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2018 Top 120 Fantasy Outfield Prospects, Part 2

The Dynasty Guru recently released the annual, consensus rankings of the top 125 fantasy outfielders in dynasty leagues (#1-20#21-40, #41-70, #71-90, and #91-125), detailing several outfield prospects. The following rankings focus upon, and dive deeper into, fantasy outfield prospects.

Like shortstop, outfield is a deep position in baseball, attracting both speedy, elite defensive players and plodding sluggers. A step above the defensive spectrum from first base and often an easier assignment than the infield, outfield contains a large and diverse group of players. As such, the list of outfield prospects is expansive; so expansive it warrants three separate articles.

Part 1 explored the cream of the crop, the top 20 outfield prospects. This article rounds out the top 50 outfield prospects.  Part 3 delves into the remaining 70 outfield prospects, from high upside, high risk teenagers to intriguing prospects on the cusp of majors, but often considered “organizational depth.”

Before delving into the rankings, here is a brief explanation of fantasy tool grades:

A Guide to Fantasy Tools

Publicly-available scouting reports and past production make up a player’s “grades” for each of his skills. Those grades help anticipate a player’s ceiling, which, in turn, helps assess value. For fantasy purposes, only a few grades matter.

Average Hit Tool: The fantasy hit tool is a mixture of contact (batting average) and plate discipline (walk percentage/on-base percentage). In a 16-team dynasty league, the average batting average and on-base percentage is approximately .265 and .335, respectively. A well-disciplined player’s fantasy hit tool plays up a grade higher than otherwise expected. A change to a hit tool grade increases or decreases those averages by approximately .015 (i.e., an above-average hitter produces a batting average and on-base percentage of approximately .280 and .350, respectively).

Average Power Tool:  The fantasy power tool weighs realized or in-game power against potential or raw power. In a 16-team dynasty league, the league-average isolated power is approximately .175, which translates to approximately 20 home runs per season. A change to a power tool grade increases or decreases by approximately .025 for isolated power.

Speed Bonus:  The speed bonus only applies to players anticipated to accumulated stolen bases. Each incremental bonus accounts for approximately 10 stolen bases. For example, a player with a speed bonus of 5 likely will accumulate approximately 10-15 stolen bases.

Risk:  Risk considers a multitude of factors, including, but not limited to, fielding, level, opportunity, industry reputation, age, and injury history. In fantasy, fielding is only relevant to the extent it facilitates or hinders opportunity and eligibility.

Without further ado, the 2018 Top Fantasy Outfield Prospects:

2018 Top 21-50 Fantasy Outfielders

RankPlayerOpening Day AgeLevelETA
21Kyle Lewis SEA22.71R/A+2019
22Jahmai Jones LAA20.65A/A+2020
23Jake Bauers TB22.48AAA2018
24Jesse Winker CIN24.62AAA/MLB2018
25Tyler O'Neill STL22.77AAA2018
26Dustin Fowler OAK23.25AAA/MLB2018
27Brent Rooker MIN23.41R/A+2019
28Jose Siri CIN22.69A2018
29Yusniel Diaz LAD21.48A+/AA2019
30Adam Haseley PHI21.96R2020
31Chris Shaw SF23.93AA/AAA2018
32Corey Ray MIL23.52A+2019
33Christin Stewart DET24.30AA2019
34Cristian Pache ATL19.36A2020
35Brett Phillips MIL23.83AAA/MLB2018
36Mickey Moniak PHI19.88A2020
37Daz Cameron DET21.21A2020
38Brandon Marsh LAA20.28R2021
39Austin Beck OAK19.36R2021
40Jeren Kendall LAD22.15R/A2020
41Blake Rutherford CHW20.91A2020
42Jhailyn Ortiz PHI19.36A-2020
43Harrison Bader STL23.82AAA/MLB2018
44Lazaro Armenteros OAK18.85R2021
45Daniel Johnson WAS22.72A/A+2019
46Franchy Cordero SD23.58AAA/MLB2018
47Starling Heredia LAD19.15R/A2021
48Tristen Lutz MIL19.60R2021
49Alex Kirilloff MIN20.39R2020
50Bubba Thompson TEX19.81R2021

