The second of two dynasty rankings for the outfield position, this list covers only American League outfielders. And going over the list, I think the American League has the more exciting outfield prospects than the senior circuit. Now don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of great outfielders on both sides and so many guys with power/speed combinations that I almost considered just copying and pasting that phrase to save myself some time, but I think that the junior circuit has the guys who could wind up as the most rewarding.

Now with that said, the National League has a lot of guys who are all at Double-A or closer while I think most of the American League’s big impact outfield bats are in rookie league or one of the three Single-A levels. If owners want some of these bats, they will have to be patient.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium MLB Subscription for only $1.99 per week. We have all the tools to help win your seasonal and daily leagues: Hitter & Pitcher Streamers, Matchup Ratings for every player, Sleeper Surgers for AVG, HR, Ks, PLUS Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

 

American League Outfielders Dynasty Rankings

A quick note on how these articles are formatted. They are going to be sorted by who I think is the best option for dynasty owners based on a combination of estimated time of arrival and potential upside. I will include their stats from their current level, their age, their ETA and lastly a talent grade. The talent grade will be an all-encompassing grade designed to inform dynasty owners of how big of a fantasy impact a player will realistically have. It will take into account how long it takes to reach the big leagues and will be on a scale of 1-10.

1. Andrew Benintendi (BOS, AA)
Stats: 245 PA, .281/.343/.475, 6 HR, 7 SB, 12.2% K rate, 9.0% BB rate
Age: 22
ETA: Mid-August 2016

Tops on this list and for good reason, Benintendi was regarded as one of the best bats in the 2015 draft in a class that also featured the likes of Dansby Swanson, Brendan Rodgers and Alex Bregman. To this point in his limited professional career, the 22-year-old has amassed 18 home runs and 25 stolen bases in 145 games while batting a promising .305.

Despite standing at only 5’10”, Benintendi has been viewed as a potential 20+ dinger threat in the majors. This is due in large part to one of the quickest bats in the minors. And as evidenced by those stellar plate discipline numbers shown in his stat line, he certainly has the patience and approach to the plate to help boost his average and on-base percentage. He also adds in plus speed and great awareness on the base paths that should help him match or at least come close to his home run totals in swipes.

Don’t have a lot of patience? That’s fine, Benintendi could very possibly see a promotion some time in August. The Red Sox need help in left field and coincidentally that is the most recent position the center fielder has been playing at Double-A. Even if he does not receive an early promotion this season, expect him to be starting in left next to Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts in what could be one of the most explosive outfields in baseball in April of 2017. He should already be owned in all dynasty leagues and is worth an own in some redraft leagues.

Talent grade: 9.5

2. Lewis Brinson (TEX, AA)
Stats: 305 PA, .226/.273/.428, 11 HR, 10 SB, 19.3% K rate, 5.6% BB rate
Age: 22
ETA: 2017

Brinson probably has the most upside of anybody on this list. Ranked 13th among all prospects by MLB.com, Brinson has proven throughout his Minor League career to have 20+ home run power and 20+ stolen base speed, he just needs to start to show some improved numbers in the batting average category. And with a lowered strikeout rate from last season’s 23.3% number, he could start to turn his season around once his luck comes back (a .239 BABIP is way too low for someone of his speed).

As mentioned above, Brinson has one of the most tantalizing power/speed combos on this list. Scouts universally view Brinson as a guy capable of blasting 30 bombs in a season and swiping 30 bags at his peak. Though he has shown signs of struggling against off-speed pitches, Brinson has made steady improvements since being drafted in 2012. In terms of batting average, he will likely top out at .280 in the majors, but his quick bat gives him a floor of someone who should be able to hit for a high enough average to stay in the lineup.

Just as the Boston Red Sox could be looking at a potentially explosive outfield next season, so too could the Texas Rangers. With Nomar Mazara manning right, an improved Shin-Soo Choo in left and an explosive Brinson in center, the Rangers are looking at one of the most talented trio of outfielders (though probably not as nice as the aforementioned team or the team next on this list). For dynasty owners, Brinson is worth owning in all leagues at this point. He figures to compete for a spot in center as early as the summer of next season (maybe earlier if he improves in the second half of this season).

