MLB State of the Position 2023: Every Team's 5-Year Plan in the Outfield
Some of baseball's biggest superstars call the outfield home, including Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr., and they are joined by young stars on the rise like Julio Rodríguez, Kyle Tucker, Michael Harris II and Steven Kwan.
However, some teams are better set up for current and future success at the position than others.
Here, we've broken down each team's present and future outlook at catcher, highlighting their current starter and top prospect, followed by a prediction for who will start for each of the next five seasons.
Included with each top prospect is his tier designation based on where he slotted in Bleacher Report's 2023 farm system rankings.
Think of it as the team's five-year plan at the position.
Catch up on previous State of the Position articles: Catcher, First base, Second base, Shortstop, Third base
Arizona Diamondbacks
1 of 30
Present
- LF Corbin Carroll (Age: 22; controllable through 2031)
- CF Alek Thomas (Age: 22; controllable through 2028)
- RF Jake McCarthy (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
The D-backs saw enough in a 32-game audition from Corbin Carroll last season to sign the young outfielder to an eight-year, $111 million extension this spring. He is the centerpiece of an outfield that could be the strength of this team for years to come, especially if Alek Thomas can figure things out at the plate to go along with his Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
Future
- Druw Jones (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
- Dominic Fletcher (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Wilderd Patino (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Druw Jones could easily wind up being the best player from the 2022 draft class, but he's still several years away from the majors. Meanwhile, Dominic Fletcher could make an MLB impact in 2023 after hitting .312/.378/.486 with 35 doubles, 10 triples, 12 home runs, 72 RBI and 98 runs scored in 133 games in the upper levels of the minors last year.
Atlanta Braves
2 of 30
Present
- LF Eddie Rosario (Age: 31; controllable through 2024)
- CF Michael Harris II (Age: 22; controllable through 2032)
- RF Ronald Acuña Jr. (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
With center field and right field locked up long-term thanks to two of the game's brightest young stars, left field might be the biggest hole on the Atlanta roster. Veteran Eddie Rosario hit .212/.259/.328 for a 64 OPS+ in 270 plate appearances last season, and if he doesn't rebound, Jordan Luplow and Sam Hilliard could platoon at the position.
Future
- Jesse Franklin V (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Luis Guanipa (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
- Kadon Morton (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
The Braves traded away one of their top prospects when they sent outfielder Justyn-Henry Malloy to the Detroit Tigers in the Joe Jiménez deal. That leaves Jesse Franklin V as the team's top up-and-coming outfielder as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery after playing just 15 games in 2022.
Baltimore Orioles
3 of 30
Present
- LF Austin Hays (Age: 27; controllable through 2025)
- CF Cedric Mullins (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
- RF Anthony Santander (Age: 28; controllable through 2024)
Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays tallied a combined 6.0 WAR last season and should be staples at their respective outfield spots, but don't be surprised if a number of guys see action in right field while Anthony Santander serves as designated hitter. Kyle Stowers has the power potential to play his way into a regular role.
Future
- Colton Cowser (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Heston Kjerstad (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
- Dylan Beavers (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Colton Cowser reached Triple-A in his first full professional season last year, hitting .278/.406/.469 with 36 doubles, 19 home runs and 66 RBI in 139 games over three minor league levels. Meanwhile, Heston Kjerstad is finally healthy and coming off MVP honors in the Arizona Fall League.
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Boston Red Sox
4 of 30
Present
- LF Masataka Yoshida (Age: 29; controllable through 2027)
- CF Adam Duvall (Age: 34; controllable through 2023)
- RF Alex Verdugo (Age: 26; controllable through 2024)
It's a new-look outfield in Boston after Masataka Yoshida (five years, $90 million) and Adam Duvall (one year, $7 million) were both added in free agency, while Enrique Hernández shifts to the dirt to play shortstop for the injured Trevor Story. Will Alex Verdugo sign a long-term deal or depart in free agency after the 2024 season?
Future
- Ceddanne Rafaela (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Miguel Bleis (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)
- Roman Anthony (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
Ceddanne Rafaela was one of the breakout prospects of the 2022 season, hitting .299/.342/.539 with 63 extra-base hits and 28 steals in 116 games. He is the team's top outfield prospect for the time being, but Miguel Bleis might have the highest ceiling in the entire farm system.
