🖥 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2016 Outfield Prospects and Dynasty Rankings - AL East Edition

Brad Johnson's 2016 fantasy baseball keeper and dynasty league rankings for the top MLB outfield prospects in the AL East. Find your next star prospect here.

Last time out, I covered the Phillies dominated NL East outfield prospects (also catchersfirst base, second base, shortstop, and third base). Now it's time to turn our attention to a stacked AL East. I've uncovered 27 outfield prospects in the division, and the quality is much higher than last week's group. If you're looking to load up on future talent, this is a good place to start.

To see more of the same, be sure to also check out our awesome fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. We have tiered rankings and analysis across all positions, more of my MLB prospect rankings, dynasty/keeper league rankings and more.

The statistics reported are for the listed level only.

 

AL East Outfield Dynasty Rankings

1. Andrew Benintendi (OF, BOS, A)
Stats: 86 PA, .351/.430/.581 4 HR, 3 SB, 10.5% K rate, 11.6% BB rate
Age 21

The seventh overall pick of the 2015 draft had an impressive debut. He steamrolled Low-A pitching and continued the onslaught in Single-A. Baseball America voted him the best pure hitter in the draft. It showed.

As a college pick, the Red Sox will let Benintendi set his own pace to the majors. He'll start 2016 in full season ball and could reach Double- or Triple-A by the end of the season. A major league debut is not entirely out of the question, although it's unlikely at this stage.

With a mix of power, speed, contact skills, and plate discipline, Benintendi promises massive fantasy upside. He profiles as a future first or second round draft pick with a similar ceiling to Mookie Betts. Like his probable future teammate, Benintendi is somewhat undersized. He's listed at 5'10'' and 170 lbs. It's the only knock against him as a player.

 

2. Aaron Judge (OF, NYY, AAA)
Stats: 260 PA, .224/.308/.373 8 HR, 6 SB, 28.5% K rate, 11.2% BB rate
Age 23

Judge is entering his age 24 season so it's about time for him to make his major league debut. The Yankees currently have Aaron Hicks as their fourth outfielder. In other words, Judge is thoroughly blocked. The season-ending injury to Greg Bird could open an eventual path to playing time.

In his first taste of Triple-A, Judge was unimpressive. He's considered to possess plus-plus raw power which should play well in the power friendly AL East. Strikeouts figure to be a problem as he generally takes a seat in over a quarter of his plate appearances. If he doesn't tighten up his contact rates, his ceiling may look something like the 2015 version of Justin Upton without the stolen bases. Or perhaps Nelson Cruz. Those are still very good outcomes (do note, I'm talking about peak ceiling). The downside would have more in common with 2015 Jay Bruce.

In any event, Judge looks like a 25 home run threat in the near future. Whether he can produce other redeeming qualities remains to be seen.

 

3. Dalton Pompey (OF, TOR, AAA)
Stats: 295 PA, .285/.372/.356 1 HR, 16 SB, 13.9% K rate, 12.2% BB rate
Age 23

Pompey opened 2015 in Toronto, but he was sent back to the minors. A late season call-up burned his rookie eligibility. He's still a prospect in my eyes.

The 2015 season has left analysts confused about his future role. His power, contact ability, and plate discipline were all inconsistent throughout the year. It's for this reason that the Blue Jays will probably send him back to Triple-A to start 2016 with Michael Saunders starting in the majors. Pompey should earn a shot at a regular role later in the season.

The one thing we can count on is speed. He should swipe 20 to 40 bases annually. He has a history of high walk rates in the minors and should eventually figure out the contact issues that plagued him in the majors. The upside looks something like vintage Shane Victorino with a better walk rate.

 

4. Hyun-soo Kim (OF, BAL, KBO)
Stats: 630 PA, .326/.438/.541 28 HR, 11 SB, 10% K rate, 16% BB rate
Age 28

The Orioles signed Kim over the offseason, and he's primed to take over as the club's leadoff hitter. The 28-year-old isn't a prospect in the same sense as the other players on this list. He still has plenty to offer dynasty owners and should be available in most leagues.

Kim recently experienced the best season of his career. In the offense friendly KBO, he posted 28 home runs and walked over 50 percent more than he struck out. His left-handed bat will fit well at Camden Yards. The park is particularly friendly to left-handed power.

If Kim can import even a modicum of the contact skills, power, and plate discipline he demonstrated in Korea, he'll be a fantasy monster. While he can steal bases, don't expect more than a handful. Instead, you're looking for a high run total, 15 or more home runs, and a solid batting average.