Talent grade: 9.5

3. Clint Frazier (CLE, AAA)
Stats: (from AA) 391 PA, .276/.356/.469, 13 HR, 13 SB, 22.0% K rate, 10.5% BB rate
Age: 21
ETA: 2017

The third of four consecutive guys on this list with the ability to put together a 20/20 season, Frazier has certainly lived up to the hype that saw him taken with the fifth overall pick back in 2013. After lowering his strikeout rate and bashing 19 taters with 19 swipes last season, Frazier started the 2016 campaign at Double-A and he just continued his dominance there. He has once again kept his strikeout rate moderately low while continuing to flash that promising power/speed combination. And following his recent promotion to Triple-A, the 21-year-old is now only a step away from reaching the big leagues.

Coming out of the 2013 draft, there were few bats hyped up more than Frazier’s and scouts have only seen improvements in his game. He had a lot of issues chasing pitches out of the zone earlier in his career, but has toned down on his aggressiveness quite a bit as he has matured. He still swings-and-misses too much for his own good which will limit his batting average upside at the big league level to probably .275, but he provides enough of everything else to satisfy dynasty owners. Scouts praise his incredible bat speed which has led many to believe that the right fielder could eventually hit 20-30 home runs per season. He also displays above-average speed and should be able to swipe 15-20 bags per season at his peak.

When I was talking about the Rangers, you probably noticed that I said they would have the third best outfield of the teams mentioned on this list. Well that is because I ask you just to imagine the Red Sox with their star-studded outfield and the Indians with Michael Brantley, Frazier and the next guy on this list all patrolling the grass. And with Frazier’s power, he should be expected to bat somewhere near the middle of that talented Indians’ lineup, giving him added value for dynasty owners. With a promotion possibly coming as early as September and a starting role all but guaranteed for 2017, Frazier should be owned in all dynasty leagues at this point.

Talent grade: 9

4. Bradley Zimmer (CLE, AAA)
Stats: (from AA) 407 PA, .253/.371/.471, 14 HR, 33 SB, 28.3% K rate, 13.8% BB rate
Age: 23
ETA: 2017

Like I said, this Indians’ outfield is going to be stacked. Their second outfielder on this list, Zimmer has arguably the higher upside over Frazier though he has not yet displayed the same levels of production. Like Frazier, he too recently was promoted to Triple-A after a solid Double-A campaign. The season started off rough for him, but Zimmer started to turn things around over his last 37 games as he slashed .301/.404/.489, hit five home runs, stole 13 bases, walked 13.9% of the time and struck out a much more reasonable 22.2% of the time. Now, he will have to prove that he can continue to show improvement as he faces a higher level of pitching.

Standing at 6’4”, 185 pounds, Zimmer is physically imposing and develops a lot of his power from his frame. Throughout his professional career, he has shown the ability to hit 20+ dingers and surpass that total easily in stolen bases. Where evaluators view Frazier as more of a middle-of-the-order bat for his raw power potential, scouts see Zimmer as a leadoff type of guy because of his game-changing speed and patience at the plate. He does strike out too much right now, but that is largely the result of a long swing which scouts believe will be ironed out with just a bit more maturing.

The former Rubber Duck of Arkon, now Clipper of Columbus will have to show that he can keep his strikeout rate away from the 30% rate and closer to the 20% rate to prove that he is really ready for the big leagues. But if all goes right he could be starting in center for Cleveland at the start of next season. He is an explosive talent oozing with upside who could be just an adjustment or two away from coming close to posting up a .280+ batting average with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Combine his proximity to the majors with his potential and you get a guy who should be owned in all dynasty leagues at this point.

Talent grade: 9

5. Aaron Judge (NYY, AAA)
Stats: 370 PA, .261/.357/.469, 16 HR, 5 SB, 23.2% K rate, 11.4% BB rate
Age: 24
ETA: 2017

The story of Judge: power, power and more power. He is one of the most prolific sluggers in the minors and certainly has the massive frame (6’7”, 275 pounds) to back that up. MLB.com compared him to Giancarlo Stanton because of his size and right-handed pop, but believe it or not, Judge is actually one inch and 35 pounds larger than Stanton.

