2020 Outfield Rankings - Fantasy Baseball Dynasty Leagues

For the first time in a long time, Mike Trout isn't the top dog in dynasty baseball. While this is hard to believe for some, the numbers being put up by players like Ronald Acuna Jr., Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger, to name only a few, are impossible to ignore.

You simply can't go wrong at the top of the outfield player pool. After the first-rounders are gone, however, the pool becomes a minefield of playing time battles, injury concerns, and worrisome aging curves. Let's dive into this position and dig up some gold for your dynasty drafts.

All preseason long, RotoBaller has you covered with the latest rankings for all fantasy baseball league types. Here we present our dynasty rankings for the outfield position, put together by analysts Ellis Canady, Nicklaus Gaut, Kyle Brown, and Pierre Camus. Check out our analysis of all other positions as well.

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Outfield Rankings — Dynasty Leagues (March)

In case you missed it, our very own "Big Pick Nick" Mariano was named the #1 overall most accurate industry expert ranker for the 2018 season!

Rank	Tier	Player Name	Position	Pierre Camus	Nicklaus Gaut	Ellis Canady
1	1	Ronald Acuna Jr.	OF	1	2	1
2	1	Mike Trout	OF	2	1	2
3	1	Christian Yelich	OF	4	3	3
4	1	Juan Soto	OF	3	7	4
5	1	Mookie Betts	OF	7	4	5
6	1	Cody Bellinger	1B/OF	6	5	7
7	2	Bryce Harper	OF	14	19	15
8	2	Aaron Judge	OF	23	37	17
9	2	J.D. Martinez	OF	22	22	34
10	2	Eloy Jimenez	OF	20	35	24
11	2	Yordan Alvarez	OF	27	32	26
12	3	Victor Robles	OF	36	53	37
13	3	Starling Marte	OF	34	39	58
14	3	Austin Meadows	OF	42	50	39
15	3	George Springer	OF	56	25	51
16	3	Giancarlo Stanton	OF	57	52	71
17	3	Luis Robert	OF	32	107	49
18	4	Andrew Benintendi	OF	59	68	70
19	4	Joey Gallo	OF	72	57	69
20	4	Marcell Ozuna	OF	45	75	88
21	4	Charlie Blackmon	OF	98	40	85
22	4	Kris Bryant	3B/OF	143	43	44
23	4	Ramon Laureano	OF	73	70	87
24	4	Ketel Marte	2B/SS/OF	106	60	76
25	4	Jo Adell	OF	82	101	62
26	4	Eddie Rosario	OF	99	63	90
27	5	Michael Conforto	OF	89	99	81
28	5	Whit Merrifield	2B/OF	134	47	91
29	5	Nick Castellanos	OF	74	109	96
30	5	Michael Brantley	OF	71	106	110
31	5	Kyle Tucker	OF	101	115	86
32	5	Tommy Pham	OF	122	82	116
33	5	Max Kepler	OF	121	104	98
34	6	Oscar Mercado	OF	100	120	112
35	6	David Dahl	OF	85	153	102
36	6	Trey Mancini	1B/OF	111	111	118
37	6	Yasiel Puig	OF	116	94	139
38	6	Willie Calhoun	OF	81	127	169
39	6	Jorge Soler	OF	155	102	123
40	6	Franmil Reyes	OF	120	122	140
41	6	Jeff McNeil	2B/3B/OF	203	93	105
42	6	Nick Senzel	OF	150	162	107
43	6	Alex Verdugo	OF	103	188	132
44	6	Lorenzo Cain	OF	131	144	156
45	6	Byron Buxton	OF	178	136	120
46	6	Bryan Reynolds	OF	142	141	152
47	6	Mitch Haniger	OF	139	150	159
48	6	Khris Davis	OF	126	190	148
49	7	Aristides Aquino	OF	167	130	182
50	7	Kyle Schwarber	OF	215	139	172
51	7	Nomar Mazara	OF	140	219	170
52	7	Lourdes Gurriel	2B/OF	241	126	183
53	7	Austin Riley	OF	171	242	153
54	7	Mallex Smith	OF	169	177	235
55	7	Trent Grisham	OF	165	231	192
56	7	Julio Rodriguez	OF	242	228	144
57	8	Hunter Renfroe	OF	152	267	199
58	8	Hunter Dozier	1B/3B/OF	228	221	176
59	8	Scott Kingery	SS/3B/OF	182	235	209
60	8	Joc Pederson	1B/OF	257	146	223
61	8	Garrett Hampson	2B/SS/OF	227	254	185
62	8	Jarred Kelenic	OF	254	250	163
63	8	Justin Upton	OF	248	184	236
64	8	David Peralta	OF	195	272	230
65	8	Victor Reyes	OF	#N/A	234	#N/A
66	9	Taylor Trammell	OF	170	335	200
67	9	Alex Kirilloff	OF	218	332	174
68	9	J.D. Davis	3B/OF	356	159	215
69	9	A.J. Pollock	OF	294	204	242
70	9	Aaron Hicks	OF	288	244	231
71	9	Jesse Winker	OF	200	290	281
72	9	Jon Berti	2B/3B/SS/OF	#N/A	263	#N/A
73	9	Dylan Carlson	OF	297	302	198
74	10	Adam Eaton	OF	310	195	295
75	10	Stephen Piscotty	OF	234	304	273
76	10	Domingo Santana	OF	181	372	274
77	10	Kyle Lewis	OF	224	309	305
78	10	Gregory Polanco	OF	286	270	287
79	10	Brandon Nimmo	OF	345	211	294
80	10	Avisail Garcia	OF	323	237	307
81	10	Andrew McCutchen	OF	369	172	334
82	10	Austin Hays	OF	359	275	247

