In most leagues, you are required start 5 outfielders. While I always want the best player available at each position, sometimes it’s a close call between a few guys and I focus on category needs here. Your #4/#5 outfielders will not be elite. I like to utilize those spots to make up for a category deficiency. If I didn’t secure a Billy Hamilton, Dee Gordon, Jose Altuve, or Trea turner, I’ll probably go after a speed guy in the OF as one of my later picks. If I’m short on power, I may target a 30+ HR bat that will bat .220 (think Adam Dunn). With 5 slots to fill, there are plenty of ways to construct an outfield. On to the rankings…
Scorching Hot (Top Tier)
I have 10 players in my top tier for outfielders. All of these players except for Mookie Betts projects to hit at least 33 HRs. They may not all be 5 category studs, but they’re exceptional in the things they do well. Position rank is in (#).
(1) Mike Trout – The best player in fantasy baseball. Nuf said!
(2) Bryce Harper – Over his 6 yr career, he’s only hit 30 HRs once, scored more than 100 runs once, never had a 100 RBI season, and is a career .285 hitter. He’s getting over drafted in the top 5 based on potential.
(3) Giancarlo Stanton – He probably has the biggest home run bat in the MLB and just went to a better home ballpark in New York. Can he really hit more than the 59 he smashed in 2017? Gotta stay healthy.
(4) Charlie Blackmon – In Colorado and expecting a 30/10 season batting above .300.
(5) Mookie Betts – He just might put up a 25/25 season and lead the AL in runs scored atop the lineup.
(6) Aaron Judge – Is 50 HRs in his future for 2018?
(7) George Springer – The reigning World Series champs won’t have a lack of offense, and Springer will be in the heart of it.
(8) Jose Martinez – Can he deliver a 30/20 season? It’ll be close and he’ll bat over .300.
(9) Cody Bellinger – He had a fantastic rookie campaign, but will he see a sophomore slump?
(10) Justin Upton – Don’t write him off. He’s not in an improved Angels lineup and should deliver a 30/10 season and close to 100 Runs and RBIs
Fire Bombs (Power Tier expecting 30+ HRs)
There’s plenty of power to be found in the outfield if you are willing to deal with a few shortcomings (usually batting average). 35+ HRs for any of these guys is possible.
Rhys Hoskins – I like Hoskins and expect around 35 HRs, but I typically like to see more of a track record before putting a player in the top tier. How will the revamped lineup play out in Philly?
Khris Davis – This guy crushes the ball and should hit 40 HRs. The A’s lineup has improved.
Marcel Ozuna – His 37 HRs last year were a career best by far. I’m not sure that he’ll match that number, but expect 30+ with the Cardinals.
Jay Bruce – He should have another 30 HR season with the Mets. He’s done it in 5 of the past 7 years.
Adam Duvall – The outfield in Cincinatti is crowded with Schebler, Hamilton, Duvall, and Winker. Duvall should reach the 30 HR plateau.
Scott Schebler – See above regarding Adam Duvall. 30 HR possibility.
Kyle Schwarber – His batting average will kill you, but he should get enough playing time to amass 30 HRs.
Lightning (Speed Tier expecting 20+ SBs)
These guys may not provide much power, but they’ll definitely help some in the stolen base category.
Lorenzo Cain – He won’t wow you in any one category, but the SBs and runs can help.
Billy Hamilton – 50+ SBs are almost a lock. So is a deficiency in RBIs and batting average.
Delino DeShields – Looks like he’ll be leading off for the Rangers. I can see 30 SBs and 100 Runs.
Rajai Davis – He’ll get about 30 SBs as the 4th outfielders for Cleveland.
Hernan Perez – We have to see how much playing time he’ll have after the Brewers outfield acquisitions.
Cameron Maybin – Can’t stay healthy, but he runs.
Jarrod Dyson – He will get more playing time with Souza out; expect 30 SBs
Combination Platter (Power/Speed Combo expecting 15/15)
These guys provide a little bit of power and speed to help in both categories with projected HR/SBs.
Andrew Benintendi – 20/20
Tommy Pham – 24/19
Starling Marte – 15/36
A.J. Pollock – 17/26
Eduardo Nunez – 15/28
Chris Taylor – 21/16
Byron Buxton – 20/32
Ian Desmond – 20/19
Gregory Polanco – 20/15
Brett Gardner – 15/20
Bradley Zimmer – 15/26
Michael Taylor – 19/23
Kevin Kiermaier – 18/21
Manuel Margot – 15/22
Carlos Gomez – 16/15
Keon Broxton – 19/25
Remember that my rankings (unless otherwise stated) are based on a standard 5×5 league. Players qualify at any position where they played 20+ games in 2017. Make sure you know your specific league’s scoring, roster size, transaction process, and any other important settings.
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