Chicago Cubs
5 of 30
Present
- LF Ian Happ (Age: 28; controllable through 2023)
- CF Cody Bellinger (Age: 27; controllable through 2023)
- RF Seiya Suzuki (Age: 28; controllable through 2026)
The Cubs' decision not to trade Ian Happ at the deadline last year surprised more than a few people, and now the 2022 All-Star is entering his final year of arbitration control. Assuming he departs and Cody Bellinger is able to parlay his one-year deal into a better payday with a bounce-back season, the Cubs outfield could look very different a year from now.
Future
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Brennen Davis (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Kevin Alcántara (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
The Cubs acquired Pete Crow-Armstrong (NYM for Javier Báez) and Kevin Alcántara (NYY for Anthony Rizzo) during their 2021 trade deadline fire sale, and they could be the future in center field and left field, respectively. Meanwhile, potential five-tool talent Brennen Davis is trying to rebuild his prospect stock after an injury-plagued 2022 campaign, and he could be the first of the three to reach the majors.
Chicago White Sox
6 of 30
Present
- LF Andrew Benintendi (Age: 28; controllable through 2027)
- CF Luis Robert Jr. (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)
- RF Gavin Sheets (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
Luis Robert Jr. remains one of the most talented all-around players in the game, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy after playing just 166 games the past two years. Andrew Benintendi was the team's big offseason addition, signing a five-year, $75 million deal to take over as the everyday left fielder. Right field is still up in the air, and Eloy Jiménez could see some time there this year.
Future
- Oscar Colas (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Yoelqui Céspedes (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Luis Mieses (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Oscar Colas hit .314/.371/.524 with 24 doubles, 23 home runs and 79 RBI in 117 games over three minor league levels last season, closing out the year at Triple-A. The 24-year-old is getting a long look for the starting right field job this spring, and even if he doesn't break camp with the big league club, expect to see him in the majors before the All-Star break.
Cincinnati Reds
7 of 30
Present
- LF Jake Fraley (Age: 27; controllable through 2026)
- CF TJ Friedl (Age: 27; controllable through 2028)
- RF Wil Myers (Age: 32; controllable through 2023)
The Cincinnati outfield could be a revolving door all year, especially if Joey Votto misses time and Wil Myers ends up seeing the bulk of his playing time at first base. Jake Fraley and TJ Friedl both showed flashes last season and should get a long look on a rebuilding team, while February trade pickup Will Benson is one to watch. He has huge power potential and the ability to play all three outfield spots. Nick Senzel will also be part of the outfield mix once he's healthy.
Future
- Jay Allen II (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Michael Siani (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Ariel Almonte (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Jay Allen II was one of the most athletic prospects of the 2021 draft class, and after playing multiple sports in high school, he could take off with more reps on the baseball diamond. Sluggers Rece Hinds and Austin Hendrick both have huge raw power, but they'll need to prove they can make enough contact to tap into it at the next level.
Cleveland Guardians
8 of 30
Present
- LF Steven Kwan (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)
- CF Myles Straw (Age: 28; controllable through 2028)
- RF Oscar Gonzalez (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
Steven Kwan and Oscar Gonzalez both had breakout 2022 seasons, solidifying what had been a major question mark at the corner outfield spots in previous years. Speedy Myles Straw hit just .221 with a 65 OPS+ last season, but he won a Gold Glove in center field and was still a 2.7-WAR player.
Future
- George Valera (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Chase DeLauter (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Will Brennan (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
With a 50-hit, 60-power offensive profile, George Valera has been one of the top prospects in the Cleveland farm system for years. The 22-year-old posted an .816 OPS with 52 extra-base hits and a 13.1 percent walk rate in 132 games in the upper levels of the minors last season. He could be ready for his MLB debut in 2023.
