by Ryan Kantor
10. Atlanta Braves, RF, Jason Heyward
As tough as it was to leave guys like Bryce Harper and Adam Jones off the top 10 list, the Atlanta Braves right fielder squeaks in as the 10th best outfielder in the game. At just 23 years of age, Heyward is only approaching his prime after completing his first 20-20 season. With the Upton brothers, Brian McCann, and Freddie Freeman hitting around him, Jason Heyward is primed for a breakout year. The first of many 30-20 seasons from the Braves slugger may be on the horizon.
In the most exciting move of the offseason, the Los Angeles Angels used their “Grienke Money” on Josh Hamilton, giving them the best outfield in baseball. Hamilton batted .285 with 43 home runs last season, but in the two seasons prior he donked 25 and 32 dingers, respectively. He’ll have a less grueling summer in the mild climate of southern California, but expect some regression as he moves away from the Ballpark in Arlington after a stellar year. Something in the neighborhood of a .290 average with 34 home runs is still realistic.
8. Atlanta Braves, LF, Justin Upton
The former number one overall pick will finally join his brother, B.J. Upton, as the Braves added both to their lineup this season. Aside from the nice story and perfect marketing ploy for a team losing their legendary third baseman, Chipper Jones, Justin and his brother offer a rare speed/power combo. Justin Upton has hit .300, he has slugged 30 home runs, and he has stolen 20 bases. Entering his age 25 season, this will be the year it all comes together. A batting average near.300 with about 30 home runs and 20 stolen bases is achievable.
One of the best pure power hitters in baseball, Jose Bautista will now have Jose Reyes to knock in for a nasty Blue Jays ball club. With an offseason to heal up his injured wrist, Bautista should be back to the form that saw him hit 54 home runs in 2010 and 43 with a .300 average in 2011.
Stanton is one of the best up-and-coming power hitters in baseball, however he will be held back by the lineup around him. The next best power hitter and his only hope for protection in the Marlins’ lineup may be Logan Morrison. Pitchers working around Stanton is a risk to his fantasy value, but even so, it is hard to believe he won’t record a respectable average, collect a handful of steals, and hit 30 home runs – possibly threatening the 40 home run plateau.
Andrew McCutchen posted 31 home runs and 20 steals to go with his .321 batting average and .400 on-base percentage. With marginally less upside and less injury risk, he’s basically Cargo in Pittsburgh (though you could argue he’s better after controlling for field effects). McCutchen is only 26 years old and should continue dominating in the National League Central, where he will continue to be a lock for 20-20 with potential for 30-30 and .300+.
When healthy, Carlos Gonzalez is capable of 30-30 .300. Drafting Cargo is always a injury risk, but if you can swallow the pill you may get one of the best players in baseball. He’s only 27 years old and should be good for 500 fantastic at bats. If so, you’ll have one of the most well-rounded players in the game. With a quality lineup and an advantageous home field, the sky is the limit for Mr. Gonzalez. Plus, he is the only player to post 20 home runs and 20 steals over the past three seasons, indicating that, despite the injury woes, his floor isn’t too low.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers, CF, Matt Kemp
2. Los Angeles Angels, CF, Mike Trout
Although many are selecting Mike Trout as the top outfielder and even the top overall player in their fantasy drafts, I stop just short, ranking the youngster as the number two outfielder and number three overall player. While it is tempting to project a ridiculous 30-60 type season, let’s just cool off and break it down for a moment. Mike Trout has less than a full season of track record, so some risk is inherent. He also plays the most demanding outfield position and does so with reckless abandon, again some risk. Additionally, he’s gained a fair amount of weight over the offseason, causing some to wonder if he can steal bases with such ease in 2013 (he was 49/54 in 2012). He also batted .284 and .257 in August in September, respectively. While a stupendous .300, 30 home run, 40 stolen season wouldn’t shock anyone, a still great .290, a 25-35 campaign shouldn’t come as too big as a shock either. Still, Mike Trout is a star and will likely be a stalwart as one of the games biggest stars for years to come.
1. Milwaukee Brewers, LF, Ryan Braun
Despite the steroid controversy, I am comfortable calling Ryan Braun the best outfielder in baseball. He had his first 40-30 season last year, and easily could have won the NL MVP. He’s cranked thirty home runs in all but one of his six professional seasons. If you can overlook his inclusion in ugly steroid rumors (as an unbiased fantasy manager should) you’ll see a player that is as much as a lock for .300 30-15 with upside to reach 40 home runs and over thirty steals. He is a career .313 hitter and at age 29, there’s no reason to expect significant drop off from the studly, Jewish-American superstar. While repeating 40 home runs may be much to ask, a batting average over .300, over 30 home runs, and over 20 stolen bases with a long track record of reliability earn Mr. Braun the Reading Between The Seams crown as the best outfielder in baseball.
Players who could easily crash the party:
Baltimore Orioles, CF, Adam Jones could have easily cracked the top 10 as he is the continues to rise the ranks of up and coming outfielders in MLB. Since signing his six-year deal last season, he managed to reach career highs with a .287 batting average, 186 hits, and 32 home runs. This season Jones will bat cleanup which should provide opportunities for him to reach the century mark in RBI. If Adam Jones wants to crack the top 10 he will have to improve on his career OBP of .323.
Oakland Athletics, CF, Yoenis Cespedes played in only 129 games in his first season and torched opposing pitchers with a .292 batting average and 23 home runs. He managed to steal 16 out of 20 bases. Now he is approaching his second season, barring a sophomore slump, he should reach 20-20 and has the potential to reach 30-20. If you don’t know any Oakland A’s players by name then keep an eye on this five-tool player. His name once again is Yoenis Cespedes.
Ryan Kantor of “Reading Between the Seams”, for War Room Sports
Ryan Kantor is an author at Reading Between the Seams. He is a life-long Yankees fan and a proud Clemson alumnus, residing in North Carolina, where he works in marketing research. For more stories like this, you can visit his personal blog at RyanKantor.com and follow him on Twitter at @Ryan_Kantor.