And though Stanton is probably Judge at his absolute peak, he is still a fair comparison in terms of player profile. Both are absolute mashers. Scouts believe Judge is more than capable of hitting 30+ long balls per season. He does not typically try to pull everything, though that does not mean that he avoids the swing-and-miss problem often encountered with power hitters. Evaluators believe that he is a better hitter than a lot of young sluggers and think that he could hit for a respectable average, but he will never hit .300 in a season. He is athletic for his size, but Judge should not be counted on to swipe many bags.

While I know everyone would be super excited for Judge to reach the big leagues this season, it looks like the Yankees want him to spend this full season at Triple-A and wait to call him up until September. But with Beltran playing on an expiring contract, the Yankees will have a hole in their outfield that is likely to be filled next season by the big time slugger. With sluggers like him, there is always a risk that he will strike out too much to hit for average, but Judge has the power potential to be well worth owning in all leagues.

Talent grade: 8

6. Kyle Tucker (HOU, A)
Stats: 347 PA, .274/.340/.366, 2 HR, 30 SB, 16.7% K rate, 8.6% BB rate
Age: 19
ETA: 2018

The first guy on this list who is still a few years away from the majors, Tucker was drafted only last year out of high school with the fifth pick in the draft. But even though he is out of high school, he strikes many as a guy who could be very quick to fly through the minors. Already at Class A, Tucker has shown himself to post not only his outstanding stolen base totals, but he has hit for a high average while also showing that he has outstanding patience at the plate.

There is very little in this young outfielders’ game that give scouts pause. He has a very quick bat and one of the most sound swings from the left side that many scouts have seen from someone so young, leading many to believe he can hit .280-.310 in the majors. Though Tucker has not hit for power to this point in his MiLB career, scouts believe that he will develop 20-25 home run power as he continues his maturation process. And standing at 6’4”, 190 pounds, he certainly has the frame to be able to develop power. Though he is so tall, he is quick on the base paths and has shown himself to have above-average speed, capable of swiping 15-20 bags per season.

Owners are going to have to be patient with the 19-year-old as he still has some time to develop before he is ready to reach the majors, but with one of the more advanced bats coming out of high school that many scouts have seen, he should be able to rise quickly through the minors. Just because he will reach the majors in a few years does not mean he will immediately be as prolific of a power hitter as many envision, but by 2019 or 2020, he should be a legit threat to post 20/20 seasons. The sky is the limit with his potential and he should be owned in most dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 8

7. Derek Fisher (HOU, AA)
Stats: 415 PA, .249/.381/.443, 15 HR, 22 SB, 28.7% K rate, 17.1% BB rate
Age: 22
ETA: Late 2017/Early 2018

It was tempting to put Fisher ahead of Tucker on this list, but it is tough to match Tucker’s upside. Where Fisher impresses is with the production he has already put on display at Double-A. For the second straight season, Fisher has hit at least 15 home runs and stolen at least 20 bases while batting over .250. And though strikeouts have been a concern for Fisher this year, he is posting up extremely high walk rates which should be a good indicator that he can turn things around.

The former University of Virginia outfielder and 2014 37th overall pick has always impressed scouts with his power/speed combination. With a smooth, left-handed swing, Fisher has 20+ home run pop that he has shown with production rather than speculation. He also displays above-average speed on the bases which should result in 15-20 stolen bases per season. The one area scouts would love to see him improve in is his pitch recognition as he often has problems chasing breaking pitches out of the zone which leads to high swing-and-miss totals. If he can’t cut down on the strikeouts, Fisher will likely be a guy who can produce 20/20 seasons, but at the cost of a .250 batting average.

Fisher is much more close to the majors than the aforementioned Kyle Tucker. And in terms of his power/speed production and his weight, Fisher is really a model for what Tucker should grow into. With that said, Tucker is a much more solid bet to add a high batting average with the 20/20 season. But in the end, owners will be very excited to have Fisher reach the majors as he will likely fit into what could be a truly explosive lineup and provide well above-average production for the position. If he can improve in the second half of this season, he might appear with the Astros in the first half of next season. Regardless, Fisher warrants owning in most dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 7.5

8. Dalton Pompey (TOR, AAA)
Stats: 252 PA, .295/.363/.379, 2 HR, 13 SB, 18.3% K rate, 9.5% BB rate
Age: 23
ETA: 2017

Pompey is a guy who has seen his fair share of time in the minors (and in the majors) and has continued to improve with every season. Now in his third stint at Triple-A in as many years, Pompey is starting to put things together, posting his highest batting average at the level, a very solid walk rate and relatively low strikeout rate.

