👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

2016 Outfield Prospects and Dynasty Rankings - NL Central Edition

Our division-by-division run down of outfield prospects continues. We've already hit the NL EastAL East, and AL Central (also catchersfirst base, second base, shortstop, and third base). The NL Central is loaded with outfield prospects - 38 by my count. 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.

 

NL Central Outfield Dynasty Rankings

1. Austin Meadows (OF, PIT, A+)
Stats: 556 PA, .307/.357/.407  HR, 20 SB, 14.2% K rate, 7.4% BB rate
Age 20

Meadows received a brief call up to Double-A at the end of the 2015 season and held his own. A stint in the AFL was decidedly less successful. Overall, it was an encouraging first full season of game action for Meadows. He's a center fielder for now with a future in left field.

He's a potential five category fantasy contributor, although there are facets of his game that could use improvement. It was nice to see him using his speed on the base paths as there was some uncertainty about his ability to swipe bases. He now looks like a reasonable bet for 15 steals annually.

The development of his power, plate discipline, and contact skills will determine if he's a solid regular or a star in the making. Thus far, he has kept his walk and strikeout rates under control, but it may be at the expense of his in-game power. He has the tools to pop 20 or more home runs at his peak. He's still a couple months from turning 21, making him one of the younger players headed to Double-A.

2. Jesse Winker (OF, CIN, AA)
Stats: 526 PA, .282/.390/.433 13 HR, 8 SB, 15.8% K rate, 14.1% BB rate
Age 22

Winker was tantalizingly good in 2015. The patient approach, low strikeout rate, and flashes of power suggest he could be a top of the order threat. He'll head to Triple-A to start 2016 and may be big league ready by midseason. Don't be surprised if the club opts to evaluate other options with an eye towards an early 2017 debut for Winker. That way, they'll get an extra season of club control.

Great American Ball Park certainly aids Winker's future fantasy value. The homer friendly park should help his power play up. He doesn't profile to be a top home run hitter with maybe 20 park assisted big flies per season as an expected ceiling. Suspect defense may force him to move to first base sometime in the future, but he should hold up in an outfield corner for the near term. Don't be fooled by the eight stolen bases, he won't chip in with more than a handful.

3. Brett Phillips (OF, MIL, AA)
Stats: 98 PA, .250/.361/413 0 HR, 2 SB, 30.6% K rate, 14.3% BB rate (with Brewers)
Age 21

The stat line above is misleading. Phillips was dealt to Milwaukee at the trade deadline as part of the Carlos Gomez deal. To that point, he had 16 home runs, 15 stolen base, a robust triple slash, and a sub-20 percent strikeout rate. The transition away from his old organization seems to have hurt his production. An injury didn't help either.

Phillips could prove to be a better fantasy prospect than Winker, but there's a little more risk to his profile. His walk rates tend to jump around, hinting at an inconsistent approach at the plate. That's not automatically a bad thing, and it's encouraging to see his 2014 breakout gained steam right up until he was traded. The fantasy ceiling is a top of the order bat with about 20 home runs, 15 stolen bases, good run production, and a BABIP-fueled average.

He'll likely return to Double-A since he had mixed results at the level. A quick start could put him on track for a late season call-up. Keep in mind, the Brewers have every reason to hold him in the minors until late-April 2017 or later - including ludicrous outfield depth. That way, they gain an extra season of club control. If the contending Cubs could do it with Kris Bryant last year, the Brewers can certainly find the necessary excuses to tinker with Phillips' service time.

4. Harold Ramirez (OF, PIT, A+)
Stats: 344 PA, .337/.399/.458 4 HR, 22 SB, 14% K rate, 7.3% BB rate
Age 21

Ramirez draws praise for pure hitting ability. Despite good speed, he may be destined for left field duties due to an iffy arm. There are worries his bat won't quite carry him in an outfield corner. The Pirates added him to the 40-man roster last fall to protect him in the Rule 5 draft. As such, he could see a short call up this year.

High contact rates and above average speed offer the potential for solid fantasy production. He hasn't hit for much power as a professional. Scouts think he could eventually top out around 10 to 15 home runs a year.

Like Meadows, he'll open the year in Double-A. It'll be a good test of his hitting ability. A spike in strikeout rate will be an early sign to sell high.

