Outfield

The outfield, at least on the surface, appears to be deep but one must remember that at least ten outfielders will be off the board after the first two rounds. Toss in at least another five in the Third Round, and that depth dries up very quickly. In a standard 15-team League you need a minimum of 75 outfielders. Leaving them until the latter rounds could lead to disappointment.

Fernando Tatis, Jr., SDP – Tatis is coming off a 42 homer, 25 stolen base season. His career totals are currently 81 homers and 52 stolen bases. He turned 23 years-of-age at the beginning of January. Enough said. SS-102
Juan Soto, WAS – In 2021, Soto walked 52 more times than he struck out. He also chipped in with 29 home runs, 95 RBI, and nine thefts. If you have him as the #1 ranked player in our game, we won’t argue.
Ronald Acuna, ATL – The only concerns relate to his readiness and the potential for his stolen base numbers because of the torn ACL and subsequent surgery. When healthy, the 23-year-old Acuna is arguably the best player in the game.
Bryce Harper, PHI – In the past three full seasons Harper has hit 34, 35, and 35 home runs. He has bested 100 RBI in two of those three seasons. How about the OBP? A .393, .372, and a monster .429 OBP last year. Harper boasts one of both the safest and highest floors in the game.
Kyle Tucker, HOU – In 2020 we saw the young outfielder begin to blossom. In 2021 he took the next step and exploded into a back-of-the First-Round talent. I’m betting that there is yet another step.
Mookie Betts, LAD – The stolen bases have begun their gradual decline, but the rest of his game remains very strong. 25-30 HR, 120 runs scored, and 10 thefts is a very good player.
Mike Trout, LAA – Four-and-a-half months is a long time for a calf to heal, but it’s really his first significant injury in a career that has spanned ten seasons. The days of the double-digit speed are gone, but there is nothing wrong with the overall hit-tool and power. Reports of his imminent demise might be premature.
Luis Robert, CWS – Tempering expectations on the BA .338 last year is probably a prudent approach, but the young budding star is one of only a handful of players that possesses 30-30 potential.
Starling Marte, NYM – The Mets have been anything but quiet this off-season as Steve Cohen looks to add a World Series trophy to his mantle. The addition of Marte gives the Mets a quality top-of-the-order bat who should swipe 30+ bases. To put this in perspective, there were only six players who swiped 30 or more bases in 2021.
Yordan Alvarez, HOU – A healthy Yordan Alvarez has the potential to hit 45+ home runs and drive in 110+ runs. How many players have that potential? Very few. It’s all about those knees and the ability for them to keep him on the field.
Cedric Mullins, BAL – When a player is demoted to Double-A in 2019, and fights his way back to the Majors in 2021, it’s a big story. When that player is the only player in the game to go 30-30 in 2021 it’s flat out amazing. Wow…. simply WOW!
Eloy Jimenez, CWS – Do you remember the 31 home runs in 468 at-bats in his 2019 rookie season? He’ll surpass that home run total in 2022.
Aaron Judge, NYY – We saw the first 500+ AB season from Aaron Judge since that 52 homer campaign back in 2017 and the result was as to be expected, as he hit one home run shy of 40. Can he now duplicate that feat in 2022?
Teoscar Hernandez, TOR – It must be tough to be batting behind George Springer, Bo Bichette, and Vlad Jr. Hernandez could drive in 100 runs in his sleep.
Whit Merrifield, KCR – The potential for growth is limited, but who really cares when you have a floor that is as comfortably safe as the one that Whit Merrifield brings to the table. 2B-149
Randy Arozarena, TBR – Heading into 2021 the expectations were high. Arozarena was one of only ten players to go 20-20 last year. I think it’s fair to say that he met those high expectations.
George Springer, TOR – In 2021 Springer managed to launch 22 long-balls in only 299 at-bats. A 30 home run, 100+ runs scored season seems to be within reach.
Nick Castellanos, FA – We’re still waiting to see where Castellanos calls home for 2022, but wherever it may be, pencil in 30-100 with a 900+OPS and enjoy the ride.
Tyler O’Neill, STL – The strikeouts are concerning, but there’s no doubting the raw power and double-digit speed. Plan for a .260 BA and consider anything over and above that level a bonus.
Mitch Haniger, SEA – 2021 was a huge year for the 31-year-old Mariners cleanup bat. As the lineup around him continues to improve, he’ll continue to produce those 100 RBI campaigns.
J.D. Martinez, BOS – Consistent production and a rather huge bonus as we head into 2022. He’s outfield eligible.