Obviously being in the minors as long as Pompey has will wear off some of his shine, but he is still a talented outfielder whom scouts are excited about. With well above-average speed and an ability to get consistently good reads, Pompey stands out as a future 25-30 swipes per year type of player. And for those who may say, ‘you can’t steal first base’, don’t worry, Pompey is plenty able of reaching base with his own skills. Scouts praise his advanced discipline and patience at the plate which has seen him consistently walk at high rates. He has also done a solid job of keeping the strikeout rates at a reasonable level, especially as he has matured. Combine his plate discipline with his quick bat and you’ve got a guy who profiles as a future leadoff hitter for the Blue Jays. Don’t expect any power numbers, but Pompey should still be able to bat .270+ with excellent stolen bases and runs scored totals to add to his value.

To this point in his career, Pompey has found limited success in the majors, but then again he has never really been given much of a chance. With Michael Saunders, Jose Bautista and the recently acquired Melvin Upton roaming the outfield, the Blue Jays do not have much of a need for Pompey this season, though he could see time as a pinch hitter/runner in September. Instead dynasty owners, should expect to see Pompey receive an opportunity to start next season when Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders hit free agency. He should be owned in all dynasty leagues as he should be expected to bat leadoff for Toronto in April next season.

Talent grade: 7

9. Anthony Alford (TOR, A+)
Stats: 259 PA, .208/.313/.308, 4 HR, 12 SB, 31.3% K rate, 12.0% BB rate
Age: 22
ETA: 2018

One of the few players on this list not to go in the first round, Alford hasn’t always been viewed as a top prospect, but rather as an athlete who could possibly translate his skills to the sport of baseball. The 2013 112th round pick is still only in High-A, but last season at the same level, he slashed .302/.380/.444 with three home runs, 15 stolen bases, a promising 19.2% strikeout rate and 11.0% walk rate in 255 plate appearances. He has struggled to hit this season, but owners should not be overly concerned.

Alford is only the third player so far on this list to not have an explosive power/speed combination. He is a solid hitter and hits more line drives than a lot of speedy centerfield type prospects, but he is unlikely to ever hit more than 10 home runs in a season. What he can provide dynasty owners is stolen bases and a lot of them. Both MLB.com and Baseball America grade Alford’s speed as a 70, indicating the potential to swipe 30+ bags per season.

A prospect like Alford is not without his risks. Already 22 years old, Alford is no spring chicken and he will need to start hitting to prove he can handle advanced pitching. Most believe he can turn things around and could be a potential All-Star centerfielder for the Blue Jays as early as 2018. He is worth owning in leagues where owners have a few available Minor League stashing spots.

Talent grade: 7

10. Tyler O’Neill (SEA, AA)
Stats: 406 PA, .299/.369/.525, 18 HR, 7 SB, 24.9% K rate, 9.9% BB rate
Age: 21
ETA: 2017

The challenge for O’Neill entering 2016 was to build off of his phenomenal 2015 season at High-A. In 2015, he slashed .260/.316/.558 with 32 home runs, 16 stolen bases a 6.5% walk rate and a slightly concerning 30.5% strikeout rate in 449 plate appearances. Now at Double-A, O’Neill has improved in virtually every area and has now been quoted by some scouts as being now the top prospect in the Mariners organization.

It is clear by looking at O’Neill that his best tool is his power. Scouts love his excellent bat speed and the raw power he has in his swing, leading many to believe he should be a 25+ home run hitter in the majors. His biggest issue is his inability to lay off the breaking ball. He is a dead-red fastball hitter, but pitchers at the highest level could take advantage of him with a curveball if he does not start making steady improvements. He has accumulated 23 stolen bases over the past two seasons, but don’t expect more than five per season in the bigs.

When it’s all said and done, O’Neill has a great chance of reaching the big leagues as early as next season. The Mariners don’t have a lot of great options to run out into their outfield and O’Neill could slot right into left field. With the potential to bat .260 with 25 or more home runs, he certainly is worth a look in a lot of deeper dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 6.5

11. Daz Cameron (HOU, A)
Stats: 87 PA, .143/.221/.221, 0 HR, 4 SB, 37.9% K rate, 9.2% BB rate
Age: 19
ETA: 2019

The third Houston outfielder on this list and the second of their two high school outfielders taken early in the 2015 draft, Cameron would have been a bit higher on this list had he a) not injured his finger and end his season and b) if he had been displaying solid numbers. Though he has had no trouble stealing bases throughout his Minor League career, Cameron has been plagued with strikeouts which have limited his production.

