2023 MLB Fantasy: Ranking the Top 20 Outfielders

If you’re looking to do well in fantasy this season, drafting at least one outfielder early will be critical. But, which ones should you look to target. Here’s a look at our top2 0 outfielders for the 2023 fantasy season.

Players 20-11

10. Luis Robert Jr.

We’ll start off with Luis Robert Jr., an immensely talented outfielder but one that is also a very risky option in fantasy. Across a career-high 401 plate appearances, Robert Jr. hit .284/.319/.426 with 12 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 11 steals. If you play in a league that counts walks and OBP, Robert Jr.’s value does take a hit. However, an electric outfielder that has 20-20 potential is quite enticing.

Health, however, is key for Robert Jr. moving forward. The White Sox star had multiple IL stints in 2022, and a right hip flexor strain in 2021.

9. Randy Arozarena

Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena has quietly emerged as one of the league’s brightest stars. The 2021 AL Rookie of the Year, Arozarena hit .263/.327/.445 with 20 home runs, 89 RBIs, and 32 stolen bases. The 28-year-old’s 32 swiped bags was tied with Tommy Edman for fouth-most in all of MLB last season, and second-best among outfielders. Only O’s outfielder Cedric Mullins (34) had more steals.

An elite hitter that can drive the ball, make hard contact, and be a threat on the base paths, there’s not much shock as to why Arozarena is ranked high.

8. Yordan Alvarez

There very few hitters in baseball that could match the output of Yordan Alvarez from 2022. Alvarez finished second in OPS (1.019) last year, a season that saw him hit .306/.406/.613 with 37 home runs and 97 RBIs. While the 25-year-old didn’t drive in as many runs as compared to 2021, it was nonetheless a tremendous campaign from Alvarez.

Alvarez should be among the game’s most prolific power hitters again in 2023. However, nagging hand injuries that did affect the slugger last season are a bit of a concern.

7. Juan Soto

Padres outfielder Juan Soto finished in the top five in OBP (.401) last season, but the 2022 campaign was a tough one overall for both him and fantasy owners. Soto saw significant statistical drops in batting average and RBIs last year, a season that saw the 24-year-old join the Padres in August.

Given his track record, it’s fair to give Soto a mea culpa. After all, very few have the hand-eye coordination and bat-to-ball skills that Soto possesses.

6. Mike Trout

Despite missing over 40 games last season, Angels star Mike Trout proved to be his old self when on the field. Trout hit .283/.369/.630 with 40 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 85 runs scored. The 31-year-old posted the second-highest HR% (8.01%) rate in baseball last season.

Don’t expect many steals from Trout — who last cracked double digits in steals in 2019 — moving forward. Plus, Trout does have those nagging durability issues that will dog him moving forward.

5. Mookie Betts

Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts rebounded nicely last season, after a rough campaign by his standards in 2021. Betts hit .269/.340/.533 with 35 home runs and 82 RBIs last season, the former of which ranked fifth among all outfielder. The 30-year-old also hit double digits in steals for the ninth straight season in 2022. Betts added 12 stolen bags to his gaudy 2022 numbers.

In addition to being outfield-eligible, some leagues should also give players the option to play Betts at second.

4. Kyle Tucker

One of just nine players in baseball last season with a 20-20 season, Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker has turned into one of the game’s most well-rounded players. Tucker hit .257 with 30 home runs and 107 RBIs, and added 25 steals along the way.

If Tucker stays healthy, expect a similar season from the 25-year-old.

3. Julio Rodriguez

Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2022, after a standout season. The 22-year-old hit .284 with 25 stolen bases, 28 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 84 runs in 2022. Those numbers put Rodriguez among the game’s elite.

The 2022 campaign was a strong one for “J-Rod,” but that could be just a taste of what’s to come. An outfielder with plus power and bat speed, Rodriguez could crack the 30 home run marker in 2023.

2. Ronald Acuña Jr.

Despite being a demon on the base paths yet again, the 2022 campaign was not kind to Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuna hit .266/.351/.413, but just 15 home runs and 50 RBIs. Given the fact that Acuña Jr. did come off a major injury, it’s not crazy to think that the Braves outfielder was not in his own element last year,

An elite hitter with great power and speed, very few can match the fantasy potential that Acuña Jr. has in 2023.

1. Aaron Judge

Believe it or not, there is an argument to be made that Aaron Judge shouldn’t be the top outfielder in fantasy. After all, another 62 home run campaign is probably not in the cards. But, the Yankees superstar should remain a truly elite option for accumulating runs scored, hits, and home runs. Another 40+ home run campaign is on the table, provided he stays healthy.