21. Kyle Lewis, Seattle Mariners

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.7120195060040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R/A+0.2570.3290.41273

Following a fantastic college career, the Seattle Mariners selected Kyle Lewis with the 11th overall pick in the 2016 Draft. Just 30 games into his professional debut, he tore his right ACL during a collision at home plate. Lewis spent most of the year on-and-off the disabled list last year after returning to action last summer. Further, he continued to experience swelling and soreness in his knee during the Arizona Fall League. When healthy, Lewis displays mammoth power to all fields and a patient approach. With the entire off-season to recover, he will hopefully enter this season with a full bill of health.

Peak Projection: .260/.330/.485, 30-35 home runs

22. Jahmai Jones, Los Angeles Angels

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
20.65202055451040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A/A+0.2820.3480.4461427

A two-sport star in high school, Jahmai Jones is a gifted athlete. After a slow first-40 games in Low-A (.219/.266/.356), Jones caught fire at the end of May. Following a promotion to the High-A California League in July, he kept hitting (.302/.368/.488). In fact, Jones had a hit in all but one of his first 32 High-A games. He is a plus runner who uses his speed in all facets of the game: on the bases, at the plate, and in center field. In addition to the speed, Jones has a mature approach at the plate, spraying the ball to all fields with emerging power. At just 20 years old, he likely enters the upper minors next season and could debut as soon as 2019.

Peak Projection: .280/.345/.435, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

23. Jake Bauers, Tampa Bay Rays

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.4820185545545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA0.2630.3680.4121320

Despite being the third youngest hitter in Triple-A International League last year, Jake Bauers performed like clockwork. He is a steady and disciplined hitter who drives the ball from gap-to-gap with a quick, short stroke. Over the past two years, Bauers started hitting for more power, and many project even more. Over the same period, he also transitioned from first base to the outfield, where he is serviceable. Although Bauers lacks much speed, he has good base running instincts, leading to 20 steals in 23 attempts. With little left to prove in Triple-A, he will likely debut for the Rays early this year.

Peak Projection: .270/.360/.430, 15-20 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

24. Jesse Winker, Cincinnati Reds

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
24.6220186540045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA/MLB0.310.3890.44393

In addition to an 80-grade first name, Jesse Winker has elite plate discipline (career .398 on-base percentage). An incredibly patient and high-contact hitter, he is a difficult out. The only blemish in his offensive game is an uncertain power projection: despite displaying good power early in his career, it dried up in Triple-A. During his major league debut last year, however, he suddenly rediscovered the long ball. Indeed, Winker hit more home runs in his debut (7) than he hit in the past two years in Triple-A. Adding power to the mix allows his bat to play in left field, his home due to his poor athleticism. Should Winker earn a starting job this year, he could be an impactful fantasy player.

Peak Projection: .300/.395/.435, 10-15 home runs

25. Tyler O'Neill, St. Louis Cardinals

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.7720184560045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA0.2460.3210.4993114

With Popeye-on-spinach biceps, Tyler O’Neill hits baseballs very far. His double-plus raw power produced 88 home runs over the last three years. Following a July trade to the Cardinals, O’Neill hit for even more power, mashing 12 home runs over his final 35 games. With the power, however, comes many strikeouts, including 151 (27.1%) last year. Incorporating more walks the past two years (10%), O’Neill is developing into a legitimate three-true-outcome player. Meanwhile, he possesses a modicum of speed, allowing him to swipe double-digit bases in each of the last three years. O’Neill’s mediocre speed, but strong arm, likely limit him to a corner outfield position where his power profiles well. Although an extremely crowded Cardinals outfield will likely force him back to Triple-A, he should debut later this year.