5. Billy McKinney (OF, CHC, AA)
Stats: 308 PA, .285/.346/.420 3 HR, 0 SB, 15.3% K rate, 8.8% BB rate
Age 21

Surely the Cubs don't have more top prospects, right? McKinney's hit tool and plate discipline have carried him in his first three minor league campaigns. He doesn't have much power or speed giving him a fantasy ceiling similar to Joe Panik. To get there, he'll need to maintain his high contact rates. You'll be reliant on a top of the order role to create valuable run production.

McKinney doesn't really fit with his current organization - at least not as a starter. Some scouts wonder if he might not be a future fourth outfielder. If he hangs around Chicago, that's almost certainly his destiny. He's an obvious trade candidate.

6. Eddy Julio Martinez (OF, CHC, DNP)
Stats: Did Not Play
Age 21

A top international prospect from Cuba, Martinez is expected to be a fast mover despite a lack of professional experience. The 21-year-old is a five tool athlete with early comparisons to Andruw Jones. He's a high risk, high reward target for fantasy owners.

The available scouting reports are glowing, but he signed for only $3MM with the Cubs. That's comparable to the bonuses for the top Dominican and Venezuelan prospects, but they're often just 16 years old with very uncertain futures. Top Cubans typically earn much more despite international spending penalties. To me, that makes it sound like we're only reading the most glowing scouting reports. Keep an eye on his debut.

7. Eloy Jimenez (OF, CHC, A-)
Stats: 250 PA, .284/.328/.418 7 HR, 3 SB, 17.2% K rate, 6.0% BB rate
Age 19

A former top international prospect, Jimenez is still a long way from the majors. As such, he's still mostly projection. His contact oriented approach will play well throughout the lower minors, but he does need to start showing some in-game power.

Jimenez could be a future top prospect or a something a little more ordinary like McKinney. Since he's so far from the majors, he's only a top target for true dynasty formats - i.e. 20 teams and 40+ man rosters.

 

Other Prospect Names To Watch

Ian Happ (OF, CHC, A)

Happ, the ninth overall pick last June, had a strong debut. Across two levels, he hit nine home runs and stole 10 bases in 295 plate appearances. The switch-hitter is better from the left side of the plate and may have trouble with contact at higher levels. He should move faster than Jimenez, and many scouts prefer him to McKinney.

Mark Zagunis (OF, CHC, A+)

Zagunis could be the next Winker in the NL Central. Well, except he's old than Winker. Scouts have some trouble evaluating Zagunis because his superior plate discipline is coupled with roughly average power, speed, and contact skills. Everything could come together for him with a massive ceiling - think a low power Joey Votto - or he could settle into a fourth outfielder type role.

Phillip Ervin (OF, CIN, AA)

A former first round pick out of college, Ervin's career was derailed by a wrist injury. Now back on track, he features 15 home run power, 30 steal speed, and a patient approach at the plate. He's one of my favorite outfield sleepers.

Rymer Liriano (OF, MIL, AAA)

The former Padres farm hand had a 121 plate appearance trial in the majors during the 2014 season. He spent all of last season at Triple-A. Liriano looks like a high BABIP hitter with 15 home run power and some base stealing ability. Scouts question if he can make consistent contact. He may start for the Brewers with Khris Davis out of town.

Monte Harrison (OF, MIL, A)

The 20-year-old was solid in his second professional campaign. Split between two levels in the low minors, Harrison hit five home runs and stole 20 bases in 303 plate appearances. He was a little overexposed in Single-A where he posted a 41.8 percent strikeout rate in 184 plate appearances.

Magnueris Sierra (OF, STL, A)

The soon-to-be 20-year-old has performed well in three separate stints at Rookie ball. His first try at the Single-A level left him overmatched. The scouting reports read much more glowingly than his statistics. There's talk of five average or better tools with growth potential.

Albert Almora (OF, CHC, AA)

Back when the Cubs system was a little iffy, Almora was one of their top prospects. He's still in the minors, having spent most of his past two seasons at Double-A. He won't turn 22 for a couple months. His carrying tool is superior contact skills. Power and plate discipline have yet to fully develop.

Clint Coulter (OF, MIL, A+)

A first round pick back in 2012, Coulter has progressed step by step through the Brewers system. Once promising raw tools have coalesced into average power and contact ability. He's a breakout candidate at Double-A this year after surviving what's described as one of the toughest hitting environments in the minors.

Nick Plummer (OF, STL, R)

The 23rd overall pick of the 2015 draft, Plummer's supposed to hit for a solid average with a patient approach and decent speed. The selectivity is unusual in a high school draftee. He could be a top of the order threat, but he's half a decade from the majors.

