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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 catchers, first 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.
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