MLB Positional Fantasy Rankings: Outfield (Part 2)
Here are theScore's 2016 fantasy outfielder rankings (click here for Part 1 and here for Part 3; projections provided by Steamer (via Fangraphs) and theScore staff):
Positional Rankings
C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF1 | OF2 | OF3 | DH | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 | RP
▲25. Michael Brantley, Cleveland Indians
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 20 | 94 | 97 | 23 | .327 |
2015 | 15 | 68 | 84 | 15 | .310 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 15 | 60 | 63 | 12 | .295 |
Brantley is recovering from off-season shoulder surgery, but reports indicate he is progressing well despite not being available for Opening Day. The upside is there - he was third in AL MVP voting in 2014 - but the impact the injury could have on his swing is worth considering. He's a 10th-round pick in ADPs, but should probably be going later.
▼26. Ben Revere, Washington Nationals
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 2 | 71 | 28 | 49 | .306 |
2015 | 2 | 84 | 45 | 31 | .306 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 2 | 62 | 39 | 35 | .301 |
Revere, who split last season between Philadelphia and Toronto, is one of the better BA-SB combo plays in the league - and should score plenty of runs atop the Nationals lineup. He's a complete void in HRs and RBI, but will do enough in the other three categories to warrant a ninth-to-11th-round pick.
28. Adam Eaton, Chicago White Sox
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 1 | 76 | 35 | 15 | .300 |
2015 | 14 | 98 | 56 | 18 | .287 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 11 | 85 | 56 | 17 | .284 |
Eaton will bat leadoff for a retooled White Sox lineup, ahead of mashers Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier. If Eaton can repeat what he accomplished in 2015, he should breeze past the 100-run plateau and be a serviceable third outfielder in mixed leagues.
29. Kole Calhoun, Los Angeles Angels
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 17 | 90 | 58 | 5 | .272 |
2015 | 26 | 78 | 83 | 4 | .256 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 20 | 85 | 71 | 5 | .262 |
Calhoun is a solid option if you're looking for some power in the middle rounds of a mixed-league draft. In an AL-only league, he is a reputable second outfielder. Batting ahead of Mike Trout puts him in a position to score plenty of runs while providing serviceable HR and RBI totals.
30. Hanley Ramirez, Boston Red Sox
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 13 | 64 | 71 | 14 | .283 |
2015 | 19 | 59 | 53 | 6 | .249 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 19 | 62 | 71 | 6 | .278 |
Ramirez is OF-eligible despite moving to 1B this season; the switch may not have a major impact on his fantasy performance, but it could keep him off the disabled list. He still has some pop, and could be a sneaky play for 25+ homers and 90+ RBIs if healthy. Draft him as an OF4 in mixed leagues.
▼31. Jacoby Ellsbury, New York Yankees
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 16 | 71 | 70 | 39 | .271 |
2015 | 7 | 66 | 33 | 21 | .257 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 8 | 72 | 53 | 24 | .270 |
Plagued by injuries in 2015 and turning 32 in September, Ellsbury's 2016 fantasy value is difficult to pin down. He has already missed spring action due to a wrist issue. Owners should hope for a higher BA and something close to the 30-steal mark. Ellsbury is best suited as a secondary outfielder in AL-only leagues and a third outfielder in mixed leagues.
▲32. Curtis Granderson, New York Mets
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 20 | 73 | 66 | 8 | .227 |
2015 | 26 | 98 | 70 | 11 | .259 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 23 | 94 | 66 | 9 | .245 |
The days of 40+ homers are long gone, but Granderson still has 25-HR potential while scoring a boatload of runs as the Mets' leadoff man. He's a solid option in the 13th-15th round of mixed leagues and is a high-end OF3 in NL-only leagues - just prepare for a low BA and reduced steals.
33. Brett Gardner, New York Yankees
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 17 | 87 | 58 | 21 | .256 |
2015 | 16 | 94 | 66 | 20 | .259 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 12 | 81 | 60 | 19 | .259 |
Primarily valued for his runs and steals, Gardner enjoyed a modest home run and RBI boost by virtue of playing half his games at Yankee Stadium. His batting average is not spectacular, but Gardner contributes in every other category. He is a second or third outfielder in AL-only leagues.
