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

Nolan Arenado

Ready for Second Half
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF