👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Outfielders: Top MLB Prospects for Fantasy Baseball

Welcome back, RotoBallers. I've already looked at the top 10 prospects for each MLB team, and now I'll be breaking down impact prospects by position. Today I'm bringing you my top 15 outfielders - MLB prospect rankings for the 2017 fantasy baseball season.

The position of outfield is always a deep one, but this season it especially appears to be strong for rookies. Top prospect in baseball Andrew Benintendi will open the season with the Red Sox while the Padres figure to start a pair of talented outfielders. There’s also some other guys with tantalizing power/speed combinations like Derek Fisher, Bradley Zimmer and Austin Meadows who could have value later in the year.

Though outfielders often need to hit a ton to be considered valuable in redraft leagues due to the sheer number of talented outfielders, this year’s rookie class is arguably one of the strongest the position has seen in years. There is a ton of value to be had here and fantasy owners should be ready to jump on these star bats as soon as they get the call up to the big leagues.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Top 15 Outfield Prospects for 2017 Fantasy Baseball

1. Andrew Benintendi (BOS, MLB)
Stats: 118 PA, .295/.359/.475, 2 HR, 1 SB, 8.5% BB rate, 21.2% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
Benintendi is not just the most valuable outfield prospect for 2017, he is the most valuable overall prospect for 2017 (*spoiler alert*). The Red Sox left fielder is guaranteed a spot out in a very potent Red Sox lineup right out of Spring Training and will be batting either second or third in their lineup this season. He is an absolutely elite prospect to own as he is guaranteed to hit for a high average while possibly posting a 20/20 season. And in the middle of Boston’s lineup, he may also drive in and score 100 runs.

2. Hunter Renfroe (SD, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 563 PA, .306/.336/.557, 30 HR, 5 SB, 3.9% BB rate, 20.4% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
With a number of injuries currently plaguing the Padres’ outfield, Renfroe is now a 100 percent lock to break camp with the club this season. He probably would have regardless, but the injuries help his case. The slugging outfielder is unlikely to replicate that .300 average in the majors as he is a bit too aggressive and may strike out a bit, but he will hit a ton of dingers even in pitcher-friendly Petco Park. Owners can expect him to bat cleanup behind Wil Myers and hit 25+ home runs with a .250+ average and 80+ RBI.

3. Manuel Margot (SD, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 566 PA, .304/.351/.428, 6 HR, 30 SB, 6.4% BB rate, 11.3% K rate
ETA: Opening Day(?)
If it wasn’t for a lingering knee injury that has cost Margot some Spring Training time, he would be No. 2 on this list. But as of right now, his starting status is in question. If he is healthy, he figures to start in center field for the Padres to open up the season and will likely lead off for the team. His speed and consistency in reaching base should help him stand out as an incredibly valuable fantasy product for the 2017 season.

4. Aaron Judge (NYY, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 410 PA, .270/.366/.489, 19 HR, 5 SB, 11.5% BB rate, 23.9% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
As we stand today, Judge will open up the season as the Yankees’ right fielder. And for fantasy owners looking for a consistent source of home run production, this comes as a welcome sight indeed. Judge is absolutely massive, standing at 6-foot-7, 225 pounds and draws comparisons to Giancarlo Staton for the size and raw power potential. In years past, he had tried to wait pitchers and just make contact, but lately, he has made a more concerted effort to try and hit the ball out of the ball park. As a result, he may not hit for a high average, but 30 home runs is a surefire possibility for the slugger in 2017.

5. Mitch Haniger (SEA, MLB)
Stats: 123 PA, .229/.309/.404, 5 HR, 0 SB, 9.8% BB rate, 22.0% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
Don’t recognize the name? Don’t feel too bad, he has not been commonly heralded as a top prospect. Haniger had for years labored in the minors, but finally in 2016 made some adjustments to his swing and scouts loved what they saw. A guy who once was a future bench bat will now start in right field for Seattle and stands out as yet another sleeper source of home run production. Scouts see him as a potential 25+ home run threat now who could get plenty of RBI opportunities now batting in a particularly stout lineup.

