Los Angeles Dodgers: Three surprises in store for the 2019 season
By Jason Reed
1. Paulo Orlando will be the big breakout star in 2019
If you browse LA Sports Hub you will see at least three instances of us mentioning that Paulo Orlando has breakout potential in 2019. But still, Orlando has flown under the radar, forgotten by many fans and could end up being one of the best value signings of the entire offseason.
Of course, there is also a chance that Orlando starts the year in the minor leagues and a door never opens for him to make his impact on the big league club. However, even if he does not make the initial 25-man roster, it seems highly unlikely that he won’t get at least one chance in 2019.
Orlando has not done much the last two seasons but it is his 2016 campaign that should give every Dodger fan promise. In 128 games played in 2016, Orlando hit .302 with five home runs, 43 RBIs and 14 stolen bases.
He will not be a power threat by any means and will not slug 35 home runs as Max Muncy did in his breakout year in 2018. However, he is someone that can get on base on the top of the order and provide speed around the base paths.
He still has pop in his swing and can launch a few out, especially as the Dodgers work on his mechanics. Orlando can essentially be the second coming of Chris Taylor and would be huge for the Dodgers as he would add another quality bat against left-handed pitching.
Orlando has all the makings of being one of those sleeper signings that turns into something big.