Colorado Rockies
9 of 30
Present
- LF Kris Bryant (Age: 31; controllable through 2028)
- CF Yonathan Daza (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)
- RF Charlie Blackmon (Age: 36; controllable through 2023)
After an injury-plagued 2022 season, Kris Bryant will look to prove he was worth the seven-year, $182 million deal he inked last winter. With Randal Grichuk recovering from sports hernia surgery, veteran Charlie Blackmon will see time in right field to start the year, though he still fits best in the DH role at this point in his career.
Future
- Zac Veen (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Benny Montgomery (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
- Jordan Beck (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Zac Veen hit .333 with a .444 on-base percentage and 16 steals in 21 games in the Arizona Fall League, and a strong season in the upper levels of the minors could put him in the mix for a starting job in the 2024 outfield. Collegiate standouts Sterlin Thompson (No. 31 overall) and Jordan Beck (No. 38 overall) were top picks in the 2022 draft, and they could quickly move to the top of the organizational rankings.
Detroit Tigers
10 of 30
Present
- LF Matt Vierling (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
- CF Riley Greene (Age: 22; controllable through 2028)
- RF Austin Meadows (Age: 27; controllable through 2024)
A healthy Austin Meadows and another year of development from former top prospect Riley Greene could make the Detroit outfield an under-the-radar strength during the upcoming season. Meadows could also be a midseason trade candidate with free agency looming after the 2024 campaign. Matt Vierling, Akil Baddoo and Kerry Carpenter could all see time in left field.
Future
- Justyn-Henry Malloy (Tier 2, ETA: 2023)
- Parker Meadows (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Roberto Campos (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
The Tigers acquired Justyn-Henry Malloy from Atlanta in exchange for reliever Joe Jiménez during the offseason, and he could quickly find his way onto the Top 100 prospect list after hitting .289/.408/.454 with 28 doubles, 17 home runs and 81 RBI in 133 games over three minor league levels last year.
Houston Astros
11 of 30
Present
- LF Michael Brantley (Age: 35; controllable through 2023)
- CF Chas McCormick (Age: 27; controllable through 2026)
- RF Kyle Tucker (Age: 26; controllable through 2025)
Kyle Tucker has developed into one of the best corner outfielders in baseball, and the Houston front office began extension talks this spring. Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers could both start in the outfield while Michael Brantley works his way back from shoulder surgery, and Yordan Álvarez will again see semi-regular time in left field as well after making 56 starts there last year.
Future
- Drew Gilbert (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
- Justin Dirden (Tier 2, ETA: 2023)
- Jacob Melton (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Drew Gilbert hit .362/.455/.673 with 21 doubles, 11 home runs and 70 RBI in 58 games during a breakout junior season at Tennessee before going No. 28 overall in the 2022 draft. Justin Dirden is an under-the-radar prospect to watch who could make an MLB impact in 2023 after hitting .302/.384/.558 with 40 doubles, 24 home runs and 101 RBI in 124 games between Double-A and Triple-A last year.
Kansas City Royals
12 of 30
Present
- LF Edward Olivares (Age: 27; controllable through 2026)
- CF Drew Waters (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
- RF Kyle Isbel (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
Can anyone in the Kansas City outfield establish themselves as a long-term piece of the puzzle? Drew Waters turned some heads last season when he posted a 124 OPS+ with 12 extra-base hits in 32 games after making his MLB debut at the end of August, but he'll start the season on the injured list with an oblique strain.
Future
- Gavin Cross (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
- Tyler Gentry (Tier 2, ETA: 2023)
- Nick Loftin (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
Gavin Cross was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 draft after he hit .328/.411/.660 with 14 doubles, 17 home runs and 50 RBI in 57 games during his junior season at Virginia Tech. Tyler Gentry could play his way into a starting job in the majors this year after hitting .326/.422/.542 with 22 doubles, 21 home runs, 86 RBI and 10 steals in 108 games between High-A and Double-A.
Los Angeles Angels
13 of 30
Present
- LF Taylor Ward (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)
- CF Mike Trout (Age: 31; controllable through 2030)
- RF Hunter Renfroe (Age: 31; controllable through 2023)
After trading away Brandon Marsh at the deadline last year to acquire Logan O'Hoppe from the Philadelphia Phillies, the Angels swung a deal to acquire slugger Hunter Renfroe from the Milwaukee Brewers. That means former top prospect Jo Adell will need to earn playing time in what could be a make-or-break year, while Brett Phillips and Mickey Moniak are also in the outfield mix.
