As a new season dawns, outfield talent shines brightly yet again. Assessing the potential top MLB outfielders goes beyond a few power categories, as they’re typically expected to contribute across 4-5 areas. Unlike other fantasy positions, outfielder rankings usually remain stable throughout the season barring injuries. Mike Trout’s absence from the top 10 this year is injury-induced, after only playing 82, 119, and 36 games over the last three years. Excluding my comments about Ronald Acuna, considered the MLB’s best player, the following nine are my opinions. Having analyzed the data, I’ve crafted a list where each player can seamlessly fit as your fantasy OF1.
Top 10 Outfielders
1. Ronald Acuna Jr. (ATL – RF)
Once, a coach shared a great acronym with me: K.I.S.S. – Keep it simple, stupid. That’s the best advice I can offer here. I could delve into a lengthy analysis of Acuna’s prowess, but I don’t think we need that. The 26-year-old is coming off an astounding season, amassing 217 hits, 149 runs, and 106 RBIs. And those aren’t even his most impressive stats; he hit 41 HRs and stole 73 bases, all while maintaining a strikeout rate of 11.4%. While some regression is expected, given these are all career highs, he played 159 games last year. Yes, you read that right – Acuna graced the field in 159 out of 162 games, and overall, he has played 100+ games in all but two seasons of his 6-year career. Even if there is some regression, he should still have ample opportunities to shine across the board. So, if you find yourself at #1 overall, remember to ‘Keep It Simple, Stupid’ and go for Acuna.
2. Mookie Betts (LAD – 2B, RF)
Mookie Betts, the NL’s second-best player last year, secured first-team All-MLB honors and a unanimous second place in the NL MVP race. Despite this, casual fans may overlook his achievements due to the Dodgers’ poor postseason, where Betts went 0-for-10 with just one walk. Projected as the primary 2nd baseman this season, Betts maintains outfield eligibility and is expected to bat leadoff. His ability to maintain a slash line close to .307/.408/.579 with a 13.9% walk rate is crucial given the prowess of the hitters behind him. Entering his age-31 season, Betts, having played in 120+ games in 8 of 10 seasons, remains durable, setting him up for another MVP-like season for the star-studded Dodgers. He’s anticipated to be drafted around the 5th or 6th spot in most drafts.
3. Julio Rodriguez (SEA – CF)
In 2023, Rodriguez joined Bobby Witt Jr to become one of two AL players with 30 HR/30 SB last season. Just in his 3rd full season at 23, Rodriguez showed a game-changing improvement from August onwards. While his slash line on July 31st was a respectable .251/.315/.423, he closed the season with an impressive .312/.364/.561, including 19 HRs and 19 stolen bases. It seems he successfully addressed early-season struggles, possibly linked to the pressure of being the face of the franchise. Despite ups and downs, Rodriguez stood out as the sole MLB player to finish in the 90th percentile or better in batting, baserunning, and fielding values last season. The former AL ROY and career .279/.338/.495hitter embodies the power and speed that make him a valuable asset for your fantasy squad.
4. Corbin Carroll (ARI – OF)
Corbin Carroll, fresh off an impressive season, earned an ASG spot and unanimous NL ROY, shining during the Diamondbacks’ World Series run with 161 hits, 25 HR, 54 SB, and 10 triples in 155 games. Arizona’s projected roster setup, with only 4 outfielders, alleviates any concerns about Carroll’s playing time. Assuming he avoids major injuries, he should be expected to play 140+ games, making him a top draft pick. His exceptional speed, evident in stealing 54 bases last year, positions him as a contender for the league lead in SB and allows him to turn any hit into extra bases. Despite potential sophomore slumps or regression, Carroll’s experience and big-league understanding should sustain his high-level performance, making him an appealing choice as your OF1.
