Jorge Soler (OF, KC) - Week 6 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 32% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Up until this season, Kansas City Royals outfielder Jorge Soler was most known for being the trade chip that netted Wade Davis for the Chicago Cubs. After being expected to fill a major role for the Royals in 2017, Soler struggled to the tune of .144/.245/.258 over 110 plate appearances. The young Royal struck out 32.7% of the time, but could only manage two home runs and a very below average .113 ISO. Considering Soler’s calling card was supposed to be his power, those metrics were less than ideal.

Flash forward to 2018, and something appears to have clicked. So far, Soler has produced four home runs and a .208 ISO. Much of that occurred over the last week, registering a .300 average with two bombs and six runs batted in. The stretch brings Soler’s season line to .297/.415/.505 over 123 plate appearances in 2018. Whereas Soler was one of the worst hitters in baseball a year ago, he is now rating as well above average.

There is reason to be concerned about his long-term output, what with a .388 BABIP and just a 66.5% overall contact rate. However, there is also enough to suggest that Soler has been slightly unlucky as well, as he is making hard contact an impressive 42.3% of the time, and he is making contact at an 83% clip when swinging at pitches in the zone. Thus, success for Soler is almost purely dependent in his patience and approach. If he takes his time and picks his spots, he is a stud; if he gets too aggressive, he will struggle. Regardless, he is worth an add, especially if you need some power in the outfield.