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The Home Field Sports fantasy baseball rankings series continues with outfielders, a position that’s loaded at the top, but not quite as deep as usual.
Even the top-tier outfielders have some question marks, but the bottom line is that half of the 1st round picks in most leagues will be from this position with the likes of Ronald Acuna, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Julio Rodriguez, Mookie Betts and Kyle Tucker.
We’ve got the top 40 outfielders ranked with analysis on the No. 1 option, the top two breakout candidates, the top two bust candidates and a deep sleeper.
OUTFIELDERS
No. 1 option
Ronald Acuna, Braves
Acuna returned last season after a torn ACL ended what was set to be an elite 2021 season, and while he stole plenty of bases, his power didn’t return to its usual levels. That could have had something to do with coming off an injury, so the expectation is that Acuna will return to peak levels as the No. 1 outfield option and arguably the No. 1 overall player in 2023 considering he’s an elite five-tool contributor when fully healthy.
Breakout Candidates
Luis Robert, White Sox
Robert is on the cusp of becoming an elite outfielder, but he’s yet to play 100 games in a season due to various injuries. His per-game production easily puts him among the top 10 at the position, and he’s still young enough to where he could improve upon those numbers and crack the top five if he can play the majority of the games, making it to where he’s a bargain in drafts considering what he’s capable of.
Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
Carroll is the most hyped outfield prospect of 2023 and rightfully so, as he was a five-tool contributor in the minors and put up solid numbers during his brief time in the majors last season. Carroll is expected to start on Opening Day for the rebuilding Diamondbacks and be a quality producer right away, and he’ll likely stick in the lineup even if he gets into a slump since the D-Backs are a young team looking toward the future.
Bust Candidates
Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
Schwarber led the NL in home runs last season, as he took a liking to his new home in Philadelphia, but it came at the cost of his batting average. Schwarber’s always been more of a slugger as opposed to a complete hitter, but he completely sold out for the long ball so much that it could lead to his demise for fantasy purposes since home run-dependent hitters tend to have a hard time maintaining their production (see Joey Gallo).
Byron Buxton, Twins
Buxton is still one of the more talented outfielders, but his injury history has become so lengthy to where his per-game numbers have to be taken with a grain of salt. Buxton flashed elite power last season, but his stolen base total dropped, so he might not be the five-tool player we expect even if he somehow remains healthy for more than 100 games.
Deep sleeper
Riley Greene, Tigers
Greene didn’t produce much when given a crack at the Tigers’ big league lineup, but he’s got the necessary tools to eventually be a quality fantasy contributor. It could happen as soon as this season, as Greene should score runs and steal bases out of the leadoff spot and makes for a sneaky sleeper pick as someone who could chip in a few home runs as well.
TOP 40
1. Ronald Acuna, Braves
2. Aaron Judge, Yankees
3. Juan Soto, Padres
4. Julio Rodriguez, Mariners
5. Mookie Betts, Dodgers
6. Kyle Tucker, Astros
7. Yordan Alvarez, Astros
8. Mike Trout, Angels
9. Michael Harris, Braves
10. Randy Arozarena, Rays
11. Starling Marte, Mets
12. George Springer, Blue Jays
13. Luis Robert, White Sox
14. Adolis Garcia, Rangers
15. Cedric Mullins, Orioles
16. Eloy Jimenez, White Sox
17. Kyle Schwarber, Phillies
18. Teoscar Hernandez, Mariners
19. Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
20. Christian Yelich, Brewers
21. Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays (C)
22. Bryan Reynolds, Pirates
23. Tyler O’Neill, Cardinals
24. Kris Bryant, Rockies
25. Anthony Santander, Orioles
26. Byron Buxton, Twins
27. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees
28. Nick Castellanos, Phillies
29. Taylor Ward, Angels
30. Seiya Suzuki, Cubs
31. Jake McCarthy, Diamondbacks
32. Steven Kwan, Guardians
33. Ian Happ, Cubs
34. Andrew Vaughn, White Sox
35. Brandon Nimmo, Mets
36. Hunter Renfroe, Angels
37. Mitch Haniger, Giants
38. Jeff McNeil, Mets
39. Alex Verdugo, Red Sox
40. Riley Greene, Tigers
OTHER POSITIONAL RANKINGS
Starting Pitchers
Relief Pitchers
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