 

Tier One

Acuna is an absolute monster in today's fantasy baseball landscape. With stolen bases getting harder and harder to find, Acuna's 40/40 potential at 22 years old is the perfect, and only, type of age/production combination that could wrestle away the top spot from Mike Trout. Keep in mind that Aunca Jr. has not yet had his peak season, and the possibility of him putting up a .300/40/40 campaign this year is very real. Do everything in your power to get that #1 pick in your dynasty draft.

There is nothing wrong with Mike Trout. In a 5x5 format, Acuna has a higher ceiling due to the steals, but Mike Trout's floor is still an MVP season. It will be interesting to see what Trout's stolen base total is in 2020 after he had surgery to fix a nagging nerve issue in his foot at the end of 2019. It's too easy to simply write off the possibility of Trout stealing 30 bags again. Consider Mike Trout's 2014 and 2015 seasons where he only stole 16 and 11 bases, respectively. Well, all he did after that was go out and steal 30 bases in 2016. Trout is still several years away from his decline and remains a legitimate choice for the #1 overall pick in any format.

If Yelich's 2019 had not been cut short by an unlucky foul ball, he might have hit 50 HR with 40 SB. No, really. In just 130 games, he was able to mash 44 bombs and swipe 30 bags. He is also the only player in tier one to hit over .320 for two consecutive seasons. Simply put, Yelich is elite is every single 5x5 category, and you really can't say that about any other player in fantasy baseball. At only 28, Yelich has a few more MVP seasons left in the tank.

Juan Soto's emergence defies reason. He has hit 56 HR in the major leagues and will play the entirety of 2020 as a 21-year-old. Players like this simply do not come around very often. A big part of his elite value in 2019, and his top-15 ADP in 2020, comes from the 12 SB he logged last year. Soto's sprint speed was in the 60th percentile last season, which is good, but his minor league career lacks a track record of swiping bags. If Soto can continue to tack on double-digit steals for the next few seasons, he is likely to remain a first-rounder for the next decade. Juan is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential, and none of us are ready for what's to come.

Mookie Betts had a down year in 2019 and still had a wOBA of .380 with a wRC+ of 135. His floor is extremely high, and NASA is probably monitoring his other-worldly ceiling. Betts will be hitting at the top of a Dodgers lineup that could easily be the best in baseball in 2020, even without a DH. Oh yeah, Mookie is also in a contract year. Betting on elite players to put everything on the line for a huge season and subsequent payday is just smart money. He may not have the green monster to smack doubles off anymore, but the centerfield wall in Dodger Stadium is much friendlier than centerfield in Fenway. Betts is still in the conversation for the best player in baseball. Don't let him slip too far.

You can read about Cody Bellinger in the 1st base rankings here. First base is incredibly thin this season, and it is, therefore, unwise to think of Bellinger as an OF. That said, the multi-position eligibility is a nice chip to keep in your back pocket.

