Kansas City Royals Paulo Orlando: Deep Waiver Wire Add

By Brad Kelly | May 27, 2016

May 17, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Paulo Orlando (16) is congratulated in the dugout after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Paulo Orlando has been on a tear lately for the Kansas City Royals. With all their injuries and with steadier playing time, should fantasy owners make him a waiver wire add?

More often than not, waiver wire gems are players that are blessed with talent and opportunity. The Kansas City Royals were struck with tough news recently that they will lose Alex Gordon for over a month and Mike Moustakas for the rest of the season.

Both were key members of the Royals offense and there production has to be replicated in some fashion. Enter in: Paulo Orlando.

The 30-year-old Brazilian outfielder has been with Royals for the last eight seasons. He has been mainly a minor league fixture, but over the last two seasons, he has emerged as a key bench piece for the ball club.

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Even though he is past the point of being a prospect, he still possesses a fantasy friendly skillset. He has over 1,000 career minor league hits, 207 SB, and is a career .283 hitter.

He made a quick impact last season, seemingly hitting a triple nightly, while providing solid defense. Much has been the same this season as he currently sits with a, .397/1 HR/10 RBI/2 SB/8 R/7 XBH, line over only 73 AB.

He was never a huge power threat in the minors and he may be capped at 5-10 HR, but his speed has always been his calling card. His lanky 6’2 frame allows him to cover ground with ease. Now that the Royals are seeking offense wherever they can find it, Orlando has the opportunity to make the most of his larger amount of playing time.

Abother encouraging element for fantasy owners, is the absolute tear he has been on over the last 14 games. He has hit .486 over that span, while having a 1.230 OPS and notched 18 hits. Opportunity and talent seem to be aligning, making him a decent gamble off the waiver wire moving forward.

Orlando does swing and miss a lot, so a. 300 AVG should not be expected, but there is sneaky .270/ 5-7 HR/20 SB upside. He looks to be a valuable fantasy add and owners should look to him at worse to be a SB contributor.

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