Nick Solak

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1995)}}

{{good article}}

{{use American English|date=July 2022}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}

{{Infobox baseball biography

|name = Nick Solak

|image = Nick Solak (cropped).jpg

|caption = Solak with the Round Rock Express in 2022

|team = Pittsburgh Pirates

|number =

|position = Second baseman / Outfielder

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|1|11}}

|birth_place = Woodridge, Illinois, U.S.

|bats = Right

|throws = Right

|debutleague = MLB

|debutdate = August 20

|debutyear = 2019

|debutteam = Texas Rangers

|statleague = MLB

|statyear = May 28, 2025

|stat1label = Batting average

|stat1value = .250

|stat2label = Home runs

|stat2value = 21

|stat3label = Runs batted in

|stat3value = 93

|teams =

}}

Nicholas Blake Solak (born January 11, 1995) is an American professional baseball second baseman and outfielder in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, and Detroit Tigers. Solak played college baseball for the Louisville Cardinals.

The New York Yankees drafted Solak in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft. After playing in several minor-league teams in the Yankees farm system, Solak was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 in a three-team trade, during which he played for the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits and, in 2019, the Triple-A Durham Bulls. On July 13, 2019, the Texas Rangers acquired Solak, and he was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.

Solak made his major-league debut for the Rangers on August 20, 2019, and was voted the team's Rookie of the Year that season. Solak remained with the team until July 23, 2021, when he was sent down to the Triple-A Round Rock Express. He returned to the Rangers on August 20, 2021, and stayed with the team until May 19, 2022, when he was once again optioned to Round Rock.

Early and personal life

Solak was born on January 11, 1995, in Woodridge, Illinois.{{cite web |title=Nick Solak Stats, Fantasy & News |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/nick-solak-669256 |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321184903/https://www.mlb.com/player/nick-solak-669256 |url-status=live }} He has a sister named Alexis. His father Mark worked for Motorola for 30 years,{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |title=Rangers rookie truly 'rings' in the holidays |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-enjoys-life-changing-offseason |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=December 23, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309190549/https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-enjoys-life-changing-offseason |url-status=live }} while his mother Roseann ({{nee|Pawlak}}) has a background in community health and substance abuse prevention. He was named after Nick's Sports Page, a sports bar in Dolton, Illinois, where his parents had first met during an event featuring Carlton Fisk.{{cite news |last=Grant |first=Evan |title=Rangers' Nick Solak is a South Side 'throwback', right down to the bar he was named after |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/02/29/rangers-nick-solak-is-a-south-side-throwback-right-down-to-the-bar-he-was-named-after/ |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=February 29, 2020 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309190521/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/02/29/rangers-nick-solak-is-a-south-side-throwback-right-down-to-the-bar-he-was-named-after/ |url-status=live }} Nick played the saxophone in elementary and junior high school band, and he resumed playing it after his father had the old saxophone refurbished.

Growing up outside of Chicago, Solak was a childhood fan of the Chicago White Sox, and his favorite childhood baseball players were Scott Podsednik, Paul Konerko, and Mark Buehrle.{{cite news |last=McCann |first=Savannah |title=Solak calls hometown HR 'cool' moment |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-enjoying-playing-hometown-white-sox |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=April 24, 2021 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309190521/https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-enjoying-playing-hometown-white-sox |url-status=live }} Solak played three seasons with the baseball team at Naperville North High School in Naperville, Illinois, where he played as a middle infielder.{{cite web |last1=Baumgartner |first1=Blake |title=Naperville's Nick Solak and Nicky Lopez look to build upon momentum in sophomore MLB seasons: 'I'm pretty comfortable with everything.' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-spt-baseball-naperville-mlb-players-st-070820-20200707-musy3pcjmnef7oa5nojypmmztq-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |date=July 7, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Alex |date=June 17, 2022 |title=Nick Solak Making Most out of Paused Baseball Season |url=https://www.nctv17.org/news/nick-solak-major-leaguer-naperville-north/ |website=NCTV17.org}} He batted .442 with 27 runs batted in (RBI) as a junior in 2012. As a senior in 2013, he had a .340 batting average.{{cite news |last=Baumgartner |first=Blake |title='It was an absolutely amazing day': Naperville North's Nick Solak stars in debut with Texas Rangers |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-spt-baseball-texas-rangers-nick-solak-st-082819-20190827-qu2plbgk55elnf3u4jwbhr23m4-story.html |work=Naperville Sun |date=August 27, 2019 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |url-access=limited |archive-date=June 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618182222/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-spt-baseball-texas-rangers-nick-solak-st-082819-20190827-qu2plbgk55elnf3u4jwbhr23m4-story.html |url-status=live }} However, only the Pittsburgh Pirates sent him a questionnaire before the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.