6. Bradley Zimmer (CLE, AAA)
Stats: 150 PA, .242/.349/.305, 1 HR,
ETA: Early May
There are few prospects on this lineup with more potential than this guy. Zimmer is big, standing at 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, athletic and possesses one of the best power/speed combinations in the minors. Now sure, he struggled through much of last season, even towards the end, but scouts noticed that part of his struggles may have been because of a change in his swing as he is working to improve on his strikeouts. Scouts loved the change he made and he wound crushing both the Arizona Fall League, but has also mashed in Spring Training so far. Those who watch him play liken the change to batters like Josh Donaldson who also struggled to make consistent contact and think it will have the same effect on Zimmer. If this is true and he makes it to the big leagues, his upside is just too valuable to pass up on.

7. Derek Fisher (HOU, AAA)
Stats: 118 PA, .290/.347/.505, 5 HR, 5 SB, 7.6% BB rate, 22.0% K rate
ETA: Late July
Fisher has posted 20/20 seasons in back-to-back seasons now while also taking a ton of walks and usually posting a solid batting average. George Springer, Josh Reddick, Nori Aoki and Preston Tucker figure to get the lion’s share of starts in the outfield this season for Houston, but Aoki and Tucker could easily struggle and Fisher could force his way up to the big league roster. Fisher will not hit for a high average, but few guys can match that combination of power and speed and he should prove to be very productive for fantasy owners.

8. Austin Meadows (PIT, AAA)
Stats: 145 PA, .214/.297/.460, 6 HR, 8 SB, 10.3% BB rate, 23.4% K rate
ETA: Mid-July
There was a time this offseason when it appeared Meadows was bound for the No. 2 spot on this list. Andrew McCutchen was on the trade list and it really looked like Meadows would break camp with the team. But McCutchen is still with the club, so Meadows will have to wait until a trade or injury happens. Should Meadows receive the call up, he would immediately become fantasy relevant in all leagues as he stands out as one of the most talented prospects in all of baseball. He could be a darkhorse NL ROY contender if he is promoted early enough.

9. Tyler O’Neill (SEA, AA)
Stats: 575 PA, .293/.374/.508, 24 HR, 12 SB, 10.8% BB rate, 26.1% K rate
ETA: Late July
Boy those stats from O’Neill really jump out on the page don’t they. The Mariners’ top prospect has an incredibly powerful bat and has been rising up prospect rankings for a long while now. The big issue for him is that the Mariners have a ton of outfielders and DH options right now, so he has some people to leap frog before he is going to be contributing to fantasy owners. But should an injury or poor performances slow an outfielder or two down, O’Neill could immediately become extremely fantasy relevant for his power upside.

10. Clint Frazier (NYY, AAA)
Stats: 108 PA, .228/.278/.396, 3 HR, 0 SB, 6.5% BB rate, 27.8% K rate
ETA: Mid-July
Frazier has several potential paths to playing time. An injury to anyone in the outfield or Matt Holliday would likely prompt a promotion to the big leagues, as would a poor season by Aaron Judge. But first Frazier will have to hit himself. He struggled in 2016 at the Triple-A level after posting some outstanding numbers at Double-A. He has an intriguing power/speed combination that makes him relevant in fantasy leagues, so he would absolutely be worth owning in fantasy leagues if he is given a chance to snag a full-time role with the ball club.

11. Lewis Brinson (MIL, AAA)
Stats: 93 PA, .382/.387/.618, 4 HR, 4 SB, 2.2% BB rate, 22.6% K rate
ETA: Early August
Yes, Brinson absolutely mashed Triple-A last season. No, that does not mean he is going to start with the team right out of Spring Training. The team is likely going to run with an outfield of Ryan Braun, Keon Broxton and Domingo Santana and only an injury, trade or poor performance could change that. Brinson is a talented enough prospect though that he might be able to force some changes if he dazzles at Triple-A again and shows improvements in his plate discipline. If he does get a chance to start in Milwaukee, he would be worth owning in all leagues.

12. Albert Almora (CHC, MLB)
Stats: 117 PA, .277/.308/.455, 3 HR, 0 SB, 4.3% BB rate, 17.1% K rate
ETA: Opening Day
Almora is probably the least exciting prospect on this list, but he has value nonetheless. While he likely will not provide much of anything in any category beyond batting average, Almora is going to start as the platoon outfielder for the Cubs in center with Jon Jay taking the strong-side of the platoon. In some leagues, all it takes is hits on a semi-consistent basis to have value and that’s where Almora is right now.

