Milwaukee’s Carlos Gomez is a top 5 fantasy outfielder. (Getty)
With Major League Baseball’s Opening Day (April 6th) less than two weeks from now, that means fantasy baseball is right around the corner too and Heavy.com has it covered.
Heavy ranks and projects the top players at each position including their 2014 statistics as well as a player preview for the upcoming 2015 season. The follow list is Heavy’s projected top 50 outfielders for the 2015 season.
Outfielders Rankings & Projections
1. Mike Trout, Angels
2014 Statistics: .287 BA; 36 HR, 111 RBI, 115 R, 16 SB
2015 Outlook: Trout has proven to be the top OF in the game – fantasy-wise and in real life. There was a dip in average and stolen bases in 2014, but he’s still only 23 so his best days are ahead.
2015 Projections: .300 BA, 35 HR, 105 RBI, 120 R, 25 SB
2. Andrew McCutchen, Pirates
2014 Statistics: .314 BA, 24 HR, 83 RBI, 89 R, 18 SB
2015 Outlook: McCutchen ended 2014 on a high-note, though he had the lowest stolen base total of his career and has yet to crack 100 RBIs. Entering his age 28 season, McCutchen is in his prime, so expect an improvement.
2015 Projections: .310 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 85 R, 15 SB
3. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
2014 Statistics: .288 BA, 37 HR, 105 RBI, 89 R, 13 SB
2015 Outlook: Stanton took a pitch to the face late last season which limited to 145 games. Otherwise the “Artist Formerly Known as Mike Stanton” was reaching 40 homers and perhaps 115 RBIs. If he stays healthy, which has been an issue, the 25-year-old does. Stanton has 50-HR potential. Stanton is only behind McCutchen because of injury concerns.
2015 Projections: .270 BA, 45 HR, 125 RBI, 90 R, 10 SB
4. Michael Brantley, Indians
2014 Statistics: .327 BA, 20 HR, 97 RBI, 94 R, 23 SB
2015 Outlook: Brantley has shown significant improvement in each of the past 3 seasons and at age 27 (28 in May) is a prime candidate for continued – and more – success. He fills the stat sheet in all categories and puts the ball in play (less than 70 Ks in each of the past 3 years).
2015 Projections: .310 BA, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 110 R, 25 SB
5. Carlos Gomes, Brewers
2014 Statistics: .285 BA, 23 HR, 73 RBI, 95 RBI, 34 SB
2015 Outlook: Despite striking out entirely way too much (about once per game over the past 2 seasons), Gomez continues to put up power and speed numbers from his leadoff spot. Amazingly he’s still just 29 and has a few elite fantasy seasons left in him. A small bit of concern is that Gomez hasn’t played 150 games in a year since 2008.
2015 Projections: .275, 25 HR, 75 RBI, 90 R, 40 SB
6. Ryan Braun, Brewers
2014 Statistics: .266 BA, 19 HR, 81 RBI, 68 R, 11 SB
2015 Outlook: Braun battled a bunch of injuries in 2014 which led to some pedestrian numbers, but he’s definitely a top bounceback candidate. At 31, he still has a couple of solid years left and will help fantasy teams in all categories. Though his days of stealing 25 bases are likely done.
2015 Projections: .285 BA, 25 HR, 95 RBI, 85 R, 10 SB
7. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays
2014 Statistics: .286 BA, 35 HR, 103 RBI, 101 R, 6 SB
2015 Outlook: At 35, Joey Bats isn’t a spring chicken anymore. But after 2 sub-par seasons at the plate, he got back into his 2010-11 fantasy form, launching bombs and knocking in runs. More importantly, Bautista stayed healthy. Can he do that again at an age when most players break down.
2015 Projections: .265, 35 HR, 110 RBI, 90 R, 5 SB
8. Adam Jones, Orioles
2014 Statistics: .281 BA, 29 HR, 96 RBI, 88 R, 7 SB
2015 Outlook: The 29-year-old Jones is just a year removed from a 30-HR, 100-RBI campaign. He’s durable and plays in a potentially potent lineup, both attractive qualities. Jones is a 25-HR, 85-RBI lock.
2015 Projections: .285, 30 HR, 110 RBI, 90 RBI, 5 SB
9. Yasiel Puig, Dodgers
2014 Statistics: .296 BA, 16 HR, 69 RBI, 92 R, 11 SB
2015 Outlook: Puig’s one of those enigmas. He’s young, immensely talented, but sometimes looks like he just isn’t paying attention. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for 2015 because of the glimpses of greatness he gives us. Puig is definitely a top breakout candidate.