Future
- Nelson Rada (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
- David Calabrese (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Randy De Jesus (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
The Angels signed Nelson Rada for $1.9 million out of Venezuela during the 2022 international free-agency window, and he hit .311/.446/.439 with 16 extra-base hits and 27 steals in 50 games in the Dominican Summer League last year. The 17-year-old could shoot up the organizational rankings during his stateside debut.
Los Angeles Dodgers
14 of 30
Present
- LF David Peralta (Age: 35; controllable through 2023)
- CF Trayce Thompson (Age: 31; controllable through 2025)
- RF Mookie Betts (Age: 30; controllable through 2032)
With Cody Bellinger non-tendered and Chris Taylor expected to see more playing time in the infield, the Dodgers have a new-look outfield. Veteran David Peralta will be the primary left fielder against right-handed pitching after signing a one-year, $6.5 million deal, while Trayce Thompson is the current placeholder in center field. Jason Heyward, Bradley Zimmer and Steven Duggar are all in camp on minor league deals.
Future
- Andy Pages (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- James Outman (Tier 2, ETA: 2023)
- Josue De Paula (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
Andy Pages has the prototypical right field profile with 60-grade power and a 70-grade arm, and he had a 26-homer, 80-RBI season at Double-A. James Outman hit .294/.393/.586 with 31 doubles, 31 home runs and 106 RBI in the upper levels of the minors last year, and he could be the starting center fielder in the majors before the 2023 season is over.
Miami Marlins
15 of 30
Present
- LF Bryan De La Cruz (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
- CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Age: 25; controllable through 2026)
- RF Avisaíl García (Age: 31; controllable through 2026)
The Marlins had 11 different players start at least one game in the outfield last year. None of them started more than 100 games, so they will be looking for more stability out there in 2023. Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting from second base to center field should help solidify things up the middle, while a bounce-back season from Avisaíl García would go a long way in the middle of the lineup.
Future
- Victor Mesa Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Antony Peguero (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
- Jose Gerardo (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
Antony Peguero ($575,000) and Jose Gerardo ($180,000) were among the headliners of the Marlins' 2022 international class, and both have significant long-term upside. They could both make their stateside debuts in 2023, and it's possible they could climb into the organizational top 10 before the season is over.
Milwaukee Brewers
16 of 30
Present
- LF Christian Yelich (Age: 31; controllable through 2028)
- CF Garrett Mitchell (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
- RF Tyrone Taylor (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)
The Brewers still owe Christian Yelich another $126 million over the next six years, though he could eventually shift to first base before his contract is over. With Tyrone Taylor sidelined by an elbow sprain, Brian Anderson could start the year as the team's primary right fielder. Jesse Winker will also be a corner outfield option.
Future
- Jackson Chourio (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Sal Frelick (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Joey Wiemer (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
The Brewers have the best collection of outfield prospects in baseball, with Jackson Chourio (No. 5), Sal Frelick (No. 55) and Joey Wiemer (No. 81) all earning a spot on B/R's 2023 Top 100 prospect list. Frelick is playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic, and he could also be in the mix for playing time in right field.
Minnesota Twins
17 of 30
Present
- LF Joey Gallo (Age: 29; controllable through 2023)
- CF Byron Buxton (Age: 29; controllable through 2028)
- RF Max Kepler (Age: 30; controllable through 2024)
The Twins signed Joey Gallo to a one-year, $11 million deal as he looks to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season. The front office also swung a deal to acquire Gold Glove winner Michael A. Taylor from the Kansas City Royals, and he'll provide valuable insurance for the oft-injured Byron Buxton in center field. Nick Gordon and Trevor Larnach are also options in the outfield.
Future
- Emmanuel Rodriguez (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
- Matt Wallner (Tier 2, ETA: 2023)
- Yasser Mercedes (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
Emmanuel Rodriguez hit .272/.493/.552 with 17 extra-base hits, 11 steals and a 28.6 percent walk rate in 47 games at Single-A last year. The 20-year-old saw his breakout season cut short by a torn meniscus, but his advanced approach at the plate should allow him to move quickly through the minors. Slugger Matt Wallner hit 27 home runs in the upper minors last year and made his MLB debut as a September call-up.