 

5. Garrett Whitley (OF, TBR, A-)
Stats: 48 PA, .143/.250/.190 0 HR, 3 SB, 25% K rate, 10.4% BB rate
Age 18

Not every top prospect hits the ground running. Whitley was serviceable in 116 plate appearances in rookie ball. Upon promotion to Low-A, he performed poorly. It was only a two week stint so there's no need to panic.

To this point, Whitley has shown power, speed, and decent plate discipline. He's had trouble making contact. Low BABIPs suggest that the contact he does make isn't square. Since he was a high school pick, the Rays will feel no need to rush him through the minors. He'll begin the year in extended Spring Training before progressing to a short season league. It may be a few years before he leaps up this list.

 

6. Anthony Alford (OF, TOR, A+)
Stats: 255 PA, .302/.380/.444 3 HR, 15 SB, 19.2% K rate, 11% BB rate
Age 21

Despite signing in 2012, Alford has just 597 professional plate appearances to his name. Of those, 487 came last season. Even with his lack of experience, Alford raked his way through two levels. He earned an invitation to Spring Training where he'll have an opportunity to impress his future teammates. Barring a catastrophe, there is no chance he would open the season in the majors.

Instead, look for Alford in Double-A. The level should pose a challenge due to improved defenses and breaking balls. Alford has relied heavily upon a high BABIP. He posted a .419 BABIP in Low-A and a .374 BABIP in High-A. This is a good sign for a speedster, but it's not always sustainable in the majors.

Keep an eye on his power, walk rate, and strikeout rate. Scouts say he has above average raw power. It's yet to show it's face in games. He's consistently tallied high walk rates and improved his strikeout rate throughout the 2015 season. If his contact skills keep improving without a steep decline in walks, we could be looking at a future lead off hitter. He's still a couple years away from his major league debut.

 

7. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (OF, TOR, DNP)
Stats: Did Not Play
Age 17

Yes, he's the son of that Vladimir Guerrero. The Jays managed to ink the number one international prospect, although he was too young to actually suit up for game action. He'll make his professional debut this season.

It says something that scout reports put Guerrero on the fringes of the top 100 dynasty prospects without even playing a game. Guerrero Jr. isn't as physically gifted as his father. He shares his father's bat speed, strength, and contact ability, and some scouts say he already has a better plate approach (not exactly a tough feat). Power will be his calling card. Some scouts are already talking about an eventual move to first base or designated hitter.

Baseball America asked scouts if they would prefer Guerrero to Red Sox third base prospect Rafael Devers. They were divided citing Devers pure hitting ability as comparable to Guerrero's potentially elite power.

 

8. D.J. Stewart (OF, BAL, A-)
Stats: 268 PA, .218/.288/.345 6 HR, 4 SB, 19.4% K rate, 8.6% BB rate
Age 22

Stewart was the Orioles top draft pick at 25th overall. Scouting reports are mixed with some calling him a first baseman or DH. He's credited with good plate discipline and power from the left side - a good fit for Camden Yards. In his prime, he's expected to post a strong average, power, and draw plenty of walks.

For now, I'll defer to the scouting reports. His professional debut certainly was lackluster. Something about the profile reminds me of Brett Wallace, although Wallace never tripped up until he reached the majors.

 

Other Prospect Names To Watch

Luis Alexander Basabe (OF, BOS, A-)

Basabe is just 19, but he already has three seasons of professional experience. He began to find his power stroke this year with seven home runs and 15 stolen bases in 256 plate appearances. He might be on the cusp of a surge in perceived value, now is the time to get in on the ground floor.

Mason Williams (OF, NYY, AAA)

After earning a cup of tea last season, Williams will compete for a fifth outfield gig this season. He's a high quality bat-to-ball type hitter with plus speed and no power. The profile reads like Ben Revere but with a 20 stolen base ceiling. The fantasy application is limited unless he's batting at the top of the order. Joe Panik is an upside example.

 

Derrick Loveless (OF, TOR, A+)

Loveless, soon-to-be 23, is one of those two-sport pure athletes. Patience is always advised with this background because a breakout can occur with almost no warning. Loveless consistently posts high walk and strikeout rates. If he gets the latter under control, his double digit home run and stolen base potential will be useful.

Dariel Alvarez (OF, BAL, AAA)

The O's go out of their way to praise Alvarez despite luke warm numbers. In the minors, he was aggressive with a low strikeout rate. That aggression seems to be hiding a big swing-and-miss problem. Alvarez may get a chance to play regularly this year. He's 27.

Dwight Smith (OF, TOR, AA)

Smith has that mix of 10 home run and 10 stolen base upside fantasy owners desire. I've seen reports that the Jays hope to use him as a utility fielder at second base and in the outfield. He's consistently posted strong walk and strikeout rates. He'll probably be challenged with an assignment to Triple-A this year.