Harrison Bader (OF, STL, A)

Bader, a 2015 third round pick, sprinted to a strong pro debut. He hit nine home runs, stole 15 bases, and batted a luck neutral .301/.364/.505 in 228 Single-A plate appearances. Look for him to move to High-A for the 2016 season.

Trent Clark (OF, MIL, R)

Clark was the 15th pick in the 2015 draft. His debut included 25 stolen bases in 252 plate appearances with a 15.5 percent walk and a 17.5 percent strikeout rate. The only thing missing was power. The 19-year-old could be challenged this year with an aggressive assignment.

Victor Roache (OF, MIL, AA)

Roache has 20 home run power and a few too many strikeouts for comfort. The former first round pick could be a future corner outfielder or a Quad-A type. He may reach the majors this season or next.

Tyrone Taylor (OF, MIL, AA)

There are two dimensions to Taylor as a prospect. Can he stick in center field, and can he hit for enough power to play anywhere else? He's a high contact rate guy with some upside for 10 home run power and 15 stolen base speed.

Jeffrey Baez (OF, CHC, A+)

Like many of the Cubs' outfield prospects, Baez is a slow moving former international prospect. Anyone viewing his line in Single-A would note the nine home runs and 34 stolen bases. Speed guy with a bit of pop, right? The scouting report I have says he's a plus raw power guy with fringy speed. At 22, he's on the old side of age appropriate for High-A

Demi Orimoloye (OF, MIL, R)

Orimoloye, 19, rose to the challenge of rookie ball. He hit six home runs and stole 19 bases in just 144 plate appearances. If it wasn't for scary plate discipline (2.1% BB%, 27.1% K%), he'd be much higher on this list. Huge breakout potential if he can learn to control the strike zone.

Keon Broxton (OF, MIL, AAA)

Broxton, 26, is a burner with enough power to be useful in Miller Park. He'll likely compete with Liriano for a starting job this year, but it'll be an indirect competition. Broxton may push Domingo Santana to an outfield corner. Broxton's downfall is huge contact issues - those are never good in a speed first guy.

Michael Reed (OF, MIL, AAA)

Reed is a guy who thrived in the lower minors. A feel for base running allowed him to outperform his average speed in the steals department. That often doesn't translate well to the majors. His power is described as fringy so he may only be a contact hitter. He's in the Brewers' battle for outfield reps.

Ramon Flores (OF, MIL, AAA)

Flores is also in the mix for major league reps, but he looks like a fourth outfielder. He doesn't have the speed or power of a fantasy asset, but he does offer plenty of contact.

Donnie Dewees (OF, CHC, A-)

Dewees, 21, was an early selection in the second round of the 2015 draft. He's a college guy with plus speed. He could surge up the list with a strong season. Scouts worry about his arm which may be limited to left field.

Charlie Tilson (OF, STL, AA)

Most would dismiss Tilson as a fourth outfielder, but there's always the chance this type of player gets a chance at a full time gig. He stole 46 bases last year with a high contact rate. A trip to the AFL went poorly. He has a spot on the 40-man roster.

Yorman Rodriguez (OF, CIN, AAA)

Rodriguez, 23, had a brief stint in 2014. Now the club is evaluating him for a regular role in 2016. He has the raw power to breakout in Cincinnati, but I don't expect rapid growth. Instead, buy low after he flops early in the season then plan to hang onto him for a couple years.

Aristides Aquino (OF, CIN, A)

Aquino, 21, has been in the Red system since 2011. He had a huge 2014 season against college pitchers. He didn't make any huge strides in 2015, but he didn't go backwards either. Despite developing slowly, scouts like his ceiling which could include power, steals, and a passable average.

Brandon Diaz (OF, MIL, A)

Diaz is a 70 grade runner with some feel for hitting. He's walked plenty in the low minors, but he'll need to prove he can continue to reach base against better pitching.

C.J. McElroy (OF, STL, A+)

McElroy is described as a raw 80 grade runner. Even if that ticks down to 70 grade future speed, he could force his way into a lineup for defensive purposes. He has very little power and doesn't make quite enough contact for a speed guy.

Scott Schebler (OF, CIN, AAA)

A former Dodgers farmhand, Schebler should get a shot at winning an outfield job this spring. His fantasy skill set may be better than his real world contributions. He can hit for power and run a bit, making him an excellent fit in Cincinnati.