Even with the strikeouts coming at a high rate, it is still far too early to give up on someone with his potential. The 19-year-old outfielder does not quite have the 20/20 potential of a lot of other guys on this list, but he possesses both above-average power and speed and could probably post 15/15 seasons at the big league level. He receives high grades from scouts for his bat as many believe he is a reliable bet to bat at least .270 in the big leagues.

Scouts typically clamor more about his high floor rather than his ceiling. And though the strikeout rates are enough to at least to warrant a brief pause, dynasty owner should still be confident that he can regain his form next season and perform like many expect him to. A few years away, he is only worth owning in leagues where owners have several spots available to stash Minor Leaguers, but he is definitely a guy who warrants stashing in those types of keeper leagues.

Talent grade: 6

12. Jake Bauers (1B/OF, TB, AA)
Stats: 420 PA, .283/.366/.427, 11 HR, 8 SB, 15.7% K rate, 11.4% BB rate
Age: 20
ETA: 2017

Speaking of guys known more for their floor than their ceiling, Bauers is a guy with a limited ceiling, but a very high floor. The top prospect sent from San Diego to Tampa Bay in the Wil Myers trade, Bauers has always posted very low strikeout numbers, high walk totals and a respectable batting average to boot. What he has not shown is an ability to tap into his raw power like many evaluators have hoped he would.

Bauers is not great at anything, but is solid at everything. He is an above-average defender, has above-average raw power, average to slightly below-average speed and an ability to hit for a .270+ average. Throughout his Minor League career, Bauers has been able to stroke line drives to all fields, but he has yet to show an incredible ability to hit the ball beyond the outfield. However, this season he has already amassed 11 home runs in 96 games (last season he reached a season-high 13 in 146 games). Most impressive about Bauers is his incredibly advanced approach which has seen him not only walk at 10%+ rates consistently, but also limit the strikeouts to around 15% or lower.

Bauers has typically played first base in his MiLB career, but if he has any future with the Rays it will be as an outfielder. But don’t worry dynasty owners, that should not affect his value too much. In fact, in Bauer’s case, it will probably help his value. Without the explosive power of a lot of first base prospects, he does not profile as well there as he does in the outfield where there are fewer big time mashers. But he still has above-average pop and is a virtual lock to hit for a high average, giving him plenty of value for dynasty owners. He warrants owning in most leagues as he looks like a solid bet to break out next season for the Rays.

Talent grade: 6

13. Garrett Whitley (TB, A-)
Stats: 141 PA, .224/.312/.296, 0 HR, 10 SB, 29.8% K rate, 8.5% BB rate
Age: 19
ETA: 2019

Let’s go back to some of those high school outfielders from the 2015 draft to another player just oozing with potential. From the Rays, you have the 13th overall pick in that draft in Garrett Whitley. To this point in his MiLB career, Whitley has struggled to hit the ball, consistently striking out at high rates over 20.0% and has been unable to get his batting average above .230 at any level. But scouts still love the potential in his bat.

There are few offensive prospects in the Rays’ system with more upside than Whitley. Scouts praise his power, believing that it should only take a few more adjustments for him to go from a line drive hitter to a guy who can knock the ball over the fence. Even if he does not develop the power, Whitley is capable of spraying the ball all over the field and should be able to hit for a respectable average. The one thing owners can be sure to expect from Whitley is his speed which is well above-average and capable of swiping 25+ bags per season.

With a promising power/speed combination, Whitley has some very high upside. At his peak, he could be a guy who bats .290 with a 20/30 season. He figures to take plenty of time developing in the Minor Leagues and likely won’t reach the majors until 2019 at the earliest. But he has enough upside to warrant owning in some of those deeper dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 6

14. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B/OF, TOR, R)
Stats: 135 PA, .254/.363/.421, 3 HR, 8 SB, 14.1% K rate, 13.3% BB rate
Age: 17
ETA: 2020

It is not easy to follow up in the footsteps of one of the greatest hitters in the game, but that is exactly what Guerrero hopes to do. The son of Vladimir Guerrero, he obviously has some pressure to live up to his father’s name. He has only reached rookie ball and is still very young, but he has impressed scouts immensely with his performance so far.