Peak Projection: .250/.320/.480, 30-35 home runs

26. Dustin Fowler, Oakland Athletics

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.25201850451045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA/MLB0.2930.3290.5421313

After an explosive season in Triple-A, Dustin Fowler debuted for the Yankees on June 29th. Less than an inning into his debut, he crashed straight into a wall, rupturing his patellar tendon and ending his season. Prior to his injury, he made loads of hard contact with blossoming pull-side power. An aggressive player, Fowler does not walk much, but regularly takes extra-bases, steals bases, and occasionally runs into walls. Entering this year, it is unclear how his injury and recovery will impact his plus speed. If he returns to form, Fowler is the favorite to open the season as the starting center-fielder for the Athletics.

Peak Projection: .285/.320/.445, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

27. Brent Rooker, Minnesota Twins

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.4120195060040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R/A+0.2810.3640.566182

Following a monstrous junior year (.387/.495/.810 with 23 home runs), the Twins selected Brent Rooker 35th overall in the 2017 Draft. Rooker advanced all the way to High-A Florida State League in his debut, dominating everywhere he played. After a slow 9-for-50 start in the FSL, he hit .333/.398/.667 with 9 home runs over his last 25 games. Rooker knocked 41 home runs last year and is already able to consistently tap into his huge, all-fields raw power (26% HR/FB). Like many power hitters, he suffers from significant swing-and-miss, with a 17.3% swinging strike rate and a 29% strikeout rate in the FSL. However, Rooker’s contact issues have yet to hinder him at any level. A potential elite power hitter or three-true-outcomes slugger, he possesses massive fantasy upside.

Peak Projection: .260/.340/.480, 30-35 home runs

28. Jose Siri, Cincinnati Reds

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.69201845501540
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A0.2930.3410.532446

After four years refining his elite tools in Rookie ball, Jose Siri made his full-season debut late in 2016. Last year, he returned to Low-A Midwest League and struggled out of the gate (.208/.284/.325). However, he was electric following his rough start, hitting .308/.352/.566 with 23 home runs over 105 games. Siri’s epic run included a 39-game hitting streak, breaking the Midwest League record, which ended on a hit by pitch.

The tools support the production.  Siri is an athletic and lean 6’2” with plus bat speed, tremendous raw power, and great speed. Although an aggressive hitter with swing-and-miss issues (17.9% swinging strike rate), he manages to make plenty of loud contact. Further, Siri’s plus speed plays well on the bases and in the field, where he displays outstanding range in center field. On the 40-man roster, he likely will debut late this year, but spend most of the year in High-A.

Peak Projection: .265/.315/.450, 20-25 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases

29. Yusniel Diaz, Los Angeles Dodgers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
21.4820195545545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A+/AA0.2920.3540.433119

In 2015, the Dodgers signed Yusniel Diaz for $31 million after he defected from Cuba. For his state-side debut, the Dodgers aggressively assigned Diaz to High-A California League. There, he performed quite well under the circumstances (cultural assimilation and shaking off the rust). Returning to High-A last year, Diaz recovered after a poor start, hitting .333/.386/.517 from June onward and ending the year on fire in Double-A. Diaz is a natural hitter who sprays line drives from gap-to-gap with borderline-average power. Despite good speed, he struggles on the bases, with an abysmal 39% success rate. Diaz likely returns to Double-A this year, hoping to replicate his second half performance.

Peak Projection: .285/.345/.440, 15-20 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

30. Adam Haseley, Philadelphia Phillies

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
21.9620205545545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.2840.3570.40536

Although the eighth overall pick from the 2017 Draft has no standout tool, Adam Haseley can do a little bit of everything. He is a polished hitter who delivers a steady stream of line drives (28% in his debut) to all fields. Meanwhile, Haseley’s solid speed makes him a threat on the bases and an asset in the outfield. Lastly, he has some power and can punish mistakes. With a high floor and modest ceiling, Haseley is one of the safer, albeit less enthralling, players from the 2017 draft class.

Peak Projection: .280/.350/.430, 15-20 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

31. Chris Shaw, San Francisco Giants

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.9320184560045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AA/AAA0.2920.3460.525240

Chris Shaw has hit for big power ever since the Giants drafted him in the first round of the 2015 Draft. He returned to the notorious hitters park in Double-A Richmond last year and conquered, and then dominated Triple-A. 6’4” and 235 pounds, Shaw uses his strength to punish balls to all fields. he normally does a good job making contact, even though his swing can get long and lead to some swing-and-miss (25.7 K%), . The contact Shaw makes is also improving, as he hit tons of line drives last year (26%). Since he is unathletic, slow, and a poor defender, he does not receive much attention as a real-life prospect. However, Shaw is a potential fantasy stud.  As he is not on the 40-man roster, he likely returns to Triple-A and spends the year there. Should a major league opportunity present itself, Shaw could surprise like Matt Olson and Rhys Hoskins last year.

Peak Projection: .260/.320/.485, 30-35 home runs

32. Corey Ray, Milwaukee Brewers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.52201945451545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A+0.2380.3110.367724

During his junior year of college, Corey Ray hit 15 home runs and stole 44 bases in . . . 44 attempts. Such a power/speed combination is rare, and, consequently, the Brewers drafted him fifth overall in 2016. Following a disappointing debut, Ray suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee, delaying his start last year. When he returned, he continued to struggle, especially with contact (31 K%). His second straight poor season caused his stock to plummet, but there is hope. Ray still retains the same alluring speed and exhibits excellent range in the field. Further, he hits plenty of line drives (23%) and uses the entire field. Although the power has yet to truly manifest in games, Ray flashes plus raw power. All the ingredients are there for a potent fantasy player. With a full, healthy off-season, Ray can hopefully rebound as he enters the upper minors.

Peak Projection: .250/.320/.410, 15-20 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases

33. Christin Stewart, Detroit Tigers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
24.320194560045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AA0.2560.3350.501283

Do not confuse Christin Stewart with the actress from Twilight. A 2015 first round pick, he is a burly, powerful man with an astounding .246 isolated slugging percentage for his career. Last year, Stewart led the Double-A Eastern League in home runs (28) and strikeouts (138). With an approach designed to generate fly balls, he manages to reach much of his plus raw power. Meanwhile, Stewart’s patience (10.1 BB%) is often to blame for his many strikeouts, rather than swing-and-miss issues. Given his approach and lack of speed, he is unlikely to ever hit for a high batting average. A three-true-outcomes hitter strictly limited to left field or designated hitter, Stewart has a high hitting bar to cross. His dynamite power, however, should eventually earn him a big-league job.

Peak Projection: .245/.325/.475, 30-35 home runs

34. Cristian Pache, Atlanta Braves

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.36202055351545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A0.2810.3350.343032

The opposite of the other Christin ahead of him, Cristian Pache has yet to hit a professional home run. Last year, he was the youngest position player in the Low-A South Atlantic League and performed close to league-average. At the plate, Pache is still raw, but already delivers line drives and expertly utilizes his elite speed. Despite currently lacking game power, many note his solid raw power, and his 6’2” frame suggests more to come. At the moment, Pache’s defense is far ahead of his hitting. He is otherworldly in the field, with incredible range, instincts, and arm strength. In fact, he had 17 outfield assists last year! Already appearing on many top 100 lists due to his defense, Pache is a potential top 10 prospect if, or when, his bat reaches its potential.

Peak Projection: .285/.335/.385, 5-10 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases

35. Brett Phillips, Milwaukee Brewers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.8320184550550
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA/MLB0.30.3720.5452314

It is difficult not to root for Brett Phillips. A high energy, infectious personality and player with quite the laugh, he continues to quell doubts about his ability. A top performer in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, Phillips hit well across the league (not just in Colorado Springs). His impressive performance resulted in an extended major league debut, where he displayed all five tools. A line hitter with a violent, upper-cut swing, Phillips creates loft and hits for surprising game power. Last year, he began using the whole field with great results. Although his violent actions at the plate lead to significant swing-and-miss (163 strikeouts or 30.7%), the quality of his contact and patience allow his approach to work. Meanwhile, Phillips is a solid defender with an elite arm. Blocked by a crowded Brewers outfield, he likely needs a trade to see regular playing time this year.

