Jorge Soler (OF, KC) - 2017 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers & Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target ~265

CURRENT ADP: 294

ANALYSIS: After an exciting start to his career back in 2014, Jorge Soler has not lived up to the expectations of Cubs fans. Between his injuries and blown opportunities, he was never able to pull everything together. Soler was traded to the Royals for closer Wade Davis this offseason, and is expected to get a full-time job for the first time in his career. He only hit .238/.333/.436 with the Cubs last season, but he did hit much better after returning from a hamstring injury. Over his final 36 games, Soler slashed .258/.348/.515. He has increased his walk rate each year he has been in the league, and his strikeout rate dropped from 30 percent in 2015 to 25 percent last season (still too high, but an improvement, nonetheless). His BABIP was a career-low .276 last season, but that number should return to his career average of .330, therefore raising his batting average. His career ISO is .176, so with some minor swing adjustments and a full slate of games, Soler could be a real breakout candidate in 2017. The 25-year-old is likely to begin the season on the DL with an oblique injury, but while it is not expected to keep him out long-term, it should allow owners to snag him later in drafts.