Fantasy baseball 2020 tiered outfielder rankings

The outfielders here, when healthy, are good No. 2 outfielders but, there is some risk when drafting them.

Giancarlo Stanton, NYY

Stanton played in just 18 games last season, so it’s tough to have him ranked this high. The only thing keeping him in the top-15 is his ceiling. Stanton has the potential to hit 40 home runs in every season. However, his 2020 is getting off to a rough start as he was diagnosed with a grade 1 calf strain, making his Opening Day status questionable. I can’t in good faith recommend drafting Stanton this high.

Tommy Pham, SD

Pham had a good full season with Tampa Bay last season. He hit 21 home runs, 68 RBIs and .273 with 25 steals. Moving to San Diego may stifle some of that power but a potential 20/20/.275 season is possible. That combination makes him worth drafting as an OF3. He provides great value in round 8 and compares to his former teammate nicely.

Whit Merrifield, KC

Merrifield was also ranked on my second basemen list. He was in the top five at that position. He’ll be drafted as someone’s starting second baseman before someone looks at him as their third outfielder. With decent power, good contact and speed, Merrifield is a reliable top-50 pick.

Kris Bryant, CHC

Bryant made an appearance on my third basemen rankings. He was ranked sixth there compared to 14th here. He’s going to be a fifth-round pick, likely as a starting third baseman. However, with the depth at both positions, you could use him as an outfielder.

Austin Meadows, TB

Meadows was blocked from playing time while with Pittsburgh. In a full season with the Rays, he hit .291 with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs. He also stole 12 bases. I wouldn’t draft him in hopes for 20 steals but the few that he will get won’t hurt either. Meadows will hit 25-plus home runs 85 RBIs and .282 as the Rays’ No. 2 hitter.

Charlie Blackmon, COL

Blackmon played in 16 fewer games last season but performed well across the board. He hit 32 home runs, 86 RBIs and .314. The steals were down and I don’t expect them to get back to the 17 he had in 2016. Roster Resource lists him as the No. 4 batter. I’d rather have him as No. 2 or 3 to get more at-bats and score more runs. Either way, he’s a great pick in the third round with 30/84/.301 potential.