Anthony Garcia (OF, STL, AA)

In a brief stint at AAA, Garcia held his own. He spent most of the year at AA where he was impressively patient, made plenty of contact, and flashed 15 home run power. He receives very little attention from scouts despite a spot on the 40-man roster.

Jose Osuna (OF, PIT, AA)

Osuna has the look of a good fourth outfielder. He can hit for a decent average with adequate power numbers. Sometimes, this profile can grow to be more than just a major league bench piece.

Willy Garcia (OF, PIT, AAA)

Scouts like Garcia's physical tools, but his plate discipline drags down his potential. If the light clicks and he starts to work the count better, he could be worth a look in deeper dynasties.

Adam Frazier (OF, PIT, AA)

Frazier doesn't drive the ladies (i.e. the scouts) crazy, but he does have plus contact skills. Although he can run a little, he'll never be confused with a rabbit. Often, this profile will turn into an org soldier, but sometimes they get a chance to stick around the majors for a time.

Barrett Barnes (OF, PIT, AA)

A former college pick who has moved slowly through the system, Barnes is a decent player with a mix of contact, plate discipline, and average speed. He's coming off his best season at the plate, but he's hardly worth following.

Danny Ortiz (OF, PIT, AAA)

A former Twins prospect, Ortiz could be a fifth outfielder as soon as this season. He's 26, so it's now or never. He has 15 home run power, but that's the extent of his fantasy potential.

 

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
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Hyeseong Kim

Rebuilt Swing Already Generating Results
Bailey Ober

Focusing on Mechanics in Camp
Devin Williams

Sees Struggles Continue in Spring Debut
Rafael Devers

Scratched With Hamstring Tightness
Marcelo Mayer

Stronger and Faster Entering 2026 Season
Kutter Crawford

Set for Live Batting Practice on Friday
Shane Baz

Strikes Out Four in Spring Debut on Friday
Blake Snell

Making Progress, Will be "Hard" to be Ready for Opening Day
Corey Seager

Scratched Due to Illness
Elly De La Cruz

Feels Fully Healthy This Spring
Stephen Kolek

Being Shut Down With Grade 1 Oblique Strain
Lone'er Kavanagh

Set For UFC Mexico City Main Event
Brandon Moreno

Looks To Bounce Back
Samuel Basallo

Thinks he Can Play This Weekend
David Martinez

Set For UFC Mexico City Co-Main Event
Marlon Vera

In Dire Need Of Victory
King Green

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Zellhuber

Aims To Snap Two-Fight Skid
Sergei Bobrovsky

Sharp In Victory
Brad Marchand

Scores Two Goals in Victory
Noah Dobson

Scores Twice in Overtime Loss
Matthew Schaefer

has Two-Goal Game
Felipe Bunes

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez A Favorite At UFC Mexico City
Konnor Griffin

Back in the Lineup After Injury Scare
Troy Melton

Needs Extended Rest, Unlikely to be Ready for Opening Day
Royce Lewis

MRI Comes Back Clean on Royce Lewis
George Pickens

Cowboys Not Interested in Trading George Pickens
Cedric Coward

to Miss Sixth Straight Game
Taj Gibson

Agrees to Deal With Grizzlies
Memphis Grizzlies

Kyle Anderson Agrees to Buyout, Plans to Join Timberwolves
Jabari Smith Jr.

Exits with Right Ankle Injury
Norman Powell

Leaves Game with Groin Injury
Joe Musgrove

Sharp in Simulated Game, Quickly Approaching Spring Training Debut
Alexandre Sarr

Considered Week-to-Week
Kyle Freeland

Nearing Spring Debut
Lauri Markkanen

to Miss At Least Two Weeks
Willi Castro

Expected to be Aggressive on Basepaths in Colorado
Gerrit Cole

Set to Face Live Hitters Again on Friday
Gunnar Hoglund

Dealing with Knee Injury
Jacob Lopez

Throwing Live Batting Practice, Nearing Spring Debut
Matt Boldy

Makes History With Another Four-Point Performance
Jake Guentzel

Sets Up Three Goals Thursday
Leon Draisaitl

Tallies Four Points Against Kings
Joel Kiviranta

Sustains Undisclosed Injury Thursday
Filip Gustavsson

Makes Late Exit Thursday
Joel Armia

Sustains Upper-Body Injury
Drew Doughty

Exits Loss With Lower-Body Injury
Jordan Binnington

on Non-Roster List
Mackenzie Blackwood

Starting in Net Versus Wild
Jaxson Hayes

Good to Go Thursday Night
Robert Williams III

Donovan Clingan Out, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen Cleared
Patrick Williams

