Fantasy Baseball Prep Week: OF, Top100
- iAmMizz!
- Jul 17, 2020
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 19, 2020
During a normal fantasy baseball season drafting outfield can be tough. It's such a vast pool of players, many of which are fighting for everyday jobs in camp or likely to platoon with one or more teammates. During a 60-game sprint, every start becomes vital. You need to draft guys that will get at bats, because without at bats your roster won't be putting up many points. I won't go through every player, but I will sift through ESPN's Top 100 outfielders and tell you which to go after and which to avoid (plus a few honorable mentions). Knowledge over the competition in areas of depth like OF can make or break your draft, be prepared!
Format: Using projected ESPN Fantasy (points) ranks, I'll list each position's notable players and highlight sleepers and busts (in relation to their draft stock). Projected points are based on settings used in a league I have been a part of for 10+ years, and do not always correlate:
Single- 2, Double- 5, Triple- 15, Homer- 10 (plus RBI/Run Scored)
Run Scored- 3, RBI- 5, Walk - 2, Stolen Base- 3
(NEGATIVES) Strikeout- 2, Caught Stealing- 2, GIDP- 5
*Eligible but non-primary outfielders will be listed at the bottom of this article, and discussed in more detail during their own primary position write-up.
Before reading on, here are the links to the other positional fantasy articles I have posted:
TIER 1
**Key- Position Rank/Overall Rank. Player Name, Team (projected points) [position]
1/1. Mike Trout, Angels (470) [CF]: (DISLIKE) This year you have to be wary of Mike Trout. His wife is expecting and even if he does stick with his plan to participate in the season, he might miss a week or two when his baby is born. It's just too short a season to sacrifice that much time this early in the draft.
2/2. Christian Yelich, Brewers (539) [LF/RF]: (LIKE) A perennial MVP candidate since joining the Brew Crew with a .328 batting average in two seasons on Milwaukee, Yelich is as close to a sure thing as there is in baseball right now.
3/3. Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves (508) [LF/CF/RF]: (LIKE) A close second to Yelich, Acuna is a five-tool outfielder that keeps getting better and better since joining the MLB. 37 steals, 101 RBI's in 2019.
4/4. Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (574) [CF/RF/1B]: (LIKE) Coming off a breakout MVP season, it's easy to assume Bellinger might regress a small amount. Even if he does though, you'll want to draft this man in a heartbeat batting in the middle of the Dodgers order.
5/6. Mookie Betts, Dodgers (559) [RF]: (UNSURE) Betts was tremendous with the Red Sox, but can he be even better in the Dodgers lineup? Or will leaving Fenway hurt the young superstar?
6/8. Juan Soto, Nationals (529) [LF]: (LOVE) One of the purest hitters in the game right now, Soto is only 21 (younger than Acuna) and already a World Champion. This man can hit for power, average, in the clutch with the best of them, and he walks a lot. I draft Soto top five this year.
TIER 2
7/14. J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (476) [LF/RF]: (LIKE) J.D. is still one of the premier power hitters in the game (88 HR's from 2017-18), and homers could be more important in a shortened stretch.
8/18. Bryce Harper, Phillies (490) [RF]
9/23. Starling Marte, Diamondbacks (418) [CF]: (BUST) I understand that Marte is now playing in Arizona, but this still seems like a colossal over-rank, even by ESPN's own metrics.
10/28. George Springer, Astros (477) [CF/RF]: (LIKE) Houston lucked out being that the Covid-19 virus has overshadowed their sign-stealing scandal. If fans aren't allowed in stadiums all season, they will have really dodged a bullet. Springer is a talented player so he may have been able to overcome any anger in his direction anyway, but now I'm even more confident.
11/30. Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (485) [CF/RF]: Positive covid test, should be ready for Opening Day.
12/34. Austin Meadows, Rays (466) [LF/RF]: Positive covid test Thursday July 16, could miss Opening Day.
13/43. Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks (485) [CF/2B]: (LIKE) Dual-position IF/OF eligibility boosts Ketel Marte's value. If he's anywhere near as good as he was in 2019, he'll be a steal at this draft status.
15/46. Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (400) [LF]: (BUST) Eloy's strikeout rate and reliance on the long ball both concern me, even if he is still a top White Sox prospect.
16/47. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees (397) [RF]: (UNSURE) The biggest question with Stanton in fantasy is always how many games he will actually play, it's a risk to draft him when there's only 60 to choose from.
17/50. Tommy Pham, Rays (347) [LF/CF]
18/51. Aaron Judge, Yankees (379) [RF]: (UNSURE) The most interesting prop bet I've heard in 2020, who will play more games this year Judge or Giancarlo?
19/58. Eddie Rosario, Twins (405) [LF]: (SLEEPER) Rosario really should be a DH, but he plays with Nelson Cruz so he actually fields a position. An aggressive hitter that swings at a ton of pitches (but makes contact with most, even the ones out of the zone), Rosario will rack up points.
21/64. Marcell Ozuna, Braves (436) [LF]: (SLEEPER) A shared DH role and an upgrade to an Atlanta hitter's park both should help Ozuna in 2020.
22/69. Victor Robles, Nationals (334) [CF]: Out with covid, may miss season start date.
23/71. Nicholas Castellanos, Reds (424) [RF]
24/74. Joey Gallo, Rangers (333) [LF/CF]: (SLEEPER) Returning from an asymptomatic case of covid, Gallo is almost unfair as a center fielder in fantasy. Remember what I said about power hitters in short seasons, high risk high reward.
25/75. Kyle Schwarber, Cubs (408) [LF]: (SLEEPER) As a full-time DH, Schwarber may finally be playing in his true element.
26/80. Jorge Soler, Royals (385) [RF]
27/83. Michael Conforto, Mets (402) [LF/CF/RF]: (SLEEPER) Love Conforto's three-pronged eligibility for leagues that split up OF spots into specific positions. Should bat in an RBI-friendly spot in the order in a lineup that should score a lot of runs this year.
TIER 3
28/92. Ramon Laureano, Athletics (392) [CF]: (UNSURE) Laureano is known more for his defense than his bat, although he did hit 24 dingers with the juiced ball.
29/95. Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox (390) [LF]: (BUST) Coming off a really disappointing season, can Benintendi bounce back or was his stellar 2018 play a product of Alex Cora's "methods?"
31/100. Franmil Reyes, Indians (317) [RF]: (BUST) Probably platooning in Cleveland, don't think there is enough upside to consider drafting Franmil Reyes this high.
32/103. Michael Brantley, Astros (405) [LF]
33/105. Luis Robert, White Sox (317) [CF]: (UNSURE) During a normal season I would say sleeper, but with only 60 games how quickly can the rookie make a fantasy impact?
34/109. Max Kepler, Twins (379) [CF/RF]
35/113. Oscar Mercado, Indians (316) [LF/CF]: (BUST) Supposedly may bat low in the lineup, which would limit the hopeful lead-off hitter's potential.
36/114. David Dahl, Rockies (321) [LF/CF/RF]: (RISKY SLEEPER) If Dahl can ever stay on the field, he's a really underrated baseball player who has eligibility at all three OF spots.
37/116. Byron Buxton, Twins (341) [CF]: (BUST) Are we ready to admit that Byron Buxton will never be a top fantasy performer?
38/120. Adam Eaton, Nationals (370) [RF]
39/122. Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Blue Jays (379) [LF]: (BUST) With no real position, I'm nervous that if he gets off to a slow start, Lourdes may quickly lose at bats.
40/134. Kyle Tucker, Astros (283) [LF]: (WATCH LIST) As of now there is no starting role for Tucker in this crowded lineup.
41/144. Willie Calhoun, Rangers (237) [LF]
42/145. Joc Pederson, Dodgers (359) [LF/RF/1B]
43/150. Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (389) [LF/CF/RF]: (SLEEPER) Reynolds should get consistent playing time (compared to the others ranked around him), plus he hit .316 in 2019 with eligibility at all three of the outfield positions.
44/152. Scott Kingery, Philles (274) [CF/3B]: Back after a rougher case of Covid-19.
45/155. Lorenzo Cain, Brewers (290) [CF]
47/162. Justin Upton, Angels (313) [LF]
48/174. J.D. Davis, Mets (329) [LF/3B]: (RISKY- BUST) Word is Cespedes has been dominating camp. If the slugger returns in good health, Davis may have a ton of competition for playing time with Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, Dom Smith, Jake Marisnick, Matt Adams and Jed Lowrie all on the roster amongst starters like Cano and Conforto.
