Fantasy Baseball 2012: Top 25 Outfielders to Target Come Draft Day

When it comes to fantasy baseball, outfield is one of the deepest positions. It also features some of the most dynamic five-tool players in the game.

However, each team is required to fill out three outfielder spots on their roster. Despite the wealth of top tier talent, finding three competent outfielders is no easy task (for even the most seasoned fantasy players).

The following is a list of the top 25 outfielders to look out for in 2012.

Players Who Just Missed the Cut

The following players just missed the cut, but still deserve considerations. They are divided up by their 2012 risk factors.

Struggled in 2011, but Have Huge Upside

Jason Heyward

Logan Morrison

Brett Gardner

Possible One-Hit-Wonders

Chris Young

Melky Cabrera

Jeff Francoeur

Age Risk

Ichiro Suzuki

Carlos Beltran

Carlos Lee

Torrii Hunter

Frequent Injuries

Nelson Cruz

25. Michael Cuddyer

2011 Stats: .284/.346/.459, 70 runs, 20 home runs, 70 RBI, 11 stolen bases

Despite coming in at 32 years old, the last three seasons have been the best (and most consistent) of Michael Cuddyer's career. He's developed good power and is a solid offensive contributor. He's even become an efficient base stealer, swiping 11 bags in just 12 tries last season.

The biggest thing on Cuddyer's side is his offseason move.

The Colorado Rockies play their home games in Coors Field, one of the best offensive parks in the league. Cuddyer is not a top-tier talent, but he's certainly a solid No. 3 outfielder.

24. Cory Hart

2011 Stats: .285/.356/.510, 80 runs, 26 home runs, 63 RBI, 7 stolen bases

Due to injury, Cory Hart got a slow start to the 2011 season, but once he got going, he never looked back. Hart has been very good on offense, posting back-to-back seasons with an OPS above 0.865.

Hart did see an interesting drop-off in his RBI total, but that was a product of being moved to the lead off spot. The move did lead to a solid pace of runs scored.

Hart had back-to-back seasons of 23 steals from 2007-2008, but he's been quiet on the base paths since. The speed is still there, and hitting lead off could lead to a lot more steals opportunities.

Hart remains underrated and could be a great steal in the middle rounds.

23. Nick Markakis

2011 Stats: .284/.351/.406, 72 runs, 15 home runs, 73 RBI, 12 stolen bases

Fantasy drafters continue to pick Nick Markakis, and every season, he comes short of his potential. He seems a long way out from his back-to-back seasons of 20-plus home runs and a .300 average.

Despite his constant shortcomings, Markakis is still a consistent contributor to any team. You know he's good for 15-20 home runs, 70-plus runs and RBI, 10-15 stolen bases and an 0.800 OPS.

Markakis might never return to his 07-08 form, but when you draft him, you know what you're getting: a solid contributor hat can be relied on for consistency and health.

22. Lance Berkman

2011 Stats: .301/.412/.547, 90 runs, 31 home runs, 94 RBI, 2 stolen bases

Lancer Berkman came out of nowhere in 2011. At a spry 35 years old, Berkman turned in his best OPS of his last five seasons.

However, despite how good 2011 was, Berkman is still going to be 36 in 2012. That's quite the age risk, but they call him Big Puma for a reason. His body type is built to last.

I don't think Berkman will repeat his 2011 numbers, but there's no reason to think he can't be a solid contributor in 2012.

One big stat of warning should be his first/second half splits (24 home runs in the first half, seven in the second).

21. Drew Stubbs

2011 Stats: .243/.321/.364, 92 runs, 15 home runs, 44 RBI, 40 stolen bases

At first glance, it doesn't look like Drew Stubbs has a lot to offer. Besides steals, his peripherals leave a lot to be desired, and that's an ugly slash line.

But, Stubbs has shown great potential in his career. His 2010 breakout campaign was very good, and besides a hideous 38 for 180 August/September, so was his 2011.

Last season, Stubbs looked a lot like Alfonso Soriano, but in reality, he could be Curtis Granderson. He has the tools and just has to cut down on his whiffs.

He carries risk, but a potential 25-40 player could be a well worth it.

20. Andre Ethier

2011 Stats: .292/.368/.421, 67 runs, 11 home runs, 62 RBI, 0 stolen bases

I'm not sure what happened to Andre Ethier last season. After three seasons of 20-plus home runs and an OPS above .850, he turned in that less-than-stellar line above.

With that said, I have faith in the 29-year-old. He's been incredibly consistent in his career and was dealing with off-and-on injuries all through 2011. He's long been a fantasy staple, and that shouldn't change now.

As long as Ethier has a clean bill of health heading into spring training, there's no reason to pass on him in the draft room.

19. Shane Victorino

2011 Stats: .279/.355/.491, 95 runs, 17 home runs, 61 RBI, 19 stolen bases

On paper, Shane Victorino seems like a great player. His skill-set screams five-tools. And, despite the evidence, I see a 2012 nose dive by the Flyin' Hawaiian.

That Philadelphia Phillies offense isn't getting any younger. Utley struggled through a lot of 2011, and Howard might miss the start of the season. At 30 years old, Victorino needs all the support he can get.

With the recent drop in RBI and stolen bases, Victorino's stock continues to slip.

He's certainly a viable fantasy option, but no longer the stud he once was.

18. Adam Jones

2011 Stats: .280/.319/.466, 68 runs, 25 home runs, 83 RBI, 12 stolen bases

Each season, Adam Jones has gotten better and better, and things seem to be coming to a head.

2011 was his best season yet. Jones posted career highs in home runs, RBI and stolen bases. His 0.785 OPS was the second best of his career.

Jones' biggest struggle has been plate discipline, but his contact swing helps compensate.

At just 26 years old, the Orioles outfielder is poised for a huge breakout season. 2012 could see Jones easily jump from a No. 2 starter to a lower-tier No. 1 option.

Jones will be a bargain in the later rounds, and you'd be smart to pick him up.

17. Hunter Pence

2011 Stats: .314/.370/.502, 84 runs, 22 home runs, 97 RBI, 8 stolen bases

The jury on Hunter Pence is still out. Every season, people scream overrated and underrated, and his fantasy value remains in flux.

Generally, I've been on the overrated side, but it's hard to argue with some pre/post-trade splits.

In Houston, Pence had an OK 0.828 OPS; after the move to (hitter-friendly) Citizens Bank Park, 0.954.

In the past, I'm not sure if Pence would make this list, but his numbers after the move have made me a believer. He'll come down to Earth a little, but I still see him as a solid No. 2 fantasy option.

16. Carl Crawford

2011 Stats: .255/.289/.405, 65 runs, 11 home runs, 56 RBI, 18 stolen bases

It's hard to admit this, but I believe in Carl Crawford.

Yes, 2011 was ugly, fantasy owners were incredibly scorned and no one knows what to expect in 2012. Don't worry; history will tell us what to think.

Crawford has been far too consistent in his career for me to give up on him. In his 10 seasons, he has six seasons hitting above .290 with at least 10 home runs and seven seasons of 45 or more steals.

The last season he struggled was 2008, in which he posted a 0.718 OPS with only 25 stolen bases. The next season, he hit .305/.364/.452 with a career-high 60 swipes. One season later (2010) was the best of Crawford's career.

While 2011 will scare off most fantasy owners, a late draft pick of Crawford could give you the steal of the year.

15. Ben Zobrist

2011 Stats: .269/.353/.469, 99 runs, 20 home runs, 91 RBI, 19 stolen bases

Ben Zobrist's numbers don't pop out, but he's still a great outfield option.

He features good power and great instincts on the base paths, and is one of the few Rays who consistently compiles runs and RBI.

Another weapon at his disposal is that he qualifies at several positions. This gives fantasy owners a lot of flexibility in setting their lineup.

At first glance, Zobrist doesn't look like much. But, he is consistently one of the top fantasy contributors year in and year out. Don't let him slip by.

14. Ryan Braun

2011 Stats: .332/.397/.597, 109 runs, 33 home runs, 111 RBI, 33 stolen bases

In 2011, Ryan Braun (the 2011 NL MVP) turned in the best season of his career. Many will protest that I have him far too low, though I feel like I might have him too high.

First, let's start with the obvious. Braun is currently under accusations of using an MLB banned substance. Not only is he facing a 50-game suspension (killing a third of his fantasy value), it could also provide for a major off-field distraction.

Then, there's the Prince Fielder factor. When batting third (under the protection of Prince Fielder), Braun is unstoppable. When batting fourth (and unprotected), Braun's OPS falls from 0.960 to 0.662. With all signs pointing to Fielder's Milwaukee departure, who knows how it will effect Braun's numbers.

Others will pass on Braun, while others will bite. Everyone will have their own interpretation, but I'd rather play it safe and move on.

13. Jay Bruce

2011 Stats: .256/.341/.474, 84 runs, 32 home runs, 97 RBI, 8 stolen bases

2011 seem liked the big one for young Jay Bruce. After posting a 1.140 OPS in May (thanks to 12 home runs), it seemed like he was finally reaching his potential.

Then, Bruce slumped and slumped and slumped. He posted a 0.764 OPS in the second half and only hit 11 home runs (compared to his 21 in the first half).

However, Bruce still showed great signs of life. He posted career highs in home runs, RBI and runs while posting the second highest OPS of his career.

At just 24 years old, Bruce has a lot of room to grow. His 2011 season was a sign of things to come, and he'll absolutely rake in 2012.

If his development comes to a head, he could be the best outfielder of 2012.

12. Alex Gordon

2011 Stats: .303/.376/.502, 101 runs, 23 home runs, 87 RBI, 17 stolen bases

Finally!

Fantasy owners have continuously given Alex Gordon chances and continuously been disappointed. Then, 2011 hit, and Gordon emerged as one of the best outfielders in all of baseball.

He posted career highs in every major category and never showed any sign of slowing down. Gordon's ugliest month was May (0.749 OPS), but he still hit five home runs.

Gordon was consistent through the whole season, and I think he's worth a big look in 2012.

11. Josh Hamilton

2011 Stats: .298/.346/.536, 80 runs, 25 home runs, 94 RBI, 8 stolen bases

Some might find this ranking too high; others, too low.

I'll keep my reasoning simple.

Hamilton is an amazing hitter, but he's an injury magnet. When it comes to fantasy, I do whatever it takes to avoid injury risk.

Hamilton can be a No. 1 outfielder, but you can't rely on him week in and-week out.

10. Shin-Soo Choo

2011 Stats: .259/.344/.390, 37 runs, 8 home runs, 36 RBI, 12 stolen bases

2011 was horrid for Shin-Soo Choo. He faced injuries and off-field issues and seemed mired in a slump all season long.

The one thing I can say to you is, don't give up hope. Before 2011, Choo was on the verge of becoming one of the best (and most consistent) outfielders in baseball.

In 2009 and 2010, Choo posted near-identical stat lines complete with 0.880-plus OPS', 20-plus home runs, 20-plus stolen bases and 80-plus runs and RBI.

Choo is a fantastic player and suffered from a miserable 2011. He's just too good to stay down, and 2012 could be a huge year for the 29-year-old.

9. Matt Holliday

2011 Stats: .296/.388/.525, 83 runs, 22 home runs, 75 RBI, 2 stolen bases

Who doesn't love Matt Holliday? He's consistent, he knows how to hit and he's always been good to fantasy owners.

Holliday posted solid 2011 numbers, and if extrapolated over a normal season (he did deal with some freak injuries), it could have been his best in a long time.

Holliday is no longer a first-round pick, but his numbers warrant a mid-round pick.

8. Mike Stanton

2011 Stats: .262/.356/.537, 79 runs, 34 home runs, 87 RBI, 5 stolen bases

If you haven't figured it out yet, 2012 has me really excited for a lot of young outfielders. At just 22 years old, Mike Stanton is no exception.

The young righty put together a phenomenal sophomore season and could emerge as one of the best hitters in 2012.

His numbers are reminiscent of a young Ryan Howard, but Stanton is not just about power. He has worthwhile speed and could swipe 20 bags in a good season.

Strikeouts have been an issue, but that's no reason to shy away from a potential 40-20 player.

Stanton was great in 2011, and he'll only get better in 2012.

7. Andrew McCutchen

2011 Stats: .259/.364/.456, 87 runs, 23 home runs, 89 RBI, 23 stolen bases

Despite playing for the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates, Andrew McCutchen remains one of the best on-the-rise outfielders in baseball. He enters 2012 at 25 years old, meaning he's primed for a breakout.

Despite his dip in average (.286 to .259), 2011 might have been McCutchen's best season. He set career highs in home runs and RBI. He continued to show great instincts on the bases, scoring a lot of runs and swiping plenty of bags.

McCutchen did see an ugly spike in strikeouts, but he also gained more free passes. Once those numbers stabilize, McCutchen could easily post a fringe 0.900 OPS. Not too shabby when you factor in his 30-30 ceiling.

While others will view McCutchen as a No. 2 outfielder, you can swoop in and steal him.

6. Carlos Gonzalez

2011 Stats: .295/.363/.526, 92 runs, 26 home runs, 92 RBI, 20 stolen bases

Carlos Gonzalez had an amazing 2010, and many considered 2011 a disappointment.

It's amazing that an almost 30-20 season could be considered a disappointment.

Car-Go will be 26 years young in 2012, and that makes him one of the highest upside outfielders in baseball. He absolutely feasts on playing at Coors Field, and his 30-30 potential could push as high as 40-30.

2011 showed that Gonzalez isn't quite worth a first-round pick (yet), but he is still an incredibly reliable No. 1 outfielder.

When it comes to the second/third rounds, Car-Go is one of the best picks you could make.

5. Jose Bautista

2011 Stats: .302/.447/.608, 105 runs, 43 home runs, 103 RBI, 9 stolen bases

Fantasy baseball fans are well versed in Jose Bautista's history, and many will feel he should be higher on this list.

However, I have to point to his first/second half splits. Despite a 1.170 OPS in the first half (with 31 home runs), his numbers slipped to a so-so 0.896 OPS in the second half (only 12 home runs).

One reason his second half OPS remained so high despite the home runs dip was his continues ability to draw walks (in part to pitchers pitching around him).

Bautista has solid potential, but his splits are definitely a cause for concern. The 30-year-old can hit homers with the best of them, but his inconsistency keeps him outside the top four spots.

4. Curtis Granderson

2011 Stats: .262/.364/.552, 136 runs, 41 home runs, 119 RBI, 25 stolen bases

Curtis Granderson made huge strides in 2011 and has once again risen to the ranks of fantasy elite. He set career highs in home runs, OPS, runs and RBI (the last two also lead the MLB).

Did I mention he did all that as a 30-year-old?

Granderson has shown no signs of slowing down and is one of the top fantasy baseball talents around. He doesn't hit for an amazing average, but he does everything else really well.

Anyone would be lucky to have a 40-30 player on their fantasy team, and Granderson is definitely that guy. He'll warrant a first-round look in 2012.

3. Justin Upton

2011 Stats: .289/.369/.529, 105 runs, 31 home runs, 88 RBI, 21 stolen bases

Out of all the young players on this list, Justin Upton blows them all away. At just 23 years old, Upton turned in the best year of his career posting highs in home runs, stolen bases, runs and RBI. His 0.898 OPS was 0.001 points shy of tying his career high.

Upton is one of the best young players in baseball, and who knows how high his ceiling can go?

Personally, I think the best has yet to come. Generally, the 24-age-season is a magic year for players, and it means a huge breakout season for Upton.

2. Jacoby Ellsbury

2011 Stats: .321/.376/.552, 119 runs, 32 home runs, 105 RBI, 39 stolen bases

Jacoby Ellsbury's 2011 breakout campaign was one for the ages, and he's definitely deserving of this spot.

In fact, according to the WAR sabermetric, Jacoby Ellsbury was the best player of 2011. Some of that was due to his defensive prowess, but it's hard to overlook 32 home runs and 39 stolen bases.

The only reason I remain skeptical of the fleet-footed outfielder is the power. Ellsbury has often been cited as having power upside, but it never manifested itself until last season. I'd like to believe it will be consistent, but without the long-standing track record, it's hard to know what to expect in 2012.

The one thing I can say is Ellsbury's speed is legendary, and no matter how many home runs he hits, he's still good for a lot of hits and a lot of stolen bases.

If that skill set can get Jose Reyes into the top tier of fantasy players, Ellsbury should have no problem.

1. Matt Kemp

2011 Stats: .324/.399/.586, 115 runs, 39 home runs, 126 RBI, 40 stolen bases

This one should be obvious. In 2011, Matt Kemp was by far one of the best hitters in all of baseball. I mean, the guy came 0.013 batting average points shy of becoming the first offensive triple crown winner since 1967.

Kemp has phenomenal offensive tools, and he could easily be a 40-40 player come 2012.

Many will point to Jacoby Ellsbury as Kemp's closest competition for this honor. However, at one year younger and with more consistent power, Kemp definitely emerges as the front runner.