.
For anyone near Alamo Square and hoping to grab a drink, just know that for Bar 821, you can’t simply walk into the establishment. Staff recommends you ring a doorbell outside the bar and wait to be seated inside.
Address: 821 Divisadero Street, San Francisco
$$$ – Quince – Jackson Square
Anyone hoping to have a world-class dining experience while visiting San Francisco should consider making a reservation at Quince, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
The owners, Michael and Lindsay Tusk, opened their original restaurant in 2003, innovating French-Italian cuisine. Their menu eventually earned them critical acclaim and the honor of three Michelin stars.
For guests who are lucky enough to secure a spot on the restaurant’s reservation list, they will be greeted with a “four-course celebration of the state’s finest terroir, along with a curated selection of cocktails and wines.”
And for people who may want to try Tusk’s cooking at a more affordable price, they should consider visiting Cotogna, a casual counterpart to the French-Italian restaurant.
Address: 470 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco
Where is Levi’s Stadium?
Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, the heart of Santa Clara County. Notably, the stadium is approximately 45 minutes to an hour away from San Francisco.
SFO to Levi’s Stadium: Is the airport close?
For anyone hoping to catch an Uber from the San Francisco International Airport to Levi’s Stadium, it might be worth highlighting that it’ll be an expensive trip. SFO is located about 31 miles away from the stadium, and multiple cities away from Santa Clara.
However, the San Jose Mineta International Airport is relatively close to the stadium, only about 5 miles away.
World Cup matches in the San Francisco Bay
- June 13: Qatar vs. Switzerland (Group B) at noon PDT
- June 16: Austria vs. Jordan (Group J) at 9 p.m. PDT
- June 19: Türkiye vs. Paraguay (Group D) at 8 p.m. PDT
- June 22: Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J) at 8 p.m. PDT
- June 25: Paraguay vs. Australia (Group D) at 7 p.m. PDT
- July 1: Round of 32 at 5 p.m. PDT
Noe Padilla is a Northern California Reporter for USA Today. Contact him at npadilla@usatodayco.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. Sign up for the TODAY Californian newsletter or follow us on Facebook at TODAY Californian.
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