New York Mets
18 of 30
Present
- LF Mark Canha (Age: 34; controllable through 2024)
- CF Brandon Nimmo (Age: 29; controllable through 2030)
- RF Starling Marte (Age: 34; controllable through 2025)
After signing Mark Canha (two years, $26.5 million) and Starling Marte (four years, $78 million) during the 2021-22 offseason, the Mets locked up center fielder Brandon Nimmo this offseason with a massive eight-year, $162 million deal. Those three will be backed up by Tommy Pham, who is capable of stepping into a large role if injury strikes.
Future
- Alex Ramirez (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Nick Morabito (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
- Stanley Consuegra (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Alex Ramirez hit .281/.346/.436 with 30 doubles, 11 home runs, 71 RBI and 21 steals in 121 games between Single-A and High-A, and the 20-year-old will likely become the No. 1 prospect in the Mets farm system once Francisco Álvarez and Brett Baty graduate to the majors.
New York Yankees
19 of 30
Present
- LF Oswaldo Cabrera (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
- CF Harrison Bader (Age: 28; controllable through 2023)
- RF Aaron Judge (Age: 30; controllable through 2031)
The Yankees locked up Aaron Judge with a nine-year, $360 million deal, and he could start the 2023 season back in center field while deadline pickup Harrison Bader recovers from a strained oblique. Once everyone is healthy, Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera will split time in left field, with Cabrera continuing to serve in a super-utility role as needed.
Future
- Jasson Dominguez (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Everson Pereira (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
- Spencer Jones (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
After a slow start last season, Jasson Dominguez hit .319/.422/.575 with 19 extra-base hits and a 14.6 percent walk rate over the final two months of the season, and he could be a top-10 prospect leaguewide before the 2023 season is over. Spencer Jones hit .344/.425/.538 in 106 plate appearances after signing as the No. 25 overall pick in the 2022 draft.
Oakland Athletics
20 of 30
Present
- LF Conner Capel (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
- CF Esteury Ruiz (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
- RF Ramón Laureano (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
The Oakland outfield will be a fluid situation throughout 2023, especially if Ramón Laureano bounces back from a disappointing season and emerges as a viable trade candidate. The battle for playing time in center field between Esteury Ruiz, who hit .332/.447/.526 with 51 extra-base hits and 85 steals in the minors, and former top prospect Cristian Pache, who is out of minor league options, will be a battle to watch this spring.
Future
- Denzel Clarke (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Henry Bolte (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
- Clark Elliott (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Denzel Clarke signed an above-slot deal as a fourth-round pick in 2021, and he posted an .834 OPS with 23 doubles, 15 home runs and 30 steals in 93 games between Single-A and High-A. Henry Bolte was given a $2 million bonus as a second-round pick last year, and his raw tools give him an extremely high ceiling.
Philadelphia Phillies
21 of 30
Present
- LF Kyle Schwarber (Age: 30; controllable through 2025)
- CF Brandon Marsh (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)
- RF Nick Castellanos (Age: 31; controllable through 2026)
Ideally, the Phillies would be able to rotate the defensively challenged duo of Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber between left field and designated hitter. However, with Bryce Harper limited to DH duties last season and now recovering from Tommy John surgery, they will be penciled in at the corner outfield spots once again.
Future
- Justin Crawford (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)
- Johan Rojas (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Gabriel Rincones Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
The son of former MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, prep standout Justin Crawford was the No. 17 overall pick in the 2022 draft. The 19-year-old has a 55-grade hit tool, 70-grade speed and the defensive tools to be a standout in center field. Johan Rojas hit .310/.423/.452 in the Arizona Fall League and could make his MLB debut by midseason.
Pittsburgh Pirates
22 of 30
Present
- LF Bryan Reynolds (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
- CF Jack Suwinski (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
- RF Andrew McCutchen (Age: 36; controllable through 2023)
The Pirates are planning to shift Bryan Reynolds to left field this season, with 2022 rookie Jack Suwinski taking over in center field after he slugged 19 home runs in 372 plate appearances last season. With Carlos Santana expected to be the main designated hitter, Andrew McCutchen will primarily play right field after rejoining the Pirates on a one-year, $5 million deal.