▼34. Christian Yelich, Miami Marlins
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 9 | 94 | 54 | 21 | .284 |
2015 | 7 | 63 | 44 | 16 | .300 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 10 | 77 | 59 | 18 | .292 |
With only 332 career games under his belt and little power exhibited to date, some fantasy owners may pass over Yelich. But he makes for a nice value pick if you can grab him around the halfway mark in a mixed league; batting in front of a healthy Giancarlo Stanton puts him in a good spot to score runs.
▼35. Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 6 | 72 | 48 | 56 | .250 |
2015 | 4 | 56 | 28 | 57 | .226 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 5 | 52 | 44 | 60 | .242 |
Hamilton surpassed his 2014 steals total despite playing 38 fewer games in 2015. He's expected to see leadoff duty for the Reds this season, making him a cinch for 60+ swipes if he stays healthy. He's worth a mid-round pick in mixed leagues, but he's a sinkhole in three categories. He even started spring training by going 3-for-22; again, a sinkhole in the hitting categories.
36. Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Rangers
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 13 | 58 | 40 | 3 | .242 |
2015 | 22 | 94 | 82 | 4 | .276 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 18 | 84 | 76 | 5 | .276 |
Choo hit a whopping 122 points higher after the All-Star break than before it, salvaging what was looking like a second straight disappointing season. It's hard to know what Choo owners are getting for 2016, but with an established track record, he's worth a look as a fourth OF in standard mixed leagues.
37. Corey Dickerson, Tampa Bay Rays
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 24 | 74 | 76 | 8 | .312 |
2015 | 10 | 30 | 31 | 0 | .304 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 17 | 62 | 71 | 0 | .282 |
Dickerson is leaving the hitter-friendly confines of Coors Field, where his .355/.410/.675 career slash line is extraordinary. Conversely, his road splits (.249/.286/.410) are borderline-abysmal. His fantasy value is tough to predict, but he will likely be a decent third or fourth outfielder in mixed leagues.
▲38. Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | .143 |
2015 | 26 | 67 | 54 | 4 | .210 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 23 | 75 | 77 | 10 | .235 |
You take the bad with the good here, as Pederson saw his surprisingly decent HR, RBI and run totals negated by an alarmingly-low BA and 170 strikeouts. If that's what he is, you could do worse for your fourth outfielder in mixed leagues - but prepare for the possibility of sophomore regression.
39. Dexter Fowler, Chicago Cubs
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 8 | 61 | 35 | 11 | .276 |
2015 | 17 | 102 | 46 | 20 | .250 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 15 | 80 | 54 | 16 | .259 |
Fowler provided great value for his owners, establishing career highs in nearly all fantasy-relevant categories while playing in 154 games. A return to the Cubs will almost certainly guarantee him 100+ runs, and his 15-25 HR-SB potential makes him a solid OF4 in mixed league formats.
▼40. David Peralta, Arizona Diamondbacks
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 8 | 40 | 36 | 6 | .286 |
2015 | 17 | 61 | 78 | 9 | .312 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 15 | 68 | 72 | 5 | .288 |
Peralta is expected to take on a heavier role with Arizona in 2016, and could see the majority of at-bats in the cleanup spot. An RBI spike is not out of the question, though he'll need to show more power. He's a great fourth outfielder in mixed leagues and should be targeted in the 10th-12th rounds.
41. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 18 | 71 | 66 | 12 | .217 |
2015 | 26 | 72 | 87 | 9 | .226 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 26 | 70 | 80 | 8 | .236 |
Bruce is still a solid source of home runs, RBIs and runs scored, but his average will serve as an anchor for your fantasy roster. He's a decent pick in the 14th-16th rounds, and could be a sneaky value play if you find a way to surround him with high-average hitters.
42. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
Gordon saw a reduction in counting stats after playing just 104 games last season. The strength and depth of the Royals' lineup should force Gordon to hit lower in the order; he led the team in OBP but could bat seventh the majority of the time. He's no better than a fourth outfielder in mixed leagues.