2015 Projections: .290 BA, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 100 R, 20 SB
10. Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies
2014 Statistics: .238 BA, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 35 R, 3 SB
2015 Outlook: OK, this ranking is based that Car-Go is going to stay healthy. He hasn’t at all lately, but he’s had a great spring. When healthy, he puts up monster numbers and playing half his games in Coors Field always helps. He could be a steal as many have given up on Gonzalez.
2015 Projections: .290 BA, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 85 R, 10 SB
11. Bryce Harper, Nationals
2014 Statistics: .273 BA, 13 HR, 32 RBI, 41 R, 2 SB
2015 Outlook: Harper has not lived up the outrageously unattainable the baseball world has thrown on him. In fact, he hasn’t come close. Watch Harper play for a bit and you can see he has oodles of potential. If he can rid himself of some of injuries and mental lapses, look out.
2015 Projections: .285 BA, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 95 R, 15 SB
12. Corey Dickerson, Rockies
2014 Statistics: .312 BA, 24 HR, 76 RBI, 74 R, 8 SB
2015 Outlook: Dickerson should be high on everyone’s breakout candidate list. He actually broke out in 2014, but he’ll be in the lineup nearly every day in 2015. Dickerson killed it at Coors (who doesn’t?) and should only get better. He’s very similar to teammate Carlos Gonzalez; let’s just hope Dickerson can stay healthy.
2015 Projections: .295 BA, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 90 R, 10 SB
13. Jacoby Ellsbury, Yankees
2014 Statistics: .271 BA, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 71 R, 39 RBI
2015 Outlook: Ellsbury is one of the most efficient base stealers in the game and is a good bet to get 30 again. But at 32 and in a not-so-potent-anymore Yankees’ lineup, Ellsbury probably isn’t going to rack up the runs, his other major fantasy contribution. And from the “Something Which Probably Means Nothing, But Sounds Like Something” department: Ellsbury is an extreme Jekyll and Hyde player, underachieving in even years and dominating in odd years, which 2015 is.
2015 Projections: .270 BA, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 70 R, 30 SB
14. Starling Marte, Pirates
2014 Statistics: .291 BA, 13 HR, 56 RBI, 73 R, 30 SB
2015 Outlook: Marte has been pretty consistent in his fantasy skills – excellent speed and good pop. Like teammate Andrew McCutchen, he made pitchers look foolish down the stretch and is at 26 is now entering his prime. A spike in power can be expected.
2015 Projections: .285 BA, 20 HR, 70 RBI, 85 R, 35 SB
15. George Springer, Astros
2014 Statistics: .231 BA, 20 HR, 51 RBI, 45 R, 5 SB
2015 Outlook: There’s a good chance Springer kills teams in the batting average category. OK, there’s an excellent chance he kills teams in the batting average category. But 20 HRs in 78 games as a rookie? We’ll take that. You need boppers in your fantasy lineup. Springer is one. Find your BA players elsewhere. He adds a little speed, too.
2015 Projections: . 245 BA, 35 HR, 90 RBI, 85 R, 10 SB
16. Justin Upton, Padres
2014 Statistics: .270 BA, 29 HR, 102 RBI, 77 R, 8 SB
2015 Outlook: Upton is hitting his prime, so I’m sure you’re all very excited he’s been shipped to San Diego to play half his games in cavernous Petco Park, the place where bashers become bunters. But the Pads did their homework – Upton is a .291 career hitter at Petco. You can probably expect a slight power decrease, though.
2015 Projections: .275 BA, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 85 R, 10 SB
17. Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers
2014 Statistics: .260 BA, 22 HR, 100 RBI, 89 R, 7 SB
2015 Outlook: Cespedes makes the move from Fenway to Comerica Park. Comerica isn’t exactly a hitter’s dream, but the Tigers lineup is rather stacked and should help Cespedes get plenty of RBI opportunities.
2015 Projections: .265 BA, 25 HR, 110 RBI, 95 R, 5 SB
Interested in playing daily fantasy baseball? Click here to sign up for DraftKings and here to register for FanDuel.
18. Matt Kemp, Padres
2014 Statistics: .287 BA, 25 HR, 89 RBI, 77 R, 8 SB
2015 Outlook: Kemp is another face in a new place for 2015, joining Justin Upton in the spacious outfield of Petco Park. And like Upton, Kemp is not scared of the San Diego Canyon. Kemp is a career .322 hitter there – that’s unheard of at Petco.
2015 Projections: .280 BA, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 80 R, 10 SB
19. Nelson Cruz, Mariners
2014 Statistics: .271 BA, 40 HR, 108 RBI, 87 R, 4 SB
2015 Outlook: At 34 and injury-prone, Cruz is a risk. But there is no denying that power. The 40 homers led the league in 2014 and if he’s on the field, there’s no reason to think Cruz can’t mash out another 30-35 taters. You know, except for that whole team switch from hitter-friendly Camden Yards in Baltimore to Seattle’s spacious Safeco. Still, Cruz has peerless power; he can knock them out anywhere, though maybe don’t expect 40 again.
2015 Projections: .265 BA, 35 HR, 105 RBI, 85 R, 5 SB
20. Christian Yelich, Marlins
2014 Statistics: .284 BA, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 94 R, 21 SB
2015 Outlook: Yelich played beyond his age in 2014, showing tremendous plate discipline and Gold Glove defense. Now 23, Yelich is the table-setter for the surprisingly strong Marlins offense. If Yelich can continue to get on base, run opportunities will be there as Giancarlo Stanton is looming down the order a few spots.
2015 Projections: .290 BA, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 100 R, 25 SB
21. Mookie Betts, Red Sox
2014 Statistics: .291 BA, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 34 R, 7 SB
2015 Outlook: Betts played in only 52 games as a rookie but showed enough to be considered for the 2015 leadoff spot. And he’s done more than enough this spring to lock that job up. Only 22, Betts will likely play centerfield (he’s an infielder by trade), but fantasy players don’t care where he plays, as long as he gets to hit. He has some surprising power, too.
2015 Projections: .285 BA, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 90 R, 25 SB
22. J.D. Martinez, Tigers
2014 Statistics: .315 BA, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 57 R, 6 SB
2015 Outlook: Well, that was unexpected. Martinez, though a young , former second-round pick, was cast off by the Astros (the ASTROS!). But he found greener pastures in Detroit and mashed in 2014. He’ll be hitting in the heart of a potent lineup and should build on his breakout year.
2015 Projections: .290 BA, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 80 R, 5 SB
23. Jason Heyward, Cardinals
2014 Statistics: .271 BA, 11 HR, 58 RBI, 74 R, 20 SB
2015 Outlook: Heyward hasn’t exactly developed into the power hitter we thought he’d become when he debuted in 2010. In fact, he has topped 20 HRs and 80 RBIs just once in his young career. Jay Hey is young, just entering his prime power years. Perhaps the change of scenery from Atlanta to St. Louis is what he needs.
2015 Projections: .275 BA, 20 HR, 75 RBI, 80 R, 15 SB
24. Billy Hamilton, Reds
2014 Statistics: .250 BA, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 72 R, 56 SB
2015 Outlook: His outlook is speed. Somehow Hamilton managed 56 steals while getting on base at a putrid .292 clip. Can you imagine if he got that up to .333, or something somewhat even close to what a leadoff hitter should be? He’d swipe 85 bags. But his minor league numbers show he isn’t an on-base guy. But you draft Hamilton based on the fact he can win you the steals category by himself.
2015 Projections: .260 BA, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 80 R, 70 SB
25. Kole Calhoun, Angels
2014 Statistics: .272 BA, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 90 R, 5 SB
2015 Outlook: Calhoun was a run-scoring machine for the Angels a season ago despite appearing in less than 130 games. He’ll be in the leadoff spot in 2015, hitting in front of Mike Trout and Albert Pujols. He’s not going to swipe a ton of bags, but Calhoun has some pop.
2015 Projections: .275 BA, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 100 R, 10 SB
26. Jorge Soler, Cubs
2014 Statistics: .292 BA, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 11 R, 1 SB
2015 Outlook: With all the hype surrounding the Cuban Cub, Soler eclipsed the heavy scrutiny and put up solid numbers in his short 24-game stint in 2014. Now, can he block out all the attention he’ll receive and produce over a full season? I like those chances. Cubs fans have reason for optimism.
2015 Projections: .270 BA, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 75 R, 5 SB
27. Alex Gordon, Royals
2014 Statistics: .266 BA, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 87 R, 12 SB
2015 Outlook: Gordon isn’t a star in any particular category, but he helps everywhere. He can knock it out of the park, swipe some bags and really helps in on-base percentage, if your league uses that. With Billy Butler gone, Gordon will be looked upon to knock some more runs in, though that was never his strong suit.
2015 Projections: .275 BA, 20 HR, 85 RBI, 80 R, 10 SB
28. Matt Holliday, Cardinals
2014 Statistics: .272 BA, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 83 R, 4 SB
2015 Outlook: Holliday’s power was on vacation in the first half of 2014 – he hit just 6 homers. But he rebounded with 14 in the final 63 games. Holliday will provide some power numbers, but at 35 he’s clearly winding down and is more of a third outfielder than second for your team.
2015 Projections: .265 BA, 20 HR, 80 RBI, 75 R, 5 SB
29. Jay Bruce, Reds
2014 Statistics: .217 BA, 18 HR, 66 RBI, 71 R, 12 SB
2015 Outlook: Bruce had knee surgery last May and just never got it going at the plate, but he is one season removed from a 30-HR, 100-RBI campaign. Never a high-contact guy, Bruce is a lock for 20 homers and 80 RBIs if he can stay healthy.
2015 Projections: . 255 BA, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 75 R, 10 SB
30. Brett Gardner, Yankees
2014 Statistics: .256 BA, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 87 R, 21 SB
2015 Outlook: Gardner is going all Johnny Damon on us and finding his power later in his career, slugging nearly half of his career homers in 2014 (17 of 40). Was that a mirage or new trends? Either way, you know he’s good for 15-20 steals. At 31, you might see an erosion of skills, but if he’s healthy, Gardner will be useful in most formats.
2015 Projections: .265 BA, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 80 R, 20 SB
31. Charlie Blackmon, Rockies
2014 Statistics: .288 BA, 19 HR, 72 RBI, 82 R, 28 SB
2015 Outlook: Despite his inability to hit lefties and away from Coors Field, Blackmon put up pretty good numbers. Question is, will he continue to ride the pine vs. southpaws? If that’s the case, he might have trouble approaching last year’s stats. Blackmon will get a shot to show what he can do. It’s up to him. If he produces, he could be a steal as a mid- to later-round pick.
2015 Projections: .280 BA, 20 HR, 65 RBI, 80 RBI, 25 SB
32. Marcell Ozuna, Marlins
2014 Statistics: .269 BA, 23 HR, 85 RBI, 72 R, 3 SB
2015 Outlook: This might be a bit low for Ozuna, actually. He has serious power potential as evidenced by his minor-league mashing. Did the entire Marlins’ offense overachieve last year or are they here to stay? We’ll find out soon enough. But, regardless, Ozuna will have plenty of RBI opportunities batting in the meat of the order.
2015 Projections: .260 BA, 25 HR, 85 RBI, 70 R, 5 SB
33. Leonys Martin, Rangers
2014 Statistics: .274 BA, 7 HR, 40 RBI, 68 R, 31 SB
2015 Outlook: And now this might be a bit high for Martin. He has the potential to hit .330, but is it going to happen? He’s been toiling in the .260-270 range as a major leaguer. But if Martin does start putting the bat on the ball more, his across-the-board numbers will spike.
2015 Projections: .290 BA, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 75 R, 35 SB
34. Hunter Pence, Giants
2014 Statistics: .277 BA, 20 HR, 77 RBI, 106 R, 13 SB
2015 Outlook: Pence would normailly be top 15, but he broke his arm in early March and will likely miss the first 2-to-4 weeks of the season. How he performs after that remains to be seen. With Pablo Sandoval now in Boston, Pence will be leaned on to knock more runs in for the defending champion Giants. Don’t forget about Pence on draft day.
2015 Projections: .277 BA, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 80 R, 10 SB
35. Mark Trumbo, Diamondbacks
2014 Statistics: .235 BA, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 37 R, 2 SB
2015 Outlook: Trumbo was hurt (foot) most of last season but still managed 14 HRs in 88 games. If he’s on the field, he’s going to hit 30 bombs. But he’ll also bat .240 and that kind of limits his RBI numbers despite his HR total. Don’t get upset, that’s just how it goes.
2015 Projections: .235 BA, 30 HR, 80 RBI, 65 R
Here are the rest of Heavy’s Top 50 Outfielders:
36. Melky Cabrera, White Sox
37. Mark Trumbo, Diamondbacks
39. Jayson Werth, Nationals
40. Brandon Moss, Indians
41. Alex Rios, Royals
42. Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers
43. Wil Myers, Padres
44. Ben Revere, Phillies
45. Ben Zobrist, Athletics
46. A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks
47. Austin Jackson, Mariners
48. Joc Pederson, Dodgers
49. Desmond Jennings, Rays
50. Josh Harrison, Pirates