Joey Rickard (OF, BAL, AAA)

Rickard was selected in the Rule 5 draft from the Rays. As such, he'll have a chance to stick on a major league roster this season. He thrived across three levels last year topping out in Triple-A. Power isn't a strength, but he does work counts and make plenty of contact.

Leonardo Molina (OF, NYY, R)

Molina is one of the toolsiest hitters in the Yankees' shed. He's posted two uninspiring seasons in rookie ball, but he's only entering his age 18 season. He's just now age appropriate for the level he's tried in two straight campaigns.

Dustin Fowler (OF, NYY, A+)

Fowler, 21, is a speedy outfielder with decent contact ability and middling power. He still has a year or two to improve enough for an everyday ceiling. Right now, he strikes me as a fourth outfielder.

Johnny Field (OF, TBR, AA)

Field flashed the power-speed double whammy in Double-A this season with 14 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 491 plate appearances. He's described as a guy with average tools and off the charts makeup. He's probably a future fourth outfielder.

Henry Ramos (OF, BOS, OF)

Ramos once came equipped with more prospect cachet, but injuries have derailed most of his last two seasons. Entering his age 24 season, health would go a long way towards restoring his future value. At his best, he still looked like a fringy starter or very good fourth outfielder.

Slade Heathcott (OF, NYY, AAA)

Heathcott was fantastic in a 30 plate appearance major league debut. He has trouble staying healthy and profiles better as a fourth outfielder.

Justin Williams (OF, TBR, A+)

The Rays acquired Williams in a trade with the Diamondbacks. The 20-year-old was hyper aggressive in two Single-A stops. He does have some power and upside.

Juan de Leon (OF, NYY, R)

The 18-year-old held his own in rookie ball. Strikeouts were a problem in the DSL (29.7% K rate). Reports say he has an advanced feel for hitting despite the whiff rate.

Tyler Austin (OF, NYY, AAA)

Austin has experience as a third baseman and could eventually see time as a utility fielder or platoon hitter. There's upside for decent power and contact ability, but the 24-year-old is still a breakout away from a major league floor.

Henry Urrutia (OF, BAL, AAA)

Urrutia has two brief stints in the majors - 2013 and last season. The soon-to-be 29-year-old is a former Cuban standout. A lack of power precludes a regular major league role.

Joe McCarthy (OF, TBR, A-)

McCarthy was a 2015 5th rounder who swiped 18 bases in 213 plate appearances. He also had good walk and strikeout rates. Reports are few and far between, but the stats are encouraging. He'll need to move quickly given his age (22).

Ben Gamel (OF, NYY, AAA)

Gamel had a modest power breakout in Triple-A last season (10 home runs). He also stole 13 bases. Entering his age 24 season, he'll be hard pressed to thrive in New York. The best case scenario for him is to be traded. He's on the 40-man roster.

D.J. Davis (OF, TOR, A)

Davis, 22, has good raw tools, but he's still figuring out the details. He was modestly successful in Single-A, but he was also old for the level. With four seasons of pro experience, he won't be considered a prospect much longer.

Nick Longhi (OF, BOS, A)

The 20-year-old Longhi might not stick in the outfield. He doesn't have enough power for first base. Stash the name in the back of your mind in case of a breakout.

 

MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Justin Crawford

Phillies Planning to Start Justin Crawford in Center Field
CFB

Jayden Maiava Signs New Deal to Return to USC
CFB

Aidan Mizell Won't Return to Florida, Entering Transfer Portal
CFB

East Carolina Targeting Jordan Davis as Next Offensive Coordinator
Patrick Mahomes

Targeting Week 1 Return in 2026
Cutter Gauthier

Scores Twice at MSG
CFB

Michigan QB Jadyn Davis Set to Enter Transfer Portal
CFB

Travis Williams Joining Texas A&M Defensive Staff
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Records Three Assists in Dramatic Win
Filip Forsberg

Nets 11th Career Hat Trick
Sam Reinhart

Pots Two Goals Against Lightning
Darcy Kuemper

Hurt Versus Stars
Gustav Forsling

Injured in Monday's Win
Brandon Hagel

Makes Early Exit Monday
Cooper Flagg

Becomes Youngest 40-Point Scorer in NBA History
Victor Wembanyama

May Come Off the Bench Again Tuesday
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic to Undergo MRI Tuesday
Sam Hauser

Tweaks Left Ankle Monday
Peyton Watson

Not Expected to Be Out Long-Term
Ja Morant

Injures Ankle in Monday's Win
Darren Waller

Hauls in Two Touchdowns in Monday Night Loss
Brandon Clarke

Still Out Monday
Rome Odunze

Considered Week-to-Week With Foot Injury
James Harden

Officially Active on Monday Night
Ja Morant

to Remain Under Minutes Restriction Monday
James Harden

a Game-Time Call Monday
John Konchar

to Be Re-Evaluated in Three Weeks
Julian Strawther

Active on Monday
James Harden

Good to Go Monday
Tari Eason

Remains Out Monday
Daniel Gafford

to Be Limited to 17-20 Minutes Monday
Davante Adams

Considered Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Kyle Filipowski

Starting Against Mavericks
Brandon Williams

Out Monday
Tyler Herro

a Late Scratch on Monday
Jaylen Warren

to Play Through Illness on Monday Night
Anthony Davis

Misses Monday's Action, Daniel Gafford Available
Georges Niang

to Be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Jamison Battle

Available Against Heat
Will Smith

Sharks Place Will Smith on Injured Reserve
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Expected to Return Before Christmas
Dylan Holloway

to Miss Six Weeks
Patrick Kane

Expected to Miss at Least Two Games
Quinton Byfield

Ruled Out for Monday
Mika Zibanejad

Won't Play on Monday
Connor Bedard

Out Until 2026
Bhayshul Tuten

to Miss a Few Weeks With Finger Injury
Joe Burrow

Will Start the Rest of the Season
Jayden Daniels

to be Shut Down for Final Three Games
Philip Rivers

Will Start Again in Week 16
Drake London

Falcons "Very Hopeful" Drake London Can Return in Week 16
CFB

Dylan Raiola Entering His Name into Transfer Portal
Micah Parsons

MRI Confirms Torn ACL for Micah Parsons
CFB

Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby Plans to Transfer When Portal Opens
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia, Phillies Finalizing One-Year Deal on Monday
Jaylen Warren

Questionable for Monday Night Due to Illness
Bam Knight

has "Bad Sprain," Unlikely to Play in Week 16
Brandon Royval

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
CFB

Baylor, LSU, Miami Among Potential Suitors for DJ Lagway
CFB

Aidan Chiles Will Enter Transfer Portal
Manel Kape

Shines At UFC Vegas 112
New York Jets

Jets Fire Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks
Kevin Vallejos

Gets Second-Round Knockout Win
Christian Watson

Avoids Long-Term Injury, Status for Week 16 Unclear
Giga Chikadze

Suffers His First Career Knockout Loss
CFB

Quarterback DJ Lagway Entering Transfer Portal
Cesar Almeida

Gets Dominated
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Wins Sixth Fight In A Row
Teddye Buchanan

Ravens Linebacker Teddye Buchanan Believed to Have Torn ACL
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Melquizael Costa

Gets First-Round Knockout Win
Lane Hutson

Sends Out Two Power-Play Assists
Kirill Kaprizov

Nearing Wild Goals Record
Marcus Buchecha

Still Winless In The UFC
Benjamin Kindel

Posts Three Points in Sunday's Loss
Alex Tuch

Delivers Two Assists in Sunday's Win
Quinn Hughes

Scores in Wild Debut
Kennedy Nzechukwu

And Marcus Buchecha Fight To Draw
David Jiricek

Hurt Against Bruins
Marcus Johansson

Exits With Injury Sunday
Lance Gibson jr

Lance Gibson Jr. Drops Decision In His UFC Debut
King Green

Gets Back In The Win Column
Dallas Goedert

has Third Two-Touchdown Game on Sunday
Nico Collins

Records First Multi-Touchdown Game of the Season
D'Andre Swift

Falls Just Shy of 100 Rushing Yards, Scores Twice in Week 15
Josh Jacobs

Scores Two Touchdowns in Week 15 Loss
Jameson Williams

has Fourth 100-Yard Game in Sunday's Loss to Rams
Kenley Jansen

Agrees to One-Year Deal With Tigers
Merrill Kelly

Returns to Diamondbacks on Two-Year Deal
Jorge Polanco

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Mets
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Return to South Carolina in 2026
CFB

Washington State Expected to Hire Kirby Moore as Next Head Coach
CFB

Kyle Whittingham Stepping Down as Utah Head Coach
Manel Kape

Set For UFC Vegas 112 Main Event
Brandon Royval

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 112
Kevin Vallejos

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Giga Chikadze

In Dire Need Of Victory
Cesar Almeida

Set To Welcome Cezary Oleksiejczuk To The UFC
Cezary Oleksiejczuk

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Maikel Garcia

Royals Agree on Five-Year Extension
Melquizael Costa

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Looks to Win Second Consecutive Fights
Marcus Buchecha

Looks To Bounce Back
CFB

Sherrone Moore Charged with Home Invasion, Among Other Charges
CFB

Freddie Kitchens Fired from North Carolina Coaching Staff
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CFB

Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
CFB

Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP