Gerardo Parra: Sleeper Outfielder for 2016

Gerardo Parra had a good 2015 season between the Brewers and Orioles. Now slated as the starting left fielder, he is a nice sleeper for 2016.

The Baltimore Orioles offense is very well-rounded. They get power production from three players and the other five hitters contribute to their production. That is the reason the offense ranked in the top-10 in most major hitting categories. One of those contributing players isn’t as well-known as the others, but will become a big piece in 2016, and his name is Gerardo Parra. 

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Parra is a veteran by number of years played, but at 28 years old, he still has some gas in the tank. He began his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and spent five and a half seasons with them. He was then traded to Milwaukee in 2014 and traded to Baltimore in 2015. He has hit a career 56 home runs and 311 RBI with a .277 batting average.

Looking at only 2015, he hit 14 home runs with 51 RBI and a .291 average. Most of that came from his 100 games with the Milwaukee Brewers (nine HR, 31 RBI and .328). You can figure out what he did with Baltimore in 55 games. He also stole 14 bases between both teams.

So, while the numbers aren’t the best, he is in a better location for 2016. According to the Orioles depth chart, he is the starting left fielder. He played all over the outfield for the Diamondbacks, but was never able to play for a full season until 2013 when he played 156 games.

Gerardo Parra will not need to do more than he can in this Orioles lineup. With power hitters Adam Jones, Chris Davis (if he re-signs) and Manny Machado, who combined for 109 home runs, all Parra needs to do is get on base and run when his teammates hit the ball.

Parra was production throughout the 2015 season. He finished 29th among outfielders and 92nd overall on the Player Rater. His 83 runs and 159 hits were a big reason he was ranked that high. Hitting ahead of Jones and Machado will definitely contribute to that.

Obviously the outfield position is deep (90 starters among all 30 teams), but there are players that stand out more than others. I think Gerardo Parra is in the “others” category. He’s a good player and has been getting noticed, which is why he was owned in 52 percent of ESPN leagues.

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Gerardo Parra has a good combination of speed, contact and power. There is potential for a 15 HR/10 SB season, but I see it more around the 10/10 level. Either one would be fine with the fantasy owners that do draft him next season.

Projections: 132 hits, 12 home runs, 45 RBI, 10 stolen bases, .250 average.

Draft: 20