Peak Projection: .255/.330/.440, 20-25 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

36. Mickey Moniak, Philadelphia Phillies

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.88202055401040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A0.2360.2840.341511

Last year was a tale of two seasons for Mickey Moniak. In his first 60 games, he hit .277/.333/.403, a respectable performance for an 18-year-old in Low-A. The rest of the season, he hit an unsightly .196/.234/.281. Regardless of his age, Moniak’s first full-season performance following his selection as the 2017 first overall pick was unacceptable. Still, he showed glimpses of his sweet, loose left-handed stroke and pure hitting ability. A potential elite, all-fields, line drive hitter with good speed and some pop, Moniak has nice upside. Unfortunately, last year, he showed everyone his downside.

Peak Projection: .290/.340/.420, 10-15 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

37. Daz Cameron, Detroit Tigers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
21.21202050451040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A0.2710.3510.4631432

The son of perennial 20/20 outfielder Mike Cameron, Daz does not fall far from the tree. As such, he received a well-above-slot $4 million bonus as a 2015 supplemental first round pick. The next year, Cameron fell on his face in his full-season debut in Low-A (.143/.221/.221 with 37.9 K%). Consequently, his prospect stock tanked. Last year, Cameron returned to Low-A and was, again, terrible over his first 45 games (.182/.254/.327). Thereafter, something clicked, and he caught fire, hitting .324/.405/.533 with 10 home runs and 21 stolen bases. Convinced by Cameron’s progress, the Tigers acquired him in September as part of a package for Justin Verlander.

At the plate, Cameron willingly takes walks while driving the ball to all fields. With only borderline-average power, he sneaks into more home runs than expected due to his lofted swing (45.8 FB%). Addressing his previous contact concerns, Cameron struck out a manageable amount (21.1%) without too much swing-and-miss. Additionally, his plus speed provides him good range in the outfield and plenty of stolen bases. This year, Cameron likely moves to High-A with a rebuilt career and tons of momentum.

Peak Projection: .265/.345/.425, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

38. Brandon Marsh, Los Angeles Angels

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
20.28202150501035
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.350.3960.548410

After the Angels selected Brandon Marsh in the second round of the 2016 Draft, a back injury sidelined him for the Summer. When he finally made his debut in the Pioneer League last June, he immediately made up for missed time. In his first seven games, he went 15 for 30 with 3 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, and 5 stolen bases. Then, Marsh missed a month due to a thumb injury. Upon his return, his pace slowed, but he still impressed.

An athletic and projectable 6’4” and 210 pounds, Marsh pairs plus raw power with plus speed. Further, he displays a good feel to hit, spraying hard contact to all-fields. For his size, he gets underway quickly, allowing his speed to play well in centerfield and on the bases. Provided he stays healthy, he possesses massive upside.

Peak Projection: .275/.320/.455, 20-25 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

39. Austin Beck, Oakland Athletics

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.36202150551030
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.2110.2930.34927

The sixth-overall pick of the 2017 draft, Austin Beck is an extremely raw, tooled-up prospect with elite bat speed. Following a rough start in his debut (.175/.241/.225), he provided a taste of his potential, with a .267 isolated slugging percentage over his last 21 games. Along with the power, Beck exhibits patience, speed, and the ability to hit the ball to the whole field. Drawing comparisons to Mike Trout, he has as much upside as any outfield prospect. Given his inconsistent debut, many already soured on Beck. As mentioned above, young players require patience, and Beck will require even more than most. Be patient!

Peak Projection: .255/.335/.460, 25-30 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

40. Jeren Kendall, Los Angeles Dodgers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.15202040501540
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R/A0.2530.3110.44439

Jeren Kendall does three things well: hit for power, run, and strikeout. Indeed, in his junior year, he hit 15 home runs, stole 20 bases, and struck out 74 times (25%). Such a strikeout rate in college is extremely worrying. Hence, Kendall fell to the Dodgers in the 2017 draft at 23rd overall. True to form in his debut, he flashed power (.191 ISO), speed (9 SBs), and strikeouts (25%). Meanwhile, his plus speed affords him tremendous range in center field. Despite the swing-and-miss issues, Kendall’s power/speed potential is extremely enticing.

Peak Projection: .240/.300/.425, 20-25 home runs, 30-35 stolen bases

41. Blake Rutherford, Chicago White Sox

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
20.9120205550040
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A0.260.3260.348210

Last July, the Yankees traded Blake Rutherford a year after selecting him in the first round of the 2016 Draft. At the time of the trade, Rutherford was holding his own in Low-A (.281/.342/.391). After the trade, he completely collapsed (.213/.289/.254). An all-fields, line-drive hitter, Rutherford has great bat speed with power potential in his 6’3” frame. Thus far, he has yet to hit for much game power, driving tons of balls into the ground. Should he tap into his raw power, Rutherford could be a plus hitter with plus power.

Peak Projection: .290/.350/.465

42. Jhailyn Ortiz, Philadelphia Phillies

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.3620204565035
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A-0.3020.4010.5685

In 2015, the Phillies dished out $4 million to sign power-prospect Jhailyn Ortiz. Since then, he delivered on the power, with an impressive 17.8% home run-to-fly ball rate. Last year, Ortiz was a top performer in the New York-Penn League at just 18 years old. In addition to the power, he exhibits a patient approach (9.6 BB%) that is now becoming all-fields. Ortiz is still prone to substantial swing-and-miss, however, with 18% swinging strikes and 25% strikeouts last year. Further, he is a poor, slow athlete with extremely limited range in the outfield. Although Ortiz’s offensive upside is sky high due to his elite power, he carries tons of risk.

Peak Projection: .240/.330/.490, 35-40 home runs

43. Harrison Bader, St. Louis Cardinals

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.8220184550545
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA/MLB0.2750.3360.4532317

A 2015 third round pick, Harrison Bader quickly moved through the minors to debut with the Cardinals last year. Like Brett Phillips above, doubts persist regarding his ability despite his steady performance. In addition, like Phillips, Bader flashes all five tools, with good power and a leveraged swing to tap into it. An aggressive hitter, he suffers from a bit too many strikeouts (24.9%) and a pull-heavy approach. As such, Bader is unlikely to replicate the same minor league success in the majors. Further, despite plus speed, which provides excellent outfield range, he struggles stealing bases (62% success rate). Further still, the crowded Cardinals outfield likely relegates Bader to Triple-A or a bench role. With playing time, he would be a nice source of power and speed.

Peak Projection: .260/.325/.430, 20-25 home runs, 10-15 stolen bases

44. Lazaro "Lazarito" Armenteros, Oakland Athletics

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
18.85202150551030
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.2760.3770.443412

Signed by the Athletics for $3 million in 2016, Lazaro (“Lazarito”) Armenteros has tantalizing, but raw, talent. In his state-side debut last year, he displayed big power and bigger speed. After a slow start, Lazarito ended the season on a 13-game hitting streak while slashing .339/.438/.581 in August. Although he suffered some swing-and-miss (27.5 K%), he exhibited patience (9.2 BB%) and a feel for all-fields contact. Still only 18 years old, Lazarito is a long way from the majors. Such a lengthy path means his development could go any number of ways and he will require patience. Lazarito’s massive upside, however, is worth the wait.

Peak Projection: .270/.330/.460, 25-30 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

45. Daniel Johnson, Washington Nationals

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
22.72201945451045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
A/A+0.2980.3560.5052222

Overshadowed by Victor Robles and Juan Soto, Daniel Johnson is quite the outfield prospect himself. The 2016 fifth round pick broke out in a big way last year, posting a 20/20 season. Known more for his speed, Johnson hit for surprising power given his size (5’10”) and wide stance. With exceptional bat speed, he drives the ball from gap-to-gap. Although aggressive at the plate, Johnson demonstrated enough patience and pitch recognition to allow his approach to work. A potentially dynamic power/speed threat, he is not far behind Robles in his ascent to the majors.