Guerrero will do all of his damage from the plate. He has a lightning fast swing and looks plenty capable of being a premium power hitter like his father. Scouts praise his advanced approach and discipline at the dish and believe he should not have much of a problem hitting for a .275+ average at the big league level. He doesn’t have much speed, but as a potential middle-of-the-order power hitter, Guerrero will be more than valuable enough to be worth owning.

The questions surrounding Vlad are primarily where he will play. Defensively, he is a liability almost anywhere he will play and could even be destined for first base. I have him on this list as an outfielder because ultimately I feel it is more likely he winds up in left than sticks at third, but it is still way too early to tell. Owners will have to have some serious patience with the 17-year-old as he is still very young and will likely require at least a couple more seasons of work, if not for the bat than definitely to work on his defense.

Talent grade: 5.5

15. Lazaro Armenteros (OAK, NA)
Stats: NA
Age: 17
ETA: 2020

Signed by the Oakland Athletics on July 2, Armenteros is an exciting Cuban outfielder with one of the most electric player skillsets among all international prospects. Though he has yet to actually play at any MiLB level, owners should not be terribly concerned as most international prospects take some time between signing a contract and taking the field.

A true five-tool player, Armenteros can really do it all. He is an above-average defender, though scouts envision him eventually shifting to right field. Of course, the big question for dynasty leagues is not in his defense, it is in his bat. And there is plenty to be excited about in his bat. Though scouts believe he will need a few years to be fully developed, many believe he will be a guy with 20+ dinger power and .280+ average. He is very fast and could potentially steal 25+ bases per season.

When players are this far away from the majors, there is always a risk that something bad will happen along the way. But owners should be relatively confident that Armenteros will be able to put it all together. If everything goes right for the Athletics and for dynasty owners, Armenteros will be a perennial All-Star by the time he debuts in 2020.

Talent grade: 5.5

16. Blake Rutherford (NYY, R)
Stats: 30 PA, .240/.333/.400, 1 HR, 20.0% K rate, 13.3% BB rate
Age: 19
ETA: 2019

One of only two outfielders on this list from the 2016 draft, Rutherford was widely viewed as one of the top three high school bats in the draft for a long time, but slipped to the 18th overall pick as another high school outfielder (Mickey Moniak) was taken first overall. But just because he slipped down some MLB draft boards does not mean he should slip down in dynasty rankings as this guy still has a very bright future.

Like a lot of the other guys on this list, Rutherford has a great combination of both power and speed. Though it is not as explosive as that of a lot of the other names on this list, the 19-year-old’s power should be enough to hit 15-20 home runs per season. His most promising attribute is his speed where many believe he could swipe 15-20 bags per season. He also appears to be a solid bet to hit for a high average if he can develop some better pitch recognition, which should start to happen as he matures.

The upside is high on Rutherford, but obviously there is always risk when dealing with high school outfielders, especially with ones like Rutherford who are a year older than they should be upon high school graduation. But the upside is a guy who could bat .270 with consistent 20/20 seasons. For dynasty owners in leagues with plenty of spots to stash young outfielders, Rutherford is certainly worth a stash.

Talent grade: 5.5

17. Luis Alexander Basabe (BOS, A)
Stats: 332 PA, .263/.330/.468, 10 HR, 17 SB, 26.2% K rate, 9.0% BB rate
Age: 19
ETA: 2019

Are the Red Sox ridiculously loaded in their minors? Yes, yes they are. Their second outfielder on this list and fifth prospect to appear on one of my dynasty lists (hint: they may have more on a later dynasty list), Basabe has been putting together a great season in 2016 right on the heels of a 2015 that showed plenty of promise (seven home runs, 15 stolen bases in 256 PA). And having already reached Class A by age 19, there is still plenty of time for him to improve.

One thing is for certain, Basabe is a high risk / high reward prospect. He has 15-20 home run pop and 20-25 stolen base speed, but he has some issues outside of those two areas. The switch-hitter has shown himself to be susceptible to strikeouts, often times because he works himself too deep into counts. Most evaluators believe he can fix the issue, but others believe that part of the problem stems from poor pitch recognition.

