Athleticism, speed and versatility are what you look for in a major league outfielder. The American League is lacking skilled outfielders compared to the National League, but there is still lots of talent to go around. This list combines Gold Glovers, power hitters and base stealers..
Having a lot of talented outfielders on your squad will help your team's batting average, home runs and RBIs. Even though fantasy baseball outfielders are a dime a dozen, there are definitely some big names that could change the feel of your team completely. If you get outfielders early in your draft you’re bound to see some big numbers appear.
Look for the players below to help your team drastically over the course of the 2013 season. Here we go!
10. Alejandro De Aza, Center Fielder, Chicago White Sox
De Aza looks to be the starting center fielder for the White Sox this season after a surprisingly impressive 2012. He stole 26 bases which put him just outside the top 10 for American Leaguers. For only playing in 133 games he was still able to record 147 hits. Another example of De Aza and his speed is the six triples that he hit, which puts him in the top-10 as well. He is one of the quickest players in baseball and should have his best season yet in 2013.
9. Josh Willingham, Left Fielder, Minnesota Twins
Perfect example of a player who doesn’t get enough respect here with Willingham. His draft position is lower than expected; going in the late ninth, or early-tenth round. Last season he hit 35 home runs, which was third best of all outfielders in the AL. He also ranked second in home runs, trailing only a man soon to be named. I can keep going with this guy! He was third in walks of all AL outfielders as well and getting on base at a good rate. Willingham could be ranked even higher if the batting average was there. This dudes a stud, who would help your team exceedingly.
8. Austin Jackson, Center Fielder, Detroit Tigers
Jackson reached the holy .300 last season along with a .377 OBP. His stolen bases went down from last season, but other than that all his numbers improved. If this 26 year old can stay healthy, he is in for another good year. Look to snag Jackson in the sixth or seventh round for an athletic center fielder. If he can perform at the level he is capable of, he will be extremely valuable to your team.
7. Michael Bourn, Center Fielder, Cleveland Indians
This two-time Gold Glove winner has dominated his craft for several years now. You are going to get at least 30 stolen bases from Bourn and when he is on can drive in 100 runs. The things he does on the field are beyond spectacular. If you haven’t seen his highlight reel, go take a look. Don’t worry I’ll wait...Pretty impressive huh? Well, he has been doing that for awhile now. He hit nine home runs last year, but don’t expect that to happen for you this season. He just recently signed a deal with the Indians and will be their everyday center fielder and leadoff hitter. His batting average has dipped but his on-base percentage is still there. Remember, speed doesn’t slump.
6. Yoenis Cespedes, Left Fielder, Oakland Athletics
They call him La Potencia. It means “The Power," which fits perfectly for Cespedes. Last year he signed with the Athletics becoming their starting left fielder. All he did was bat .292 and slug a staggering .505! His SLG% ranked him fifth of AL outfielders. This was all in his first season in the majors. Injuries seem to be a bit of a question, but not to the point of major concern. His 23 home runs and 82 RBIs don’t hurt either. If this guy can play 155 games, you’re looking at a potential 35 home runs and 100 RBIs. The risk is worth the reward with this guy.
5. Ben Zobrist, Right Fielder, Tampa Bay Rays
Zobrist has showed everyone that what you see is what you get. He has hit .270 the past two seasons and should be doing the same again this year. He strikes out 103 times but walks 97 times. He showed in 2012 that he can steal 20 bases but hasn’t done so since. If he can work on his stolen base game and continue to bat .270 he is a reliable player to have. He can play multiple positions on your team which makes him ever the more valuable. He plays at least 150 games for you too, so you don’t have to worry about injuries.
4. Jose Bautista, Right Fielder, Toronto Blue Jays
The two-time Hank Aaron award winner is ready for the season to begin! He had injury after injury last year and never really got into a groove. With that said, he still hit 27 home runs in 92 games. If healthy, he will become a three-time Hank Aaron award winner. He is going in the late second, early third round currently. If he does what he is capable of, he will be a top-10 talent for sure. Don’t pass up on him if you don’t have to.
3. Josh Hamilton, Right Fielder, Los Angeles Angels
If Hamilton could do what he did in the first-half of the 2012 season for an entire season, he would break some records. This guy has the potential to drive in 130 runs and belt 45 home runs. There are not too many guys in the league who can stand by those numbers. The strikeouts are SUPER high, but if you can get over that; he is a second-round pick or third at the very latest.
2. Mike Trout, Left Fielder, Los Angeles Angels
The best rookie season that anyone has ever witnessed came from this man last year. The numbers are ridiculous; a 326 average, 30 home runs and 83 RBIs. He scored 129 runs in 139 games which is just as crazy. The most unreal statistic of all is that he stole 49 bases. This means he swiped a bag once out of every-three times he was onbase. UNREAL. It is almost scary to think of what he could be doing in five years on the diamond. I can not wait to see what his story will be in 25 years. No one would blame you if you drafted Trout first overall here.
1. Adam Jones, Center Fielder, Baltimore Orioles
The man who stole Mike Trouts’ Gold Glove last season, Jones batted .287 last year and hit 32 four-baggers and belted 82 RBIs. Jones is also buttery with the doubles, ranking fourth of AL outfielders. He dazzles in the field and battles at the plate. His strikeout numbers went up a bit but he did improved upon his WAR. I understand that the safe choice is to put Mr. Trout here but it’s not happening. I’m calling it here first folks. Adam Jones will have a better season than Mike Trout. I am not saying Jones will have a better career but I believe he will take over as the best outfielder in the AL or 2013.