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 19 | 87 | 74 | 12 | .266 |
2015 | 13 | 40 | 48 | 2 | .271 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 16 | 70 | 75 | 7 | .270 |
▼43. Khris Davis, Oakland Athletics
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 22 | 70 | 69 | 4 | .244 |
2015 | 27 | 54 | 66 | 6 | .247 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 28 | 73 | 84 | 3 | .247 |
Davis upped his HR total by five last season despite playing in 32 fewer games. The average isn't great but the power is legitimate - and he'll be given plenty of at-bats in Oakland. If you're looking for home runs after most of the big-name left fielders are gone, Davis is a terrific option in rounds 14-16.
44. Randal Grichuk, St. Louis Cardinals
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 3 | 11 | 8 | 0 | .245 |
2015 | 17 | 49 | 47 | 4 | .276 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 20 | 62 | 72 | 5 | .258 |
Grichuk emerged as a fantasy factor in St. Louis last season with Matt Holliday sidelined. Grichuk struck out more than owners would have liked, but was otherwise solid over 350 plate appearances. Expect improvement across the board, making him a viable selection in the 15th-17th rounds.
45. Josh Reddick, Oakland Athletics
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 12 | 53 | 54 | 1 | .264 |
2015 | 20 | 67 | 77 | 10 | .272 |
2016 (PROJ). | 18 | 65 | 70 | 5 | .267 |
Reddick finally returned to relative good health in 2015, and rewarded fantasy owners with his first 20-HR, 70-RBI season since 2012. A similar return is likely if he remains healthy, though double-digit steals may be wishful thinking. Target him with one of your final five picks in mixed leagues.
46. Billy Burns, Oakland Athletics
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | .167 |
2015 | 5 | 70 | 42 | 26 | .294 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 4 | 70 | 45 | 31 | .278 |
Burns proved to be one of the most surprising three-category contributors in fantasy last season. He'll continue to bat leadoff in Oakland, and could benefit from the addition of Khris Davis in the form of additional runs scored. His 30-steal potential makes him a decent flier option in rounds 17-19.
47. Michael Conforto, New York Mets
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
2015 | 9 | 30 | 26 | 0 | .270 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 19 | 66 | 72 | 3 | .275 |
After appearing in just 56 games last season and sitting against left-handed pitchers, Conforto is tabbed as the Mets' starting left fielder and should see full-time work at the plate. He'll likely hit in the bottom third of the order, but has decent upside and is worth a shot after the 17th round of mixed drafts.
48. Gerardo Parra, Colorado Rockies
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 9 | 64 | 40 | 0 | .261 |
2015 | 13 | 83 | 51 | 14 | .291 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 13 | 60 | 59 | 12 | .280 |
The move to Coors Field has many fantasy owners eyeing Parra as a value pick late in mixed leagues and a mid-round selection in NL-only. He isn't a superstar by any stretch, but he provides contributions in all categories and should hit high enough in the order to be a fantasy factor.
49. Kevin Pillar, Toronto Blue Jays
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 2 | 19 | 7 | 1 | .267 |
2015 | 12 | 76 | 56 | 25 | .278 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 11 | 60 | 58 | 22 | .272 |
For all the attention Pillar gets for his defense, he had a surprisingly good fantasy season considering he was likely a waiver pick-up in the majority of leagues. Expect some regression across the board, but he should produce enough in all five categories to be worth a late-round pick in mixed drafts.
50. Ender Inciarte, Atlanta Braves
SEASON | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | 4 | 54 | 27 | 19 | .278 |
2015 | 6 | 73 | 45 | 21 | .303 |
2016 (PROJ.) | 6 | 65 | 42 | 22 | .281 |
Inciarte will be a full-time player after coming to the Braves in a trade with the Diamondbacks. While that should mean improvement on the majority of his counting stats, he won't score many runs atop a dreadful Atlanta lineup. He's best viewed as an OF4-5 drafted in the 17th-19th rounds.