49/175. Aaron Hicks, Yankees (266) [CF]: Could actually be back for Opening Day, which is pretty incredible considering he had Tommy John last October.
50/178. Mallex Smith, Mariners (227) [CF/RF]
51/182. Danny Santana, Rangers (312) [LF/CF/1B]
52/183. Andrew McCutchen, Phillies (382) [LF/RF]: (SLEEPER) At this draft status, the former MVP could actually outperform expectations. Was doing well in Philly before his injury.
53/194. Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers (242) [LF/RF]
55/203. Avisail Garcia, Brewers (333) [RF]: (SLEEPER) The Brewers big acquisition may even get to DH some games now in Milwaukee. An underrated bat throughout his entire career.
56/208. Mark Canha, Athletics (296) [CF/RF]
58/216. Ryan Braun, Brewers (346) [LF]
59/222. Nick Senzel, Reds (282) [CF]: (WATCH LIST) Not sure where Senzel fits in right now in Cincinnati, but you'll want to keep an eye on his development if he does play consistently.
60/225. Randal Grichuk, Blue Jays (283) [CF/RF]
61/230. Alex Verdugo, Red Sox (323) [LF/CF/RF]
62/232. Nomar Mazara, White Sox (267) [RF]: (SLEEPER) Ultra reliable player that generally gives you exactly what his career averages indicate. Good news is Chicago stated that they see their newest outfielder as an everyday player.
63/234. Hunter Renfroe, Rays (333) [LF/RF]
64/236. David Peralta, Diamondbacks (301) [LF]
66/243. Trent Grisham, Padres (344) [CF/RF]: (SLEEPER) Could start in center with Margot shipped away. The Brewers swift departure from Grisham seemed rash and foolish, this could be a huge get for the Padres and your fantasy roster.
68/253. Austin Hays, Orioles (301) [CF/RF]
69/260. Kole Calhoun, Diamondbacks (314) [RF]: (BUST) Out with a positive test, plus Arizona has a lot of bodies in their outfield, including David Peralta above.
70/262. Shogo Akiyama, Reds (276) [CF]: (WATCH LIST) The Reds overseas addition could bat lead-off for his new team.
71/263. Corey Dickerson, Marlins (349) [LF]
72/265. Yasiel Puig, Braves (n/a) [RF]: (SLEEPER) Taking over for the opt-out Markakis, Puig could be walking into a perfect situation in Atlanta if he gets playing time.
73/268. A.J. Pollock, Dodgers (308) [CF]: (BUST) Health and playing time are both questions for Pollock after his 2019 campaign.
74/271. Gregory Polanco, Pirates (316) [RF]
75/275. Sam Hilliard, Rockies (301) [RF]: (WATCH LIST) Hilliard flashed his potential in 2019, but he had a horrid preseason this year. Keep an eye on him, Desmond's opt-out helps.
76/277. Brett Gardner, Yankees (206) [LF/CF]
77/281. Brandon Nimmo, Mets (300) [LF/CF/RF]
78/282. Domingo Santana, Indians (239) [LF/RF]
79/285. Austin Riley, Braves (308) [LF]: (WATCH LIST) Riley went from being in the rookie of the year conversation last year to being almost sent down before his injury. Perhaps he can figure his swing out in a DH-heavy role.
80/287. Wil Myers, Padres (246) [LF/CF]: (BUST) Has fallen out of favor in San Diego.
81/296. Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (313) [LF/RF] (WATCH LIST) Yastrzemski was red hot in 2019, but can the legacy build on the unexpected breakthrough year?
82/298. Jon Berti, Marlins (278) [CF/SS/3B]
83/300. Anthony Santander, Orioles (336) [LF/CF/RF]: Out with positive test.
84/311. Ian Happ, Cubs (259) [CF]
85/315. Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals (241) [LF/RF]: (BUST) Rookie Dylan Carlson is probably the better bet as O'Neill didn't make the most of his opportunity last season.