Kris Bryant, FA – Bryant is currently searching for a place to call home in 2022, but wherever it is, the rewards will be solid. 3B-55
Giancarlo Stanton, NYY – A healthy Stanton is as sure a bet to hit 30+ homers and drive in 100+ runs as any player in the game.
Cody Bellinger, LAD – There is no way the former MVP can duplicate last year’s .165/.240/.302 batting line. It simply can’t happen.
Tommy Edman, STL – Edman tied for fourth in all of baseball last year with 30 stolen bases. He added a further 11 homers in addition to scoring 91 runs, batting mainly at the top-of-the order. Let’s just hope he stays there. 2B-130
Austin Meadows, TBR – He has a full three-seasons before Free Agency and the Rays are already rumored to be shopping him. I guess it helps when you have Josh Lowe chomping at the bit? There’s 30-90 in that bat wherever he is plying his trade.
Byron Buxton, MIN – When you’ve only managed to break the 400 at-bat mark once in a seven- year career, betting on anything more than that is a “reach.”
Ketel Marte, ARZ – Marte missed significant time last year, dealing with a strained left hamstring, and still found time to drive 14 balls into the stands. That 25-90 potential should have our attention 2B-20
Bryan Reynolds, PIT – A Pirate managed to go 24-90 with a .303 BA. What’s even more amazing is that the Pirates haven’t found a way to move him……..yet.
Ryan Mountcastle, BAL – Ryan Mountcastle hit a lot of balls into left field last year. How many of those 35 bombs that he hit in 2021 are now going to be loud outs with the revised left field corner in Camden Yards? Enough that I have concerns 1B-84
Kyle Schwarber, FA – In the past four full seasons, Schwarber has only missed the 30-homer mark once. Steady consistent power at a reasonable price should always have our attention.
Christian Yelich, MIL – So much talent….so many health concerns. He could bounce back, but that back is currently providing more questions than answers.
Joey Gallo, NYY – The move to the Yankees proved to be disappointing. The power was of the usual prestigious nature, as were the 88 strikeouts in 188 at-bats. Gallo, simply has to find a way to get that BA over the Mendoza line.
Jarred Kelenic, SEA – How does a 14 homer, 43 RBI rookie campaign with six stolen bases in 337 at-bats seem disappointing? When you go 0-for-May and June. Forget about the slow start and focus on the lessons learned from that slow start and the strong September.
Chris Taylor, LAD – Taylor reupped on a four-year $60 million dollar deal with the Dodgers. The roster flexibility combined with the double-digit power and speed makes for a solid if unspectacular investment. 2B-46, SS-23
Akil Baddoo, DET – The Rule 5 player, plucked from the Twins, enjoyed a great 2021. He hit 13 homers and stole 18 bases in 413 at-bats and wasn’t feeling 100 percent in his first season after the 2019 TJS. Can we speculate as to what he can accomplish when he is 100 per cent and accruing full-time at-bats?
Daulton Varsho, ARZ – If Varsho can hold onto the center field gig and get in a full season’s worth of at-bats with that catcher eligibility, the potential for a 20-15 season and possibly more exits. He could also find himself riding the pine if it doesn’t. There’s both serious risk and serious potential rewards. C-41
Dylan Carlson, STL – “Slow and steady wins the race” is an apt description for Dylan Carlson’s career thus far. A little bit more speed would be to our liking, but other than that we should be very happy with his progression thus far. Better days are ahead, much better.
Trent Grisham, SDP – The promise we witnessed in 2020 faded drastically in 2021. Let’s call this his sophomore slump, give him a mulligan, and hope for a return to that 2020 form.
Seiya Suzuki, FA – In 3539 PA for Hiroshima, Suzuki amassed a stellar .414 OBP. A 25 home run, 10 stolen base debut is well within the realm of possibility. He’s the best bat (not named Shohei Ohtani) to head to MLB from Japan since Hideki Matsui.
Jesse Winker, CIN
Alex Verdugo, BOS
Hunter Renfroe, MIL
Marcell Ozuna, ATL
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., TOR
Michael Conforto, FA
Avisail Garcia, MIA
Andrew Benintendi, KCR
Adolis Garcia, TEX
Robbie Grossman, DET
Jorge Soler, FA
Adam Duvall, ATL
Jo Adell, LAA
Alex Kirilloff, MIN – 1B-29
Michael Brantley, HOU
Harrison Bader, STL
Eddie Rosario, FA
Kike Hernandez, BOS – 2B-47
Riley Greene, DET
AJ Pollock, LAD
Lane Thomas, WAS
Myles Straw, CLE
Ian Happ, CHC
Max Kepler, MIN
Austin Hays BAL
Chas McCormick, HOU
Josh Rojas, ARZ – 2B-55, SS-42
Kyle Lewis, SEA
Jesus Sanchez, MIA
Julio Rodriguez, SEA
Mike Yastrzemski, SFG
LaMonte Wade, SFG – 1B-31
Jarren Duran, BOS
Tommy Pham, FA
Raimel Tapia, COL
Anthony Santander, BAL
Garrett Hampson, COL – 2B-47
Mark Canha, NYM
Randal Grichuk, TOR
Wil Myers, SDP
Brandon Nimmo, NYM
Ramon Laureano, OAK
Andrew Vaughn, CWS
Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, PIT – 1B-31
Tony Kemp, OAK – 2B-89
Brandon Marsh, LAA
Josh Lowe, TBR
Hunter Dozier, KCR – 3B-57
Pavin Smith, ARZ -1B-54
Jeff McNeil, NYM – 2B-79
Cristian Pache, ATL
Willie Calhoun, TEX
Andrew McCutchen, FA
Tyler Naquin, CIN
Charlie Blackmon, COL
Manuel Margot, TBR
Rafael Ortega, CHC
Dominic Smith, NYM
Eric Haase, DET – C-66
Connor Joe, COL
Kole Calhoun, TEX
Sam Hilliard, COL
David Peralta, ARZ
Jurickson Profar, SDP – 1B-20
Victor Robles, WAS
Trevor Larnach, MIN
Bryan De La Cruz, MIA
Michael Taylor, KCR
Aaron Hicks, NYY
Tyrone Taylor, MIL
Seth Brown, OAK
Kyle Isbel, KCR
Clint Frazier, CHC
Lorenzo Cain, MIL
Brennen Davis, CHC
Joc Pederson, FA
Josh Harrison, WAS – 2B-102, 3B-23
Garrett Cooper, MIA
Adam Haseley, PHI
Harold Ramirez, CHC
Nick Senzel, CIN
Darin Ruf, SFG – 1B-44
Alek Thomas, ARZ
Drew Waters, ATL
Leury Garcia, CWS – 2B-36
Mickey Moniak, PHI
Luis Arraez, MIN – 2B-48, 3B-55
Stephen Piscotty, OAK
Odubel Herrera, FA
Justin Upton, LAA
Dylan Moore, SEA – 2B-66
Bradley Zimmer, CLE
Yadiel Hernandez, WAS
Anthony Alford, PIT
Nelson Velazquez, CHC
Steven Kwan, CLE
Kevin Pillar, FA
Jackie Bradley Jr., BOS
Matt Beaty, LAD – 1B-21
Adam Engel, CWS
Nick Gordon, MIN
Jace Peterson, MIL – 1B-26, 2B-35
Jorge Mateo, BAL
Travis Swaggerty, PIT
Ben Gamel, PIT
Phil Gosselin, LAA – 1B-23, 3B-32
Alex Dickerson, SFG
Lars Nootbaar, STL
Heliot Ramos, SFG
Chad Pinder, OAK
Jason Heyward, CHC
Kevin Kiermaier, TBR
Jake Fraley, SEA
Matt Vierling, PHI
Victor Reyes, DET
Tyler Wade, LAA – SS-31, 3B-27
Leody Taveres, TEX
Austin Slater, SFG
Miguel Andujar, NYY
Brett Phillips, TBR
Steven Duggar, SFG
Brad Miller, PHI – 1B-58
Aristides Aquino, CIN
Andrew Stevenson, WAS
Nomar Mazara, SDP
Mauricio Dubon, SFG – 2B-20, SS-21
Jorge Alfaro, SDP – C-61
Jose Siri, HOU
Zach McKinstry, LAD – 2B-20
Ryan O’Hearn, KCR – 1B-20
Ryan Vilade, COL
Phillip Evans, PIT – 1B- 20
Edward Olivares, KCR
Franchy Cordero, BOS
Oscar Mercado, CLE
Brett Gardner, FA
Yonathan Daza, COL
Brian Goodwin, FA
Brendan Donovan, STL
JJ Bleday, MIA
Ender Inciarte, NYY
Luis Barrera, OAK
Buddy Reed, OAK
Jake Bauers, CIN – 1B-54
Taylor Trammell, SEA
Tj Friedl, CIN
Brent Rooker, MIN
Eli White, TEX
Shogo Akiyama, CIN
Lewis Brinson, HOU
David Dahl, MIL
Matt Joyce, F

Outfield

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