There are some scouts who believe Basabe will strike out too much to reach the big leagues and there are others who believe he could be a future starting outfielder for a Major League club. With Benintendi in left, Bradley in center and Betts in right, Basabe probably needs to be dealt to have a future in the big leagues, but it is still far enough away that anything could happen. If you are in a deep dynasty league (16+ teams) with plenty of keepers, Basabe’s upside might be worth a gamble. But combine the risk with the fact that he is still at least two years away from the majors makes him a guy who does not immediately necessitate owning.

Talent grade: 5.5

18. Kyle Lewis (SEA, A-)
Stats: 135 PA, .299/.385/.530, 3 HR, 3 SB, 16.3% K rate, 11.9% BB rate
Age: 21
ETA: 2018

Poor Kyle Lewis. He had been off to such a promising start at Low-A and looked like a guy who could potentially be on the fast track to the majors. Of course, that momentum was halted immediately when he tore his ACL, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season and probably some of next season. Considered to be one of the top college bats in the draft, he still has a lot of promise and could be a valuable player if he can come back to full health.

Prior to his injury, Lewis was considered to have one of the best power/speed combinations among college bats. Though he played in a weaker college baseball division, Lewis still was viewed as a guy who could hit regardless of the level he played at. Scouts love his power which many believe could be 20-30 home run pop in the future. There is also plenty of high praise to go around for his advanced approach to the plate and quick bat, leading many to believe that he should be able to hit for a very respectable batting average.

You will notice that I did not mention his speed. Prior to the injury, he could potentially be a 15-20 steal guy, but a serious knee injury like this could slow him down a bit. If he regains his old form after the injury, expect him to skyrocket up this list. But this is a very debilitating injury and prospects in the past have often struggled to return to form after such an injury. If he is available in your deep keeper leagues, he might be worth a stash just for the potential upside he brings. But he is too risky at this point to be owned in shallow dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 5

19. Christin Stewart (DET, A+)
Stats: 403 PA, .263/.409/.528, 21 HR, 3 SB, 24.6% K rate, 17.9% BB rate
Age: 22
ETA: 2018

Talk about an explosive season! Stewart has exploded onto the scene in his first full season since being drafted 34th overall in the 2015 draft. After blasting 10 home runs in 71 games last season, Stewart has already mashed 21 home runs in less than 100 games while displaying some promising plate discipline numbers. In terms of pure production, there is a lot to like in Stewart.

And scouts back that up with their observations. Stewart has a very sweet swing from the left side and scouts see 20+ dinger pop in his bat. He has a little bit of swing-and-miss in his game, but evaluators believe that he will start to fix that as he adjusts to professional ball thanks in large part to his promising eye and quick bat.

Defensively, Stewart is a liability in the outfield and is destined for either left field or, at worst, designated hitter. Stewart is a few seasons away from the majors, but owners should be excited about his power potential. He is worth owning in some of the deeper dynasty leagues.

Talent grade: 5

20. Alex Jackson (SEA, A)
Stats: 246 PA, .247/.337/.433, 9 HR, 0 SB, 26.4% K rate, 8.9% BB rate
Age: 20
ETA: 2019

Few prospects have disappointed more in their Minor League career than Alex Jackson. When he was taken sixth overall back in 2014, the general belief was that he was one of the best, pure bats in the draft and would just crush the minors. But with the strikeouts piling high during his time in the minors, the power lacking and the batting average having been consistently behind .250, Jackson has failed to deliver on his high expectations. Still only 20 years old, he still has a chance to turn this all around.

Despite the discouraging numbers, scouts still have faith in the young slugger. Evaluators believe that he has some of the best raw power in the minors and could easily tap into it and hit 25-30 home runs per season. His plate discipline numbers aren’t spotless, but Jackson is believed to have an advanced approach at the plate and should start to cut down on the strikeouts as he starts to stop trying to pull the ball so often.

If you are owning Alex Jackson, you are doing it entirely for the upside. He is likely still a few years away from the majors and has not shown much to this point to be excited about. But scouts are still holding out hope and so should fantasy owners in deeper leagues. If he starts to turn things around, there could still be a potential middle-of-the-order bat to be had.

Talent grade: 5

 

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