Solak married his girlfriend, Roxanne McVey, on November 20, 2021. Solak and McVey met during their attendance at the University of Louisville, where McVey played volleyball, with Solak proposing to her in 2019 at the bar where they first met. Their daughter was born in December 2023.{{Cite Instagram |postid=C09mNadu8_j|user=roxannesolak|title=Shea Lee Solak • 12/13/23|date=December 17, 2023}}

Solak was featured in a 2022 episode of Bar Rescue.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-s-reality-tv-stint|title=Reality is, Solak has hidden fame from episode of 'Bar Rescue'|website=MLB.com}}

College career

Solak made his college baseball debut on February 16, 2014, pinch hitting for the Louisville Cardinals in their 6–1 win against the Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens.{{cite web |title=Nick Solak{{snd}}Baseball |url=https://gocards.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-solak/5800 |publisher=University of Louisville Athletics |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318154243/https://gocards.com/sports/baseball/roster/nick-solak/5800 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Ruxer, Early Offense Lead No. 8 Louisville Past Delaware, 6–1 |url=https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/16/Ruxer_Early_Offense_Lead_No_8_Louisville_Past_Delaware_6_1.aspx |publisher=University of Louisville Athletics |date=February 16, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309192839/https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/16/Ruxer_Early_Offense_Lead_No_8_Louisville_Past_Delaware_6_1.aspx |url-status=live }} The following week, Solak experienced a number of collegiate firsts. On February 19, during the Cardinals' season home opener against Eastern Kentucky, he recorded his first RBI on a groundout.{{cite news |last=Borden |first=Brett |title=Cardinals sing as Burdis both sling in home opener |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97266389/ |work=The Courier-Journal |page=C5 |date=February 20, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |via=Newspapers.com |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012539/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/97266389/the-courier-journal/ |url-status=live }} Two days later, he recorded his first hit in the Cardinals' 21–8 rout of the Western Michigan Broncos,{{cite news |title=No. 7 Cardinals Slug Past Western Michigan, 21–8 |url=https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/21/No_7_Cardinals_Slug_Past_Western_Michigan_21_8.aspx |publisher=University of Louisville Athletics |date=February 21, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309192339/https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/21/No_7_Cardinals_Slug_Past_Western_Michigan_21_8.aspx |url-status=live }} and he made his first start the day after that as a designated hitter when the Cardinals shut out the Broncos 8–0.{{cite news |title=Funkhouser Strikes Out 10 as No. 7 Louisville Shuts Out WMU |url=https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/22/Funkhouser_Strikes_Out_10_as_No_7_Louisville_Shuts_Out_WMU.aspx |publisher=University of Louisville Athletics |date=February 22, 2014 |access-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309192336/https://gocards.com/news/2014/2/22/Funkhouser_Strikes_Out_10_as_No_7_Louisville_Shuts_Out_WMU.aspx |url-status=live }} In the summer of 2014, he played for the Vermont Mountaineers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.{{cite web |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=71eee65a |title=2014 Vermont Mountaineers |publisher=baseball-reference.com |accessdate=June 11, 2022 |archive-date=June 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611151638/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=71eee65a |url-status=live }}

As a sophomore in 2015, Solak attained a .324 batting average, and had three homeruns, forty RBIs, fifteen doubles, and eighteen stolen bases. Along with Pete Alonso, he played for the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod League, with Solak name a league all-star.{{cite web |url=https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=735242&seasonid=29031 |title=#2 Nick Solak |publisher=pointstreak.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012538/https://baseball.pointstreak.com/player.html?playerid=735242&seasonid=29031 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=http://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=2120/|work=capecodbaseball.org|title=Cape League All-Star, Home Run selections released|access-date=July 13, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012431/https://www.capecodbaseball.org/news/season/index.html?article_id=2120%2F|url-status=live}}