Jalen Smith, Patrick Williams Out At Least One Week
Keldon Johnson

is Active on Thursday
Khris Middleton

Available Thursday Against Sacramento
Daniel Gafford

Ruled Out Thursday vs. Kings
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Remains Out on Thursday
Stephon Castle

Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Nets
Davion Mitchell

is Available on Thursday
Joel Embiid

is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Off the Injury Report for Friday
Norman Powell

Active On Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Available Against Washington
Andrew Nembhard

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Dylan Holloway

Rejoins Blues Lineup Thursday
Simon Edvinsson

Back in Red Wings Lineup Thursday
Adam Fox

Ready to Face Flyers
Igor Shesterkin

Available Thursday
Kris Letang

Returns to Action Thursday
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle a Game-Time Call Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Expected to Play Thursday
Ashton Jeanty

Not in Line for Workhorse Role in 2026?
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Give Anthony Richardson Sr. Permission to Seek a Trade
Brock Nelson

Produces 30th Goal of the Campaign
Kyler Murray

Prefers to be Released
Derek Carr

"Strong Belief" That Derek Carr is "Very Serious" About Unretiring
Andy Dalton

Is Andy Dalton Available for a Trade?
Keith Mitchell

Making The Comfortable Return to PGA National
CFB

Chandler Morris Suing NCAA for Seventh Year of Eligibility
Chris Kirk

Searching for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Brooks Koepka

Making Third PGA Tour Start at Cognizant Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Steady Option at Cognizant Classic
Seamus Power

Seeking More Green in Florida
PGA

Haotong Li Back From a Break as Florida Stretch Starts
Stephan Jaeger

Trying to Put Four Rounds Together in Florida
PGA

Nico Echavarria Again Attempting to Make the Weekend
Patrick Fishburn

Looking for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Blades Brown

Set for Cognizant Classic Debut
Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return
Billy Horschel

Looks to Improve Season at Cognizant Classic
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Joe Highsmith

Returns to Defend at Cognizant Classic
Quinshon Judkins

Out of Walking Boot, Will be Ready for Training Camp
Breece Hall

Jets Will Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall if Extension isn't Reached
Joel Dahmen

Needs Better Consistency Heading Into The Florida Swing
Daniel Berger

Looks to Improve Putting as PGA Tour Begins Its Florida Swing
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Zach Ertz

Plans to Return for 14th Season
Davis Thompson

Struggling to Find Birdies as Florida Looms
Tom Kim

Not Quite Cutting It in 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Build Momentum from Scottsdale
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Returns After Extended Break for Florida Event
CFB

Gunner Rivers Follows His Father, Commits To North Carolina State
Will Zalatoris

Set to Make Tournament Debut at Cognizant Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trending Up at the Cognizant Classic
Anthony Hernandez

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Sean Strickland

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Planning to Use Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Geoff Neal

Suffers Back-To-Back Knockout Losses
Uros Medic

Shines At UFC Houston
Dan Ige

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Melquizael Costa

Extends His Win Streak To Six
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Falls Short of Victory at EchoPark Speedway
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Fourth At EchoPark Speedway After Early Struggles
Ross Chastain

Finishes Third At EchoPark Speedway
Chase Briscoe

Scores First Career Top-Five Finish at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

Nabs His Second Win of the Season At EchoPark Speedway
Joey Logano

Will Be Popular DFS Pick at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

on Pole After Qualifying Rained Out at EchoPark Speedway
Chase Elliott

Could Chase Elliott Be Worth Rostering At EchoPark Speedway?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
William Byron

Is William Byron Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Rondale Moore

Passes Away
Denny Hamlin

Is Worth Consideration for EchoPark Speedway DFS Lineups
Brad Keselowski

Is A Tournament Option for DFS At EchoPark Speedway
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Rosterable In DFS At EchoPark Speedway?
Austin Cindric

Should DFS Managers Roster Austin Cindric at EchoPark Speedway?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Sneaky DFS Option for EchoPark Speedway?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Alex Bowman

Will Start Towards the Rear At EchoPark Speedway
Javonte Williams

Cowboys Sign Javonte Williams to Three-Year, $24 Million Extension
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF