2013 MLB Preview: Fantasy Baseball Updated Outfielder Rankings

Ryan LesterFeb 27, 2013

Here’s an updated look at the 2013 LestersLegends Top 20 Outfielder Rankings.

1. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers

Kemp was limited to 106 games, but still managed to produce a .303-74-23-69-9 line. At 28, he’s in the midst of his prime and could easily be the top outfielder.

2. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers

Braun didn’t let the PED rumors affect him with his .319-108-41-112-30 line. Of course, he has to deal with them again. He has the goods to be a five-category stud again, but I’m a little concerned.

3. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels

Trout was the MVP in a lot of people’s eyes, even during Miguel Cabrera’s Triple Crown. His .326-129-30-83-49 season was historic, especially when you consider he wasn’t called up until the end of April. The sky is the limit for Trout. I initially had him ranked number one, but his weight gain gives me a little pause for concern. He could hit more home runs, but I'm afraid his stolen base total takes a hit.

4. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

McCutchen took the next step by adding power to his arsenal. His .327-107-31-96-20. He’s truly a five-category stud now.

5. Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado Rockies

CarGo also produces in all five categories. Last year he posted a .303-89-22-85-20 line in 135 games. He has never played more than 145 games though, which keeps him out of my top four spots.

6. Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles Angels

Hamilton has a new home, but his offense should be just as potent. If he can stay healthy, he’ll be a four-category stud.

7. Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays

Bautista was limited to 92 games last year, but he still managed 27 home runs. He brings big-time power to the table.

8. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins

Stanton has power for days too. He’s only 23, and he’s averaged 31 home runs in his three seasons. He should move into 40-HR territory this year. Fifty bombs isn’t out of the question.

9. Matt Holliday, St. Louis Cardinals

Holliday did not suffer from Albert Pujols’ departure. All he did was post a .295-95-27-102-4 line. He puts up a similar line every year.

10. Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals

Harper was a little overlooked because of the season that Trout had, but his .270-98-22-59-18 season was a good starting point. Harper was just 19 last year.

11. Justin Upton, Atlanta Braves

Upton has a new home. He’s a five-category performer, and while he doesn’t dominate in any category, he’s solid across the board.

12. Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds

Bruce has averaged a .254-87-33-98-9 line over the past two seasons. He’ll turn 26 in April. He could also reach the 40-HR club.

13. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox

Ellsbury was limited to 74 games last year, and his numbers really suffered. He’s a bit of a risk, but in 2011 his numbers resembled Trout’s last year.

14. Jason Heyward, Atlanta Braves

Heyward bounced back from a soft 2011 season with a .269-93-27-82-21 line. At 23, there is plenty of room for growth.

15. Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles

Jones took another step forward in the power department, smacking 32 round-trippers. He finished with a .287-103-32-82-16 line.

16. Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland A’s

Cespedes was able to handle the transition to MLB pitching, with a .292-70-23-82-16 line in 129 games. He should be even better in his second year in America.

17. Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay Rays

I love Zobrist for his versatility. I’d likely use him at second base or shortstop before plugging him into my outfield. That being said, he has averaged 88.8 runs, 19.3 HRs, 82.8 RBI and 18.5 stolen bases over the past four years.

18. Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay Rays

Jennings came into 2012 with a lot of hype, but other than runs (85) and stolen bases (31), he was pretty nondescript. He has the tools to add to both power and speed categories.

19. Alex Rios , Chicago White Sox

Rios bounced back from a hideous 2011 campaign with a .304-93-25-91-23 line. He seems to fluctuate more than other high-end outfielders so he’s a bit of a risk, but when he’s on, he’s a five-category contributor.

20. Shin-Soo Choo, Cincinnati Reds

Choo is a solid contributor in all five 5x5 categories. His move to Cincinnati should be beneficial.

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