In 2016, he played as a second baseman,{{cite web |last1=Wall |first1=Garett |title=Solak Earns CoSIDA Academic All-America Honor |url=https://gocards.com/news/2016/6/3/baseball-solak-earns-cosida-academic-all-america-honor.aspx |website=University of Louisville Athletics |access-date=June 21, 2022}} and despite suffering from an injury,{{cite web |last1=Greer |first1=Jeff |title=Nick Solak relieved to return from hand injury |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2016/04/28/louisville-baseball-nick-solak-relieved-return-hand-injury/83655656/ |website=The Courier-Journal |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012533/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2016/04/28/louisville-baseball-nick-solak-relieved-return-hand-injury/83655656/ |url-status=live }} he was named a Second Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America, and earned second-team All-America recognition from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Steve |title=Louisville baseball has school-record six NCBWA All-Americans - Zack Burdi, Corey Ray, Brendan McKay, Drew Harrington, Kade McClure, Nick Solak |url=https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2016/06/15/6-cards-named-ncbwa-all-americans/85951996/ |website=Courier-Journal |access-date=August 17, 2022}} He had a slash line of a .376 batting average, .470 on-base percentage, and a .564 slugging percentage.{{cite web |last1=Halicke |first1=Chris |title=Inside The Rangers' Prospect Watch: No. 4 Nick Solak |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/prospects/inside-the-rangers-prospect-watch-no-4-nick-solak |website=FanNation |date=February 9, 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2022}} He also hit four home runs, and 26 RBIs in his 42 games played in 2016. Solak finished his collegiate career with a slash line of .346/.442/.484 with 10 home runs, 94 RBI, 36 stolen bases, and a .926 on-base plus slugging (OPS).{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=solak-000nic|title=Nick Solak College, Amateur, Minor & Winter Leagues Statistics & History|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=August 15, 2019|archive-date=August 31, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831110741/https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=solak-000nic|url-status=live}}

Professional career

=New York Yankees=

File:Nick Solak (29013192935) (cropped).jpg in 2016]]

The New York Yankees selected Solak in the second round of the 2016 MLB draft as the 62nd overall pick,{{cite web|url=http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2016/06/09/louisville-baseball-nick-solak-picked-major-league-baseball-draft/85660962/|date=June 9, 2016|last=Greer|first=Jeff|work=The Courier-Journal|title=Louisville's Solak picked 62nd in MLB Draft|access-date=June 10, 2016|archive-date=June 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012447/https://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/college/louisville/2016/06/09/louisville-baseball-nick-solak-picked-major-league-baseball-draft/85660962/|url-status=live}} and signed him for a $950,000 signing bonus.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/2016-draft-signing-and-bonus-tracker/c-183906680|date=June 15, 2016|work=MLB.com|title=2016 Draft: Signing and Bonus Tracker|access-date=July 14, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421005415/https://www.mlb.com/news/2016-draft-signing-and-bonus-tracker/c-183906680|url-status=live}} Before the draft, Baseball America had ranked him as the 86th-best draft prospect.{{cite web |last1=Welge |first1=Joshua |title=Naperville North grad Nick Solak wastes no time signing with New York Yankees |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/sports/ct-nvs-baseball-draft-nick-solak-st-0615-20160614-story.html |website=The Chicago Tribune |date=June 14, 2016 |access-date=June 21, 2022}} He made his professional debut with the Low-A Staten Island Yankees and hit two three-run home runs during his first at-bat there.{{cite web |last1=Avallone |first1=Michael |title=New York Yankees' Nick Solak homers twice, drives in six runs |url=https://www.milb.com/news/new-york-yankees-nick-solak-homers-twice-drives-in-six-runs-245260382 |publisher=MiLB.com |access-date=June 21, 2022}} He finished the 2016 season with a .321 batting average and three home runs, with his 77 hits a tie for the second-most hits in the New York–Penn League (NYPL), and 48 runs a tie for the third-most runs. He also hit .411 during a 14-game hitting streak stretching from July 28 to August 13. He was named to the NYPL's mid-season all-star team, and Baseball America's Short-Season All-Star team. Following the season Baseball America also ranked Solak the number 19 prospect in the Yankees organization.

In 2017, Solak finished with a .301 batting average for the High-A Tampa Yankees, hitting 10 home runs with 44 RBI and 13 stolen bases. After playing 100 games with Tampa, Solak was promoted to the then-Double-A Trenton Thunder on August 1, where he finished the season batting .286/.344/.429. He led the Florida State League (FSL) with a .397 OBP, and ranked second with a .301 average and a .460 slugging percentage. MLB.com named him to the League's postseason all-star team and the Yankees Organizational All-Star Team, and ranked him as the number five second-base prospect following the season. Moreover, Baseball America ranked Solak as the number 14 prospect in the FSL, and in their Best Tools survey, Solak was tabbed as the Best Hitter for Average in the Yankees organization.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

On February 18, 2018, the Yankees sent Solak to the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade, in which the Yankees acquired Brandon Drury from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Diamondbacks acquired Steven Souza from the Rays and Taylor Widener from the Yankees, and the Rays acquired Anthony Banda, Colin Poche, and Sam McWilliams from the Diamondbacks.{{cite web|last=Gilbert|first=Steve|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yankees-rays-d-backs-swing-three-way-deal/c-266808336|title=D-backs, Yankees, Rays make three-team trade|work=MLB.com|date=May 24, 2018|access-date=August 9, 2018|archive-date=June 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012450/https://www.mlb.com/news/d-backs-yankees-rays-make-three-team-trade-c266808336|url-status=live}} He spent the 2018 season with the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits. After batting .282 with 19 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases in 126 games, Solak was named Montgomery's MVP.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/rays-announce-2018-minor-league-award-winners-296400534|title=Rays announce 2018 Minor League award winners|author=Tampa Bay Rays|author-link=Tampa Bay Rays|website=MLB.com|date=September 28, 2018|access-date=September 28, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829212233/https://www.mlb.com/press-release/rays-announce-2018-minor-league-award-winners-296400534|url-status=live}} Solak also participated in the Southern League All-Star Game in June.{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Jahmal |last2=Martin |first2=Maria |title=4 Biscuits players named to 2018 Southern League All-Star roster |url=https://www.wsfa.com/story/38355277/4-biscuits-players-named-to-2018-southern-league-all-star-roster/ |website=WSFA |date=June 6, 2018 |access-date=August 17, 2022}}

Solak began 2019 with the Triple-A Durham Bulls of the International League,{{cite web |last1=Bumbaca |first1=Chris |title=Rays' Solak blasts off twice for Bulls |url=https://www.milb.com/news/tampa-bay-rays-nick-solak-hits-two-home-runs-for-durham-bulls-308045920 |website=milb.com |access-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423204616/https://www.milb.com/news/tampa-bay-rays-nick-solak-hits-two-home-runs-for-durham-bulls-308045920 |url-status=live }} with Joe McCarthy stating that "[t]he guy is a hitter" in reference to Solak.{{cite web |last1=Sutton |first1=Bob |title=Solak's homers help Bulls hammer Mud Hens |url=https://www.thetimesnews.com/story/sports/minors/2019/06/13/solaks-homers-help-bulls-hammer-mud-hens/4921742007/ |website=The Times-News |date=June 12, 2019 |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012450/https://www.thetimesnews.com/story/sports/minors/2019/06/13/solaks-homers-help-bulls-hammer-mud-hens/4921742007/ |url-status=live }} He finished his Bulls season with a .266/.350/.485/.835 slash line, 17 home runs, and 47 RBI in 301 at-bats.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-trade-fairbanks-to-rays|title=Rangers acquire Minor League 2B for Fairbanks|website=MLB.com|last=Sullivan|first=T. R.|date=July 13, 2019|access-date=July 13, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713221856/https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-trade-fairbanks-to-rays|url-status=live}}

=Texas Rangers=

On July 13, 2019, Solak was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for pitcher Pete Fairbanks.{{cite web |last1=Grant |first1=Evan |title=Remember the Pete Fairbanks-Nick Solak trade? It's working out well for the Rangers, Rays |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/10/21/remember-when-the-rangers-traded-pete-fairbanks-for-nick-solak-its-working-out-well-for-the-rays-in-the-world-series/ |website=The Dallas Morning News |date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201061705/https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/10/21/remember-when-the-rangers-traded-pete-fairbanks-for-nick-solak-its-working-out-well-for-the-rays-in-the-world-series/ |url-status=live }} He was assigned to the Nashville Sounds of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League. On August 20, the Rangers selected Solak's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.{{cite news|url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article234183927.html|title=Rangers' late win comes at a cost as Mazara hits IL. Who is taking his roster spot?|newspaper=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|last=Wilson|first=Jeff|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=August 20, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820180612/https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article234183927.html|url-status=live}} He made his major league debut that day in a double-header versus the Los Angeles Angels, recording his first career hit off Andrew Heaney and first career home run off Jaime Barría.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/1149283/2019/08/21/the-future-is-not-here-yet-but-the-rangers-can-maybe-see-it-from-here/|title=The future is not here yet, but the Rangers can, maybe, see it from here|website=The Athletic|last=Weaver|first=Levi|date=August 21, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190821153728/https://theathletic.com/1149283/2019/08/21/the-future-is-not-here-yet-but-the-rangers-can-maybe-see-it-from-here/|url-status=live}} Solak finished the 2019 season hitting .293/.393/.491 with 5 home runs and 17 RBI over 33 games for Texas.{{cite web |last1=Halicke |first1=Chris |title=WATCH: Nick Solak Looking to Build Off 2019 Debut with Rangers |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/nick-solak-looking-to-build-off-2019-debut-with-rangers |website=FanNation |date=February 2020 |access-date=June 21, 2022}} He had the fastest sprint speed of all major league designated hitters, at 28.7 feet/second,{{cite web |url=https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2019&position=10&team=&min=10 |title=Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard | baseballsavant.com |publisher=Baseballsavant.mlb.com |access-date=October 9, 2019 |archive-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426172434/https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/sprint_speed_leaderboard?year=2019&position=10&team=&min=10 |url-status=live }} and was also voted the team's Rookie of the Year.

Entering the 2020 season, Baseball America ranked Solak as the Rangers' fourth-best prospect. Solak was the Rangers' Opening Day left fielder. In addition to left field, Solak also played at second base, center field, and as a designated hitter. His first home run of the season on August 9 was annulled after a referee changed it to an error committed by Jo Adell.{{cite news |last1=Dixon |first1=Schuyler |title=4-base error on ball over fence helps Rangers top Angels 7-3 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/4-base-error-on-ball-over-fence-helps-rangers-top-angels-7-3/2020/08/09/993d7a48-da9f-11ea-b4f1-25b762cdbbf4_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621012529/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/4-base-error-on-ball-over-fence-helps-rangers-top-angels-7-3/2020/08/09/993d7a48-da9f-11ea-b4f1-25b762cdbbf4_story.html |url-status=live }} Solak played 58 games (a tie for the club lead with Isiah Kiner-Falefa), finishing .268/.326/.344 and hitting two home runs.

Solak was part of the Rangers' Opening Day roster for 2021 as a second baseman.{{cite web |last1=Landry |first1=Kennedi |title=Ranger 2022 Opening Day Roster |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-2022-opening-day-roster |website=MLB.com |access-date=June 21, 2022}} On July 23, 2021, Solak was optioned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express. Up until that point, he had a team-high 88 second-base starts, as well as a .225 batting average and 34 RBIs in 92 games.{{cite magazine |last1=Hamm |first1=Timm |title=Rangers Roster Notes: Terry's MLB Call-Up, Trevino Activated, Solak Demoted |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/rangers-roster-notes-terrys-mlb-call-up-trevino-activated-solak-demoted |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=June 21, 2022}} He was recalled to the Rangers on August 20.{{cite web |last1=Landry |first1=Kennedi |title=Nick Solak impressing manager batting coach |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-impressing-manager-hitting-coach |work=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |date=September 1, 2021 |access-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423020350/https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-impressing-manager-hitting-coach |url-status=live }} Upon his return, Solak stated he learned "not to put too much pressure on [himself] whether things are going really good or things are going really bad" while Chris Woodward, the Rangers manager, stated that "it's been nice to see him kind of make that adjustment".{{cite web |last1=McCann |first1=Savannah |title=Nick Solak playing well for rangers, enjoying game again |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-playing-well-for-rangers-enjoying-game-again |website=MLB.com |access-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-date=April 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423065701/https://www.mlb.com/news/nick-solak-playing-well-for-rangers-enjoying-game-again |url-status=live }} Solak finished the season hitting .242/.314/.362/.677 with 11 home runs and 49 RBI.{{Cite web|last=Weaver|first=Levi|date=October 6, 2021|title=Grading the 2021 Texas Rangers: Position players edition|url=https://theathletic.com/2862425/2021/10/06/grading-the-2021-texas-rangers-position-players-edition/|url-status=live|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=The Athletic|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020024539/https://theathletic.com/2862425/2021/10/06/grading-the-2021-texas-rangers-position-players-edition/}} From April 14 to July 9, Solak had a 71-game no-error streak, the longest single-game streak among Ranger second basemen.

Solak was part of the Rangers' 2022 Opening Day roster as an outfielder.{{cite web |last1=Halicke |first1=Chris |title=Texas Rangers Make Final Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Day |url=https://www.si.com/mlb/rangers/news/texas-final-roster-moves-opening-day-toronto |website=FanNation |date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=June 21, 2022}} On May 19, he was again optioned to Round Rock Express.{{cite web |last1=Landry |first1=Kennedi |title=Mitch Garver hits home run in loss to Astros |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mitch-garver-hits-home-run-in-loss-to-astros |website=MLB.com |publisher=MLB Advanced Media |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523215317/https://www.mlb.com/news/mitch-garver-hits-home-run-in-loss-to-astros |url-status=live }} He hit .209/.293/.313 and two home runs in his 75 plate appearances before his demotion.{{cite web |last1=RotoWire Staff |title=Rangers' Nick Solak: Sent to Triple-A |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-nick-solak-sent-to-triple-a/ |website=CBS Sports |date=May 19, 2022 |access-date=June 21, 2022}}

=Cincinnati Reds=

On November 10, 2022, Solak was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/11/reds-acquire-nick-solak-from-rangers.html | title=Reds Acquire Nick Solak from Rangers|website=Mlbtraderrumors.com | date=November 10, 2022 }} Solak was optioned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats to begin the 2023 season.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Nick Solak: Reassigned to minor-league camp|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-nick-solak-reassigned-to-minor-league-camp/amp/|access-date=March 12, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} On March 30, 2023, the Reds designated him for assignment.{{Cite web|title=Reds' Nick Solak: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/reds-nick-solak-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=March 30, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

=Seattle Mariners=

On March 31, 2023, the Reds traded Solak to the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations. He was optioned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. He went 1-for-13 in 4 games with Tacoma before being designated for assignment on April 10.{{Cite web|title=Mariners' Nick Solak: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mariners-nick-solak-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=April 10, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

File:Nick Solak homered (cropped).jpg]]

=Atlanta Braves=

On April 14, 2023, the Chicago White Sox claimed Solak off of waivers and optioned him to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights.{{Cite web|title=White Sox's Nick Solak: Claimed by ChiSox|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-nick-solak-claimed-by-chisox/|access-date=April 14, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=April 14, 2023 |language=en}} He was designated for assignment on April 16.{{Cite web|title=White Sox's Nick Solak: Designated for assignment|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/white-soxs-nick-solak-designated-for-assignment/amp/|access-date=April 16, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}}

On April 18, 2023, Solak was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves and optioned to the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers.{{Cite web|title=Braves' Nick Solak: Claimed off waivers by ATL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-nick-solak-claimed-off-waivers-by-atl/amp/|access-date=April 18, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He was recalled to the major league roster on April 25 after Eli White was placed on the paternity list.{{Cite web|title=Braves' Nick Solak: Recalled from Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-nick-solak-summoned-from-triple-a/|access-date=May 14, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=April 25, 2023 |language=en}} He appeared in one game against the Miami Marlins as a pinch runner for Sean Murphy before he was optioned to Gwinnett April 28.{{Cite web|title=Braves' Nick Solak: Optioned to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/braves-nick-solak-optioned-to-triple-a/|access-date=May 14, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=April 28, 2023 |language=en}} Solak was designated for assignment on June 6 following the acquisition of Ben Heller.{{cite news |title=Tuesday's Transactions |url=https://www.dailysentinel.com/anpa/sports/tuesdays-transactions/article_71492a51-3eb3-55dc-a32a-ada6f05321e5.html |access-date=June 16, 2023 |work=The Daily Sentinel |agency=Associated Press |date=June 6, 2023}}

=Detroit Tigers=

On June 9, 2023, Solak was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers and optioned to the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens.{{cite news |last1=Woodbery |first1=Evan |title=Tigers claim infielder off waivers from Braves |url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2023/06/tigers-claim-infielder-off-waivers-from-braves.html |access-date=June 16, 2023 |publisher=MLive.com |date=June 9, 2023}} The Tigers called up Solak the next day where he made his debut as a pinch runner.{{Cite web |title=Detroit Tigers place Akil Baddoo on injured list, recall newly acquired Nick Solak |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/mlb/tigers/2023/06/10/detroit-tigers-mlb-akil-baddoo-injured-list-recall-newly-acquired-utility-man-nick-solak/70309217007/ |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}} August 4, Solak was designated for assignment by the Tigers following the acquisition of Andrew Vasquez.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tigers-nick-solak-designated-for-assignment/|work=CBS Sports|title=Tigers DFA Nick Solak|date=August 4, 2023 }} On August 6, Solak cleared waivers and was sent outright to Triple–A.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/tigers-nick-solak-sent-to-triple-a/|work=CBS Sports|title=Tigers send Nick Solak to Triple-A|date=August 6, 2023 }} For the 2023 season, Solak had the distinction of having only two pinch runner appearances for two different teams without having an official at-bat.{{Cite web |last=DJourn |date=November 11, 2023 |title=2023 Braves Season in Review: Nick Solak |url=https://www.batterypower.com/23937126/nick-solak-2023-braves-player-review |access-date=January 11, 2024 |website=Battery Power |language=en}} He elected free agency following the season on November 6.{{Cite web|title=2023 MiLB Free Agents|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2023-milb-free-agents/|access-date=January 30, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2023 |language=en}}

=Seattle Mariners (second stint)=

On January 30, 2024, Solak signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web | title=Mariners' Nick Solak: Invited to Mariners' camp | website=CBSSports.com | date=January 30, 2024 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/mariners-nick-solak-invited-to-mariners-camp/amp/ | access-date=October 29, 2024}} In 90 games for the Triple–A Tacoma Rainiers, he hit .311 with nine home runs, 53 RBI, and 10 stolen bases, his highest batting average in a full season since 2016. Solak elected free agency following the season on November 4.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/|title=Minor League Free Agents 2024|work=Baseball America|date=November 6, 2024|accessdate=November 6, 2024|first=Matt|last=Eddy}}

=Pittsburgh Pirates=

On December 6, 2024, Solak signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.{{Cite web|title=Pirates' Nick Solak: Nets MiLB deal from Pittsburgh|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/pirates-nick-solak-nets-milb-deal-from-pittsburgh/amp/|access-date=December 11, 2024|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He made 32 appearances for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, hitting .393/.452/.625 with six home runs, 19 RBI, and four stolen bases. On May 16, 2025, the Pirates selected Solak's contract, adding him to their active roster.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Select Nick Solak|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/05/pirates-select-nick-solak.html|access-date=May 23, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=May 16, 2025 |language=en}} In four appearances for Pittsburgh, he went 1-for-11 (.091). On June 3, Solak was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple-A Indianapolis.{{cite news |title=Pirates' Nick Gonzales returns for first time since opener |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45445231/pirates-nick-gonzales-returns-first-opener |access-date=June 3, 2025 |publisher=ESPN.com |date=June 3, 2025}} He elected free agency the following day.{{Cite web|title=Nick Solak Elects Free Agency|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/nick-solak-elects-free-agency.html|access-date=June 4, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}} Solak re-signed with Pittsburgh on a minor league contract on June 5.{{Cite web|title=Pirates Re-Sign Nick Solak To Minor League Deal|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/pirates-re-sign-nick-solak-to-minor-league-deal.html|access-date=June 5, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}

References

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