High-Salary outfielders
Kyle Schwarber $3400
Schwarber unfortunately only had four at-bats total in two games during the regular season last year due to injury, but he definitely made his impact once he could return to the field in the postseason, and played a big role in the World Series. Hoping for a healthy season this year, Kyle batted .275 in spring training with five home runs in 51 at-bats. His display of power is evident and can’t be overlooked as he finds himself hitting in one of the best offenses in the league. ***
Kevin Kiermaier $3000
Last year Kevin hit .340 against the Yankees throughout the season, with 16 hits (half of them extra base hits) in 47 at-bats. Against Masahiro Tanaka specifically, Kiermaier batted .444 with four hits in nine at-bats and one of them being a home run. It is safe to say he has Tanaka’s number and I would not expect anything different on Opening Day. ****
High-Value Outfielders
Yasmany Tomás $2900
Tomas holds a career .333 batting average against Madison Bumgarner. Last year on Opening Day at home against the Rockies, Tomás scored 16 fantasy points on two hits. Following his previous Opening Day performance as well as trusting his history against Bumgarner, a repeat performance is very possible. **
Hunter Pence $2500
Pence batted .378 against the Diamondbacks last year. His average against Zach Greinke specifically was even better at .429 last year. Over his career Pence has batted better against right handed pitching and I expect him to provide good numbers in return for his cheap price. ***
Aaron Judge $2300
Judge is a monster. His huge frame and big build allows him to smash balls if given the chance. The only down side is that Archer may not give him that chance, but if he does let a pitch slip, expect Judge to annihilate it. He’s been on fire this spring batting 0.345 with 20 hits in 58 at-bats but yet is still one of the lowest priced starting outfielders for Opening Day. ***