Future
- Endy Rodriguez (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Matt Gorski (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Lonnie White Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
Endy Rodriguez has seen time at catcher, first base, second base and in the outfield, and a spot on the grass might be his best long-term fit in Pittsburgh. The 22-year-old hit .323/.407/.590 with 39 doubles, 25 home runs and 95 RBI in 125 games over three minor league levels, and he has the potential to be a star. Matt Gorski had a .956 OPS with 24 home runs while reaching Triple-A last year.
San Diego Padres
23 of 30
Present
- LF Juan Soto (Age: 24; controllable through 2024)
- CF Trent Grisham (Age: 26; controllable through 2025)
- RF Fernando Tatis Jr. (Age: 24; controllable through 2034)
The right field job is up in the air for the first 20 games of the season while Fernando Tatis Jr. finishes serving his PED suspension. Matt Carpenter, Adam Engel and José Azócar are all in the mix for playing time. Can Trent Grisham rebound from a disappointing season at the plate? Will Juan Soto entertain a long-term extension in San Diego?
Future
- Samuel Zavala (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
- Korry Howell (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
- Joshua Mears (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Samuel Zavala hit .272/.366/.530 with 20 extra-base hits in 43 games between rookie ball and Single-A during his age-17 season, putting him further ahead of the developmental curve than almost anyone his age in pro ball. He could be one of the top prospects in all of baseball by this time next year.
San Francisco Giants
24 of 30
Present
- LF Michael Conforto (Age: 30; controllable through 2024)
- CF Mike Yastrzemski (Age: 32; controllable through 2025)
- RF Mitch Haniger (Age: 32; controllable through 2024)
Despite whiffing on Aaron Judge in free agency, the Giants still managed to add Michael Conforto (two years, $36 million) and Mitch Haniger (two years, $28 million) to the outfield mix, and that duo will be counted on to shoulder a significant portion of the run-production load. Austin Slater is a productive fourth outfielder capable of playing all three spots.
Future
- Grant McCray (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
- Luis Matos (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
- Vaun Brown (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Grant McCray (.897 OPS, 55 XBH, 23 HR, 43 SB at A/A+) and Vaun Brown (1.059 OPS, 54 XBH, 23 HR, 44 SB at A/A+/AA) were two of the top performers in the San Francisco farm system last season, and they will now make the jump to a higher level of competition in the upper levels of the minors.
Seattle Mariners
25 of 30
Present
- LF Jarred Kelenic (Age: 23; controllable through 2028)
- CF Julio Rodríguez (Age: 22; controllable through 2029)
- RF Teoscar Hernández (Age: 30; controllable through 2023)
The Seattle Mariners used 14 different Opening Day starters in center field between Ken Griffey Jr. making his final start in 1999 and Julio Rodríguez bursting onto the scene last year before winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. This could be a make-or-break year for Jarred Kelenic, while Teoscar Hernández will be a free agent for the first time in his career next offseason.
Future
- Gabriel Gonzalez (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
- Lazaro Montes (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
- Jonatan Clase (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Teenager Gabriel Gonzalez hit .321/.410/.468 with 22 extra-base hits in 67 games between rookie ball and Single-A last year, and he now has one of the highest offensive ceilings of any prospect in the Seattle system. Jonatan Clase filled up the box score last season when he posted an .837 OPS with 22 doubles, 11 triples, 13 home runs and 55 steals in 107 games at Single-A.
St. Louis Cardinals
26 of 30
Present
- LF Lars Nootbaar (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)
- CF Tyler O'Neill (Age: 27; controllable through 2024)
- RF Dylan Carlson (Age: 24; controllable through 2026)
The Cardinals have a wealth of outfield talent, with the three players above joined by Juan Yepez. Prospects Jordan Walker and Alec Burleson are also in the mix for playing time to start the 2023 season. Tyler O'Neill is just a year removed from being a 6.3-WAR player and looks like a prime candidate for a bounce-back year.