87/320. Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox (247) [CF]
88/322. Harrison Bader, Cardinals (252) [CF]
89/324. Kevin Kiermaier, Rays (259) [CF]
90/326. Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (250) [LF/CF]
91/329. Aristides Aquino, Reds (213) [RF]: (WATCH LIST) Aquino can crush the ball, but where will he play, DH? Or will he be more of a bat off the bench?
92/333. Dylan Carlson, Cardinals (291) [RF]: (WATCH LIST) Could even be considered a sleeper if Carlson wins the right field job outright heading into Opening Day.
94/335. Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, Rays (234) [LF]: (SLEEPER) The overseas veteran is a huge power hitter who has been crushing the ball throughout camp. Assuming he carves out an everyday role, he could be a late round sleeper with flashes of Hideki Matsui.
95/341. Mike Tauchman, Yankees (190) [LF/CF]
96/343. Jason Heyward, Cubs (291) [CF/RF]
97/344. Stephen Piscotty, Athletics (247) [RF]
98/345. Jo Adell, Angels (172) [CF]: (WATCH LIST) One of the top prospects in baseball, but he's unlikely to play too much in 2020.
99/347. Dexter Fowler, Cardinals (258) [CF/RF]
100/361. Marwin Gonzalez, Twins (249) [RF/1B/3B]
HONORABLE MENTIONS
371. Yoenis Cespedes, Mets (202) [LF]: (RISKY SLEEPER) In the one draft I have done so far, Cespedes was drafted much much higher than his rank. His status all depends on his ability to stay healthy, but a short season and the DH addition could add up for Yoenis in 2020.
385. Victor Reyes, Tigers (288) [LF/RF]: (WATCH LIST) Reyes and Demerritte (below) could both be candidates to breakout, or they could hinder each other's value.
391. Jay Bruce, Phillies (243) [LF/RF]: (WATCH LIST) Bruce is known for his hot streaks, could be a candidate for a mid-season add if he gets hot in Philly. Girardi likes veterans.
401. Jesse Winker, Reds (226) [LF/CF/RF]
413. Jose Martinez, Rays (186) [RF]: (WATCH LIST) We know Martinez can hit, he just can't play defense. Now he is finally on an American League roster, but it's a really crowded one.
423. Adam Haseley, Phillies (206) [LF/CF]
437. Mitch Haniger, Mariners (189) [CF/RF]: (WATCH LIST) Should miss most of the season but if he does return in any capacity you'll definitely want to scoop the Mariners star up.
441. Kyle Lewis, Mariners (152) [CF]: (WATCH LIST) Prospect with some decent expectations in Seattle, expect him to start with Haniger out.
442. Alex Gordon, Royals (207) [LF]
462. Steven Souza Jr., Cubs (209) [RF]: (WATCH LIST) Shocked Souza is rated this low, when the Cubs signed him this offseason I expected him to take over for Castellanos as an everyday starter.
482. Alex Dickerson, Giants (255) [LF]
499. Travis Demerritte, Tigers (255) [LF/RF]: See Victor Reyes above.
OPT-OUTS
Ian Desmond, Rockies [LF/1B]
Nick Markakis, Braves [RF]
OF Eligible, but not considered outfielders by trade
14/44. Kris Bryant, Cubs (417) [3B/LF/RF]
20/60. Whit Merrifield, Royals (409) [2B/CF]
30/99. Jeff McNeil, Mets (437) [3B/2B/LF/RF]
46/158. Brian Anderson, Marlins (298) [3B/RF]
54/198. Hunter Dozier, Royals (333) [3B/RF]
57/210. Garrett Hampson, Rockies (265) [2B/CF]
65/240. Luis Arraez, Twins (360) [2B/LF]
67/251. Niko Goodrum, Tigers (245) [SS/2B/LF]
86/317. Dom Smith, Mets (171) [1B/LF]
93/334. David Fletcher, Angels (269) [3B/2B/SS/LF]
There are so many options in the outfield, but like I said, think playing time and potential above all else. I noticed that there is a bit of a wasteland (with some exceptions) in the middle from rank 100-200 for outfield (31-55 OF rank). I even heard managers complain about this wasteland in the draft I did this week. Do not be afraid to look beyond it and draft a sleeper that ESPN rates towards the bottom. Remember, if you do the research, you can determine your own projections, and most times expectations are meant to be broken.
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