 

Tier Two

Harper is a frustrating player to own in dynasty leagues. It can feel as if Harper merely decides what stats he wants to chase in a given year and gets tunnel vision. Frustration aside, Harper possesses the skills to turn in HOF level production at any time. Just look at his .330/.460/.649 season in 2015, or his .319/.413/.595 season in 2017 for proof. Both his average exit velocity and hard-hit rate are in the 86th percentile or better, and his on-base skills are incredible. With a floor of 30/15, the 27-year-old Harper is a great piece for any dynasty team despite the possibility of a .250 average.

Aaron Judge has a bum shoulder and a stress fracture in his rib. Without knowing how the injuries will play out for 2020 and beyond, it is extremely difficult to place a value on the oft-injured slugger. We all know that Judge has the potential to hit 50 HR with any baseball, but will he ever reach that number again? Proceed with caution.

J.D. Martinez is as steady as they come. JDM has hit over .300 for four consecutive seasons, a very rare feat for a power hitter that can easily blast 40 HR. At 32, the clock is running out on Martinez for dynasty leagues, but until the numbers show a noticeable dip, there isn't much reason to get off the train.

In a world where seemingly every top prospect comes up and immediately lights the world on fire, Eloy Jimenez's debut could be viewed as a disappointment. Do not fall into this trap and let the Eloys of the world slip through your fingers because they didn't go all Acuna and Soto on the league. Jimenez's two biggest problems are a lack of walks and an abundance of strikeouts. However, both of these shortcomings are hidden in a 5x5 format, and at just 23, he has lots of time to grow into the 40 HR masher we all expect him to become.

Yordan Alvarez was just 22 years old in 2019, but that didn't stop him from hitting 50 HR between AAA and the MLB last season. His slugging percentage in 56 AAA games last season was .742. The major leagues barely slowed him down after he debuted, and his final triple-slash line ended up a jaw-dropping .313/.412/.655. The league should adjust to him with a full season of analysis, but Alvarez is likely to remain an upper-echelon power source for dynasty teams for six to eight more seasons. That said, he is a risk to lose OF eligibility in the future if he doesn't log enough games on the grass.

 

Tier Three

Victor Robles has plenty of people cheering and jeering him on both sides of the fence. Those who favor him are looking at his elite speed (29.3 ft/sec). Those who steer away from him are eyeing the poor 81 MPH average exit velocity. At 23 years of age, there’s still time to decide which side of the fence you’re on.

Feet don’t fail me now. Starling Marte’s superior sprint speed (29 ft/sec) endured another year. If you believe in his career-high Barrel rate (8.2%), then a 20 HR/30 SB season is well within reach for the aging veteran.

Austin Meadows is the next superstar with power and speed. The youngster will have his streaky moments, but a decade of this goodness has people salivating. He is worth his current price.

Luis Robert represents a ton of value at this very moment. Right now, he has the potential to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases. You could even look at his .312 AVG across his minor league career and project a great batting average as well. Everything looks peachy. Consider using this as an opportunity to test the market. Robert’s value will never be as high as it is now when the imagination runs wild of what he could become. Long-term, he does have the tools to be a very good fantasy player.

 

Tier Four

Andrew Benintendi contributes in all five categories but doesn’t excel in any one of them. His tremendous 2018 season was supposed to be a launching pad for an exciting career. However, his contact rate (77.3%) dropped off, and his Swinging Strike rate (11.6%) jumped. A silver lining is that he improved his performance against southpaws. Right now, Benintendi is a great buy-low candidate. Get in now.

What type of dynasty league are you in? Joey Gallo is perfect for those big-power and high-OBP leagues, albeit with a low-average.

Marcell Ozuna might present a buying opportunity if the owner is fretting over a career-low batting average. His one-year contract in Atlanta will provide the opportunity for plenty of counting stats to boost his value by the end of the season. Don’t get involved with paying for his career-high 12 stolen bases, though.

Charlie Blackmon is still a four-category contributor that has a lovely home park. However, he is best suited for the win-now roster construction as he’s not getting younger (33 years old) or faster (26.7 ft/sec).

Kris Bryant still has outfield eligibility. Though he has above-average speed (28.2 ft/sec), it hasn’t resulted in many stolen bases. Bryant does have excellent plate discipline, though, which has contributed to tallying 100 runs in three of the last four years. The trend should continue with a move to the leadoff spot and a career .385 OBP. Bryant might even have some discounted value in him.

A leg injury didn’t stop Ramon Laureano from validating his rookie season. He exhibited enough power (93.3 mph LD/FB) and speed (28.5 ft/sec) to make people slobber over themselves at the possibilities. We would prefer a higher walk rate that 5.6%, but we won’t quibble about the process if he can achieve 30 HR/20 SB.

 

Tier Five

Michael Conforto seems to have put the shoulder troubles in the past. He has rewarded you with the power (33 HR) that you sought all along. However, be honest with the talent; He’s not a four or five-category contributor. Conforto is a serious power bat (40 HR, anyone?) who will draw plenty of walks (13%).

Nick Castellanos falls into a primo situation that allows every owner to giggle like little school girls. Covered in Cincinnati red, he will attempt to convert his league-leading 58 doubles into even more homers for the next four years. If you own him, hold onto him unless the offer is substantial for a four-category provider.

Tucker’s performance at Triple-A in 2019 was jaw-dropping; he compiled 189 R +RBI, 34 HR, and 30 SB with a .266 AVG. Regardless of your personal opinion, Tucker earned an opportunity to ride the MLB pine and get a few spot-starts. He has been waiting a while, but it seems regular playing time is near as Josh Reddick is in the final year of his contract. The 23-year-old brings power and speed that will make him a coveted asset annually.

 

Tier Six and lower

David Dahl and Willie Calhoun represent the opposite end of the opportunity spectrum. Dahl has been presented with chances, but his injuries have kept him from giving any consistent excitement to owners. They have every right to be restless, but his potential is too much for them to give up on him. I’d move on from him as soon as possible. That might not happen until he entices owners with a sniff of his all-around performance.

Calhoun has power and should hit for a high batting average. He lacks a defensive position as he’s not as defensively inclined as he is at the plate. Calhoun is projected to own an outfield spot in 2020; however, a fastball broke his jaw in spring training. Once he returns from surgery, it wouldn’t be surprising if he became a bit more timid in the batter’s box.

Grisham and Verdugo both benefit from trades that open avenues for playing time. Grisham had poor minor league performances until a power breakout (26 HR) at Double- and Triple-A in 2019. The power quickly carried over with six long balls in 156 at-bats. While the batting average (.231) was poor, his 10.9% walk rate was encouraging. Even with a .250 average, Grisham’s power and premium speed (29.1 ft/sec) make him a target everywhere. How much does he cost in your league?

Verdugo was the major piece in return for Mookie Betts and David Price. The pressure already exists to validate the value sacrificed. In his best year, Verdugo will never be Betts, but he is still a great asset hitting at the top of a dynamite lineup. Verdugo has discipline and a great eye at the plate that will limit his swing and misses. However, he won’t be looking to take walks (6.9%). His principle tools (power and batting average) will keep his value high regardless of any injuries, and it will be worth it.

Bryan Reynolds silently flies under many radars. Some consider him the replacement for Michael Brantley on your roster. Statistically, he looks to fit the mold with a .314/.377/.503 slash line. Naysayers will point towards his .371 wOBA that outweighed his actual xwOBA (.357). They will even bring up a very generous .387 BABIP. We can't predict the future, but I will point this out. Reynolds has not had a BABIP below .362 or a batting average below .302 in his entire professional career.

Carlson and Hays represent the next group of prospects that deserve their fair share of big-league playing time in 2020. Carlson skyrocketed up the rankings and is considered a contender to get a spot to start the season. He hit 21 homers with 18 stolen bases and a .281 batting average at Double-A in 2019. I know, I know. Our fantasy teams need him on our rosters now. Check your league to see if the positivity train has already inflated his value beyond reach.

Hays has continuously battled injuries but did well in 2019. In only 75 plate appearances, he hit four long balls and had a .309 AVG while pitching in two stolen bases. Some of these numbers contradict his minor league performances, but player development is significant. Playing time is extremely important in fantasy and Hays has already been identified as the leadoff guy for the Orioles. Not only does he call Camden Yards home, but he has a few more favorable parks to visit in the American League East. Assuming health, the 25-year-old rookie will show us the extent of his skills soon enough. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of cheap shares of him.

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