13. Jake Bauers (TB, AA)
Stats: 581 PA, .274/.370/.420, 14 HR, 10 SB, 12.6% BB rate, 15.3% K rate
ETA: Early June
Bauers finally started to show that his power potential was more than just potential in 2016 as he managed to set a career-high with 14 home runs. The Rays’ 21-year-old outfielder has an advanced approach to the plate and should have no trouble maintaining a high average in the majors. Power may still not be a plus-plus part of his game, and he won’t break camp with the team which will limit his value, but Bauers should hit enough to warrant ownership in some leagues.

14. Raimel Tapia (COL, MLB)
Stats: (from AAA) 110 PA, .345/.355/.490, 0 HR, 6 SB, 1.6% K rate, 10.9% BB rate
ETA: Early August
The Rockies are absolutely loaded in the outfield, which is why you have to go this far down to find Tapia. If he had a starting role with the club out of Spring Training, he would probably be in the top three of this list. But as is, he will have to wait for a trade or injury to open up a spot for him on the team. Coors Field really helps boosts the speedsters draft stock, but he has no value until a job opens up.

15. Jesse Winker (CIN, AAA)
Stats: 448 PA, .303/.397/.384, 3 HR, 0 SB, 13.2% BB rate, 13.2% K rate
ETA: Late July
That may not look like an overly disappointing season for Winker, but it certainly was. Not only did his power completely disappear, but he also lost a lot of time due to a wrist injury. Winker’s advanced plate discipline ensures he will have a high floor and should be at least able to hit for a high average if he reaches the majors, but until he starts flashing power again, his value will be limited to deep redraft leagues and dynasty leagues.

 

More Top MLB Prospects & Rookies




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Year Two Value Tied to Pick No. 7 in the NFL Draft
Sean Tucker

Dynasty Value Still Comes Primarily as an Injury Replacement
Jake Tonges

a Capable Fill-in for as Long as He Needs to Be
NFL

Ja'Kobi Lane Could Need Time to Develop for Fantasy
Chig Okonkwo

Could Still Be Undervalued Despite Calls for a Breakout
LaMelo Ball

Scores 23 in Season-Ending Loss
Jordan Goodwin

Fills Stat Sheet in Play-In Win
Paolo Banchero

Powers Magic Into Playoffs
Jalen Green

Drops 36 to Clinch Playoff Spot
Amen Thompson

Off Injury Report for Playoff Opener
Jabari Smith Jr.

Cleared After Resting Season Finale
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Cleared for Game 1 Against Lakers
Logan Stankoven

Presumed Ready for Game 1
NFL

First Round of NFL Draft Could Feature Plenty of Trades
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Rashawn Slater

Joe Alt Expected to Participate in Offseason Program
Aaron Gordon

Available for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Julius Randle

Cleared for Playoffs
Jaxson Hayes

Available Saturday Night
Grayson Allen

Will Play Against Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis

Cleared for Friday's Game
Kevin Durant

Iffy for Saturday's Game 1
Mark Williams

Won't Play Friday Night
Spencer Jones

is Questionable for Game 1 on Saturday
Peyton Watson

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate is Available on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Available for Saturday's Game
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Saturday's Action
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out Friday
NFL

Jeremiyah Love Considered the Top Overall Talent in 2026 NFL Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Removed From Injury Report Ahead of Playoffs
Aaron Jones Sr.

Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
Romeo Doubs

Appears Poised for Larger Role in New England
Isiah Pacheco

Is Isiah Pacheco a Worthy Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Managers?
Rico Dowdle

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?
Rashid Shaheed

Can Rashid Shaheed Establish a Higher-Volume Role in Seattle in 2026?
Marcus Mariota

Set for Backup Role in 2026
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Ruke Orhorhoro

Jaguars Acquire Ruke Orhorhoro From the Falcons
NFL

Jordyn Tyson Could Come Off the Board as Early as Fifth Overall
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Jacoby Brissett

Sitting Out Offseason Workouts, Asking for Extension
Will Anderson Jr.

Texans Agree to Three-Year Extension With Will Anderson Jr.
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Not Expected to Take a QB at No. 21 Overall in the Draft
NFL

Jordyn Tyson's Friday Workout to be Heavily Attended
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Shut Down Trade Rumors Surrounding Quentin Johnston
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Establishes Sharks' New Scoring Record
Scott Wedgewood

Keeps Kraken From Scoring Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Wins Rocket Richard Trophy With 53 Goals
Connor McDavid

Secures Sixth Art Ross Trophy With Four-Assist Performance
Connor Dewar

Ready for Game 1
Nikita Grebenkin

Unavailable at Start of Playoffs
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF