Fantasy baseball 2020 tiered outfielder rankings

These outfielders do one thing very well or are decent across the board.

Adam Eaton, WSH

After two injury-riddled seasons, Eaton bounced back for his first full season with the Nationals. He hit 15 home runs, 49 RBIs and .279 with 15 steals. As Washington’s No. 2 hitter, he’s a lock to score 90 runs. As long as he stays healthy, another 15/15 season is all but guaranteed. He’s going outside the top 175, making him an excellent pick.

Justin Upton, LAA

Last year was the first year Upton didn’t play in at least 100 games since his rookie season. Being that durable can’t get overlooked in fantasy baseball. He did hit 12 home runs with 40 RBIs in 63 games. The Angels lineup is improved with the addition of Anthony Rendon. He had three straight 30 HR/80 RBI seasons. He should give you 17th round value at 32 years old.

Andrew McCutchen, PHI

McCutchen has been another reliable outfielder throughout his career. Last season was the first time he played in less than 145 games since 2009. In his 59 games, McCutchen hit .256 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs. He should be 100 percent by Opening Day and should expect 20 home runs, 10 steals and a decent batting average as the Phillies projected leadoff hitter. His 190 ADP makes it hard to pass him up.

Bryan Reynolds, PIT

Reynolds surprised a lot of people in his rookie season. In 134 games, he hit 16 home runs, 68 RBIs and .314. The Pirates lineup is not the greatest, so I don’t expect a big increase in his runs and RBIs. But, he should get to 20 home runs with a .287 average. If you need batting average help later in the draft, Reynolds can help you.

Byron Buxton, MIN

Unlike the two veterans I just talked about, Buxton has just one full season in his five-year career. When he does play, Buxton is a good source of speed, some power and a batting average that won’t hurt your team. He has the potential of a 20/20 season but there is a risk in drafting Buxton. I’d pass on him for someone else in this tier.

Willie Calhoun, TEX

With Nomar Mazara and Delino DeShields out of Texas, will the Rangers finally give Calhoun a full season of playing time? We have to wait and see. If they do, though, Calhoun could finish with 30 home runs, 90 RBIs and a .265 average. If there is one player that you want to stash in hopes of a breakout season, Calhoun is that guy for me.

Mallex Smith, SEA

Smith is the Joey Gallo for speed. He doesn’t hit for power and his contact is decent at best (career 13 home runs and .260 average). He does one thing well and that’s run. Smith has back-to-back 40-steal seasons. He could reach 50 steals with a .255 average. His value will depend on how his speed is valued upon draft day.

Kyle Tucker, HOU

In his first 50 games in the big leagues, Tucker hasn’t done much to excite fantasy baseball owners. He has four home runs, 15 RBIs and a .206 average in that span. Looking at his Triple-A numbers over the last two years, Tucker hit .297 with 58 home runs and 190 RBIs. The potential is there but we just have to see it. He’s another breakout candidate with a couple of question marks.

Lorenzo Cain, MIL

Cain is a reliable source of batting average and speed in the middle rounds of the draft. Over the last three seasons, he averaged 12 home runs, 45 RBIs and 25 steals with a .289 average. While the steals dropped from 30 to 18, he could easily get back to 22. The Brewers lineup took a hit this offseason but hitting behind Christian Yelich will help Cain’s value.

Danny Santana, TEX

Santana had his breakout season last year. He hit 28 home runs, 81 RBIs and .283 with 21 steals over 130 games. Santana is eligible at first base as well as outfield. Depending on your league’s settings, he may have second base, too. I think the batting average drops a bit but the Rangers cleanup hitter can finish with a 20/20 season.

Yasiel Puig, FA

With less than four weeks until Opening Day, I’m surprised that Puig is still available. He’s been as consistent as anyone over the last few season.s Puig hit at least 23 home runs, 63 RBI and .263 with no fewer than 15 steals in the last three seasons. Depending on where he signs, he should have no problem doing that again in 2020. He should remain undrafted until he signs.