5. Juan Soto (NYY – LF)
Don’t criticize placing Soto ahead of Judge; it’s simple. Soto tends to play more games than Judge and offers a more comprehensive fantasy stat profile. At just 25 years old Soto already has three seasons of 130+ walks, 120+ hits in 5 of 6 seasons, and a career .421 OBP. Despite only two seasons with 30+ HR, Soto does possess power, and the move to Yankee Stadium’s hitter-friendly environment should help showcase it. Projected to bat 2nd in the lineup in front of Judge, Soto’s ability to get on base and the dilemma pitchers face between pitching to him or Judge positions him to flourish. Expect another season with 120+ hits and potentially 100+ runs, regardless of how he reaches base.
6. Kyle Tucker (HOU – RF)
Entering his 7th season at 27, Tucker boasts just three full seasons at the Major League level. Since locking in a full-time starting role in 2021, he played 140, 150, and 157 games, clinching both a Golden Glove and Silver Slugger. Amid ongoing contract extension discussions following a $5 million arbitration deal, his near 30/30 season faded into the background. Last season he finished at 29HR/37SB following a change in the official scorebook. Despite an impressive .284/.369/.517 season with an AL-leading 112 RBIs, Tucker expressed a desire for greater consistency. Set to be the everyday starting RF for the Astros, he aims to fulfill the elusive 30/30 season he narrowly missed last year.
7. Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD – RF)
Whether you agree with this pick on a personal level is not factored in. Yes, he faced a PED suspension and injury in the 2022 season, but returned last year with an impressive performance: 141 games, 148 hits, 25 HR, 29 SB, and a .257/.322/.449 slash line. Despite a challenging 18-month hiatus and three surgeries, his transition from SS to RF resulted in him winning a Platinum Glove. Heading into the upcoming season ‘feeling way better’ than he ever did last season has him anticipating a stronger season. Tatis, over four seasons, has demonstrated a skill set for a higher ranking. Yet, until a full elite-level season, it’s challenging to place him higher. With the likelihood he is the everyday RF for the Padres, an ADP outside the top 10 Tatis could be a steal if he returns to form.
8. Aaron Judge (NYY – CF/RF, DH)
The Yankees are transitioning Judge from RF to CF this season, a move that inspired him to joke about always ‘getting hurt in right field.’ Despite the humor, he did miss 56 games last season due to a torn ligament in his right big toe (an injury that typically requires close monitoring), which raises concerns about his overall health this year. Nevertheless, Judge showcased an impressive performance, hitting 37 HR which was good for 4th place in the AL and 10th overall in the league. Maintaining a career .282 average and an OPS of .982, he remains an elite choice for your OF1 slot. The primary apprehension is his health, the sole factor hindering him from being a top 5 outfielder. If his toe injury doesn’t impede him this season, Judge could rival his 2022 stats in 2024, providing an exciting prospect for fantasy baseball enthusiasts.
9. Yordan Alvarez (HOU – LF, DH)
The Astros’ lefty slugger had an impressive season last year, marked by a stellar playoff performance. In the regular season, he boasted a slash line of .293/.407/.583, notching 97 RBIs and leading the team with 31 HRs. The playoffs saw Alvarez elevate further, slashing .465/.510/.977 with 15 RBIs and 6 HRs in 43 AB. Behind these stats is the fact that he missed 48 games due to injuries. Despite this, given his age (26), ability to bounce back, and proven durability (playing 144 and 135 games in ’21-’22), I believe last year’s injuries were just bad luck. If he can return his barrel and hard-hit rates to 2022 levels, Alvarez could hit 50 home runs in a full season. As a mid-second-round pick, consider him strongly unless you specifically seek a player with added stealing potential.
10. Michael Harris II (ATL – CF)
Entering his third major season at just 23, Harris, the 2022 NL ROY, deserves more recognition than he’s received. From June on, he boasted a .326 average, 16 HRs, and a .887 OPS. With 20 stolen bases in each of his first two seasons, he remains underrated on the star-studded Braves’ roster, boasting an 8.7 WAR, second in the 2019 draft class. Despite a modest HR count early on (19 and 18 in his first two seasons), a breakout is plausible this year. His 2022 ground ball rate of over 56% decreased by 9%, and a higher launch angle suggests increased homer run opportunities. Primed for a stellar season, his third or fourth-round ADP presents excellent value; Michael Harris could easily rank among the top 6 outfielders by the end of the season.