Future
- Jordan Walker (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Alec Burleson (Tier 1, ETA: 2023)
- Joshua Baez (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
Imposing slugger Jordan Walker hit .306/.388/.510 with 31 doubles, 19 home runs and 68 RBI in 119 games as a 20-year-old at Double-A last year, and he has gone 15-for-37 with three doubles, three home runs and seven RBI this spring. Even if he is left off the Opening Day roster, he'll be in the big leagues well before the All-Star break.
Tampa Bay Rays
27 of 30
Present
- LF Randy Arozarena (Age: 28; controllable through 2026)
- CF Jose Siri (Age: 27; controllable through 2027)
- RF Manuel Margot (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
Randy Arozarena had his second straight 20/20 season last year, posting a 124 OPS+ with 41 doubles, 20 home runs and 32 steals in his follow-up performance after winning AL Rookie of the Year honors in 2021. A healthy season from Manuel Margot would be a major in-house boost; he played just 89 games last year. Former top prospect Josh Lowe could also see time in center field.
Future
- Brock Jones (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Mason Auer (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Kameron Misner (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
Brock Jones hit .324/.451/.664 with 21 home runs and 57 RBI in 65 games during his junior season at Stanford before going in the second round of the 2022 draft. Mason Auer is a prospect on the rise after logging an .859 OPS with 48 extra-base hits and 48 steals in 115 games between Single-A and High-A.
Texas Rangers
28 of 30
Present
- LF Robbie Grossman (Age: 33; controllable through 2023)
- CF Leody Taveras (Age: 24; controllable through 2027)
- RF Adolis García (Age: 30; controllable through 2026)
The outfield might be the biggest hole on the Texas roster right now with former top prospect Leody Taveras still trying to establish himself in the majors and Robbie Grossman signed to a one-year, $2 million deal to serve as a stopgap in left field. Keep an eye on Bubba Thompson as a potential breakout candidate who could stake claim to a spot in the outfield.
Future
- Evan Carter (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- Aaron Zavala (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Dustin Harris (Tier 3, ETA: 2023)
Evan Carter ranked No. 24 on B/R's 2023 Top 100 prospect list, and he hit .295/.397/.489 with 21 doubles, 10 triples, 12 home runs, 73 RBI, 86 runs scored and 28 steals in 106 games between High-A and Double-A. The 20-year-old is the future in center field for the Rangers, and he could debut next season.
Toronto Blue Jays
29 of 30
Present
- LF Daulton Varsho (Age: 26; controllable through 2026)
- CF Kevin Kiermaier (Age: 32; controllable through 2023)
- RF George Springer (Age: 33; controllable through 2026)
The Blue Jays have turned the page in the outfield, trading away Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Teoscar Hernández and replacing them with trade pickup Daulton Varsho and free-agent signing Kevin Kiermaier. They are still searching for a long-term answer in center field with Kiermaier signed to a one-year, $9 million deal.
Future
- Gabriel Martinez (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
- Dasan Brown (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
- Zach Britton (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
Gabriel Martinez hit .293/.355/.477 with 23 doubles, 14 home runs and 59 RBI in 97 games while reaching High-A in his age-19 season. Dasan Brown has legitimate 80-grade speed and is one of the fastest players in pro ball.
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
Present
- LF Corey Dickerson (Age: 33; controllable through 2023)
- CF Victor Robles (Age: 25; controllable through 2024)
- RF Lane Thomas (Age: 27; controllable through 2025)
Lane Thomas hit .264/.330/.434 in 261 plate appearances after the All-Star break last season, finishing the season with a 103 OPS+ and 45 extra-base hits. Victor Robles might be entering a make-or-break season after thus far failing to live up to his top prospect status, while veteran Corey Dickerson is a nice low-cost stopgap at the other corner spot.
Future
- Robert Hassell III (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
- James Wood (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
- Elijah Green (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
The Nationals acquired Robert Hassell III and James Wood from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto blockbuster just a few weeks after selecting high-ceiling slugger Elijah Green with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft. Those three are now the headliners of the farm system for a team in the early stages of rebuilding.
All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference. Prospect tool ratings via MLB.com.
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