Peak Projection: .260/.310/.420, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

46. Franchy Cordero, San Diego Padres

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
23.58201840501045
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
AAA/MLB0.3070.3510.5562016

Last year, Franchy Cordero led the minors in triples (18) and hit 3 more in his major league debut. An electrifying athlete with power, speed, defense, and consistent all-fields, hard contact, he does it all. Unfortunately, Cordero’s plate discipline is debilitating. Excessively aggressive, he rarely walks and suffers loads of swing-and-miss (31.3 K%). Still only 23 years old, however, Cordero has plenty of time to iron out his approach. Without any progress, he may never hit enough to reach his explosive skillset. With progress, Cordero is a potential superstar.

Peak Projection: .250/.300/.430, 20-25 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

47. Starling Heredia, Los Angeles Dodgers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.1520215055035
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R/A0.3250.3970.555710

Another international signee, Starling Heredia signed with the Dodgers in 2015 for $2.6 million. Spending the next year in the Dominican Summer League, he arrived state-side last year. After making quick work of the Arizona League, Heredia moved to the Pioneer League, where he continued his domination. All told, he slashed a silly .427/.492/.818 with 6 home runs over 26 Rookie ball games. As a result, the Dodgers promoted Heredia all the way to full-season Low-A, where he understandably struggled at just 18 years old. A beefy 6’2” and 200 pounds, Heredia is a pure line-drive hitter with huge power to all fields. Though there are contact concerns, he balances the strikeouts (29.5%) with plenty of walks (10.3%). With a strong full-season performance next year, Heredia’s stock will skyrocket.

Peak Projection: .265/.335/.470, 25-30 home runs

48. Tristen Lutz, Milwaukee Brewers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.620215055035
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.3110.3980.55993

The 34th overall pick in the 2017 Draft, Tristen Lutz had an extremely impressive debut. A strong 6’3” and 210 pounds, he possesses plus bat speed and raw power, drawing 70-grades from some observers. In his debut, Lutz made lots of hard contact and regularly tapped into his power (23.1% HR/FB). Additionally, he shows a feel for all-fields contact with solid discipline. Add a strong arm and average athleticism to the power and Lutz checks all the boxes for a prototypical right fielder.

Peak Projection: .265/.335/.475, 25-30 home runs

49. Alex Kirilloff, Minnesota Twins

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
20.3920205055035

In early March last year, Alex Kirilloff’s season prematurely ended with Tommy John surgery. Now fully recovered, the fifteenth overall pick of the 2016 Draft hopes to pick up where he left off after his terrific debut. Another prototypical right fielder, Kirilloff has plus bat speed, raw power, and arm strength. A natural hitter, he sprays line drives to all fields, though he was overly aggressive in his debut. After a lost season, many prospects passed Kirilloff, but do not forget him.

Peak Projection: .280/.320/.470, 25-30 home runs

50. Bubba Thompson, Texas Rangers

AgeETAHitPowerSpeedRisk
19.81202150451035
2017 StatisticsAVGOBPSLGHRSB
R0.2570.3170.43435

Despite college scholarship offers to play quarterback, Bubba Thompson choose to pursue baseball. Good man! The Rangers rewarded Thompson by selecting him 26th overall in the 2017 Draft. A talented athlete, he combines plus bat speed with an innate feel for contact and developing power. Hampered by minor knee injuries, Thompson only played 30 games and was unable to truly showcase his game-changing speed. Even so, he provided glimpses of his exciting power/speed package and immense potential.

Peak Projection: .270/.330/.425, 15-20 home runs, 20-25 stolen bases

Stay tuned for Part 3 next week!

The Author

Jesse Roche

Jesse Roche

Jesse is an attorney, currently residing in Greensboro. An avid fantasy baseball player, Jesse has experience in a diverse range of leagues, including head-to-head, rotisserie, points, and simulation. Jesse is a five-time website-wide champion at Benchwarmer Baseball and a repeat champion of a dynasty league with John Sickels at Minor League Ball. With a specific interest in baseball prospects, Jesse plans to provide in-depth analysis of up-and-coming stars accessible to all league sizes and types.

1 Comment

  1. […] 2018 Baseball Prospect Rankings: TheDynastyGuru.com continues their rankings of the top 125 outfield prospects with #21-50. […]

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