2015 Fantasy Baseball Outfield Rankings: A Tiered Structure
Top Tier: The Studs
1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
| PA | R | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 662 | 110 | 33 | 101 | 19 | 0.315 | 0.986 |
Oh, baby, you. You got what I need. Unfortunately, I'll also need the first overall pick but whatever. Let a guy dream.
Mike Trout is projected to lead the league in runs scored, batting average, and OPS while finishing in the top six in plate appearances, home runs, and runs batted in. Three of his top five most comparable seasons (found on his player page) for this year come from Alex Rodriguez in his glory years. A-Rod won the MVP in two of the three most similar years and had at least a .420 on-base percentage each time. Time to wipe off the drool.
2. Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates
| PA | R | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 661 | 95 | 27 | 93 | 18 | 0.311 | 0.931 |
Every year, Andrew McCutchen is near the top of the outfielder rankings. Every year, Andrew McCutchen justifies that ranking. He has stolen at least 18 bases six consecutive years, recorded at least 648 plate appearances in five straight seasons, hit at least 21 home runs the last four years, and has had a wOBA north of .390 each of the past three years. Our algorithms see each of those trends continuing and McCutchen, again, justifying his lofty ranking.
3. Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
| PA | R | HR | RBI | SB | AVG | OPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 627 | 89 | 37 | 109 | 9 | 0.280 | 0.935 |
It's not often you can headbutt a pitch and still find yourself within the top three at your position. Giancarlo Stanton is just too good to pass up. He showed that 2013 was a blip on the radar by posting a .555 slugging percentage last year with 37 bombs. He's projected to lead the league in both home runs and RBI this year while maintaining a .558 slugging percentage. You might even be able to get him at a discount if people are worried about the after-effects of the hit-by-pitch. If he falls outside of the top five, it is your duty as a number-loving, air-breathing citizen of this Earth to take him.
