30. Cleveland Guardians
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.4
The Guardians could use some help in their lineup. While Cleveland has a superstar in Jose Ramirez, the rest of its everyday lineup is rather unremarkable. In the outfield, centerfielder Myles Straw leads the way. The former Astro possesses elite speed, is a solid fielder and a decent hitter. Bradley Zimmer is a career .225 hitter, but he is reliable in the field and can play multiple positions.
As for Steven Kwan, the former Oregon State star is set to make his Major League debut in 2022. A 5-foot-9 lefty, Kwan is an above-average hitter who has performed at every level so far. After hitting .329 at Oregon State, Kwan has hit .301 over three seasons in the Minors. Through his first 16 ABs in Spring Training, Kwan recorded seven hits — good for a .438 BA.
Image Source: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
29. Oakland Athletics
Combined ’21 WAR: 0.0
Last year, the Oakland’s outfield trio wouldn’t have found itself ranked No. 29 — but 2022 is a new year. Oakland’s fire sale has resulted in a new-look, pedestrian outfield for the club. Stephen Piscotty is back for his fifth season with the A’s, but he is coming off a rather poor season. Piscotty, who appeared in just 72 games in ’21, hit a career-low .220 last year. Cristian Pache — a key piece acquired from Atlanta in exchange for Matt Olson — figures to be a mainstay for years to come.
However, Pache struggled in limited action last season — hitting .111 in 22 games. Rounding out the trio is Seth Brown. Brown has plenty of pop — 20 HR in 111 games last year — but struggles to hit for average (.227 lifetime BA). Pache could blossom into a star, but the jury is out at this time.
Image Source: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
28. Arizona Diamondbacks
Combined ’21 WAR: 2.4
The Diamondbacks have a fourth option for the outfield that, if he were permanently in the outfield, would boost the trio up this ranking. However, former All-Star Ketel Marte is likely to spend most of his time in the infield in 2022. Alas, the D-Backs have a bottom-tier trio entering the season. Daulton Varsho improved in his second year, but still only hit .246 and posted a .755 OPS in 95 games.
Pavin Smith played all three outfield positions last year…but he didn’t do too well. Over 145 games, Smith hit a mere 11 home runs. David Peralta rounds out the group. A former Silver Slugger winner, Peralta has seen his power disappear in recent years. After hitting 30 HR in ’18, Peralta has hit only 25 HR the past three years.
Image Source: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
27. Chicago Cubs
Combined ’21 WAR: 3.6
All eyes are on Seiya Suzuki as the Cubs’ 2022 season gets underway. Suzuki signed a five-year/$85 million deal with the Cubs shortly after the lockout ended. The 27-year-old starred for the Hiroshima Carp from 2013-2021, slashing .309/.402/.541 with 189 homers and 102 steals. Suzuki was the best player in the NPB for a few years. Let’s see how his game translates to MLB. Ian Happ is back in the mix after slugging 25 HR last year. Also returning is career journeyman Rafael Ortega. After spending two years away from the Majors, Ortega slashed .291/.360/.463 in 103 games for the Cubs in ’21.
Image Source: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
26. Detroit Tigers
Combined ’21 WAR: 5.1
The Tigers are an up-and-coming team. Many people around the league are high on Detroit’s future. If the club wants to contend within a year or two, it will need better production from its outfield. Robbie Grossman launched a career-high 23 homers in 2021 (12 more than his previous high). As a rookie, Akil Baddoo had some huge moments and a few pitfalls.
Baddoo, who will be 24 in August, finished his rookie campaign with 13 HR, 18 SB, 20 doubles and seven triples. Baddoo has the look of a future All-Star. Victor Reyes occupies the final outfield spot in Detroit. Reyes is a decent player, but his ceiling is low. In 302 career games, Reyes has hit .268 with 13 HR. Reyes may lose his spot in the trio soon.
Image Source: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
25. Cincinnati Reds
Combined ’21 WAR: 1.8
Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker are going to be very, very tough to replace. With the two star hitters no longer with the Reds, the franchise will turn to a trio consisting of Tommy Pham, Tyler Naquin and Nick Senzel. Senzel appeared in just 36 games last season and contributed very little — one HR and eight RBI. Conversely, Naquin played the best ball of his career in his first year with the Reds.
Appearing in 127 games, the former Cleveland outfielder set career-highs in HR (19) and RBI (70). The Reds will look to Naquin and Pham to produce alongside Joey Votto in the heart of the order. Pham joins the club after spending the past two years in San Diego. Pham struggled last year with the Padres — .229 BA, 15 HR — but has shown in the past he can be a solid contributor.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
24. Pittsburgh Pirates
Combined ’21 WAR: 6.1
The only reason Pittsburgh’s trio comes in at No. 24 is Bryan Reynolds. An All-Star in 2021, Reynolds was far and away the Pirates’ best player. Reynolds slashed .302/.390/.522 with a career-high 24 HR, 90 RBI, and eight triples — the most in baseball. Gamel started last season with Cleveland, but played 111 games for the Buccos. In that time, Gamel hit .255 with 11 homers. Anthony Alford spent more time in the Majors — 49 games — than at any other time in his career. The former third-round pick hit five homers and stole five bases in his limited role, but he did show off some of his skill. But let’s be honest, Reynolds is the only reason this group isn’t a bottom-three trio.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
23. Texas Rangers
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.1
Texas spent big this offseason to add two stars to its infield, but its outfield shouldn’t be overlooked. All three starting outfielders have pop. Brad Miller smacked 20 home runs for the Phillies last year. Kole Calhoun was hampered by injuries throughout the season. In his final year with the Diamondbacks, Calhoun played in 51 games and hit just five homers. Before his injury-shortened season, Calhoun hit at least 16 HR each year dating back to 2014.
The best player in Texas’ outfield is Adolis Garcia. A rookie in ’21, Garcia dazzled with 31 HR and 90 RBI — earning a trip to the All-Star Game and a fourth-place finish for the AL Rookie of the Year. Garcia was excellent in the field, as well. The All-Star finished with 16 assists.
Image Source: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
22. Miami Marlins
Combined ’21 WAR: 3.9
Here is your yearly reminder that the Marlins had the ability to trot out an outfield trio of Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna just five years ago…and decided to break that group up. Now, the Marlins have a solid group that includes the 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler. Soler hit 27 homers last year in the regular season, and launched three balls to the moon in the World Series.
Joining Soler in the outfield are Avisail Garcia, formerly of the Brewers, and Jesus Sanchez. A former All-Star, Garcia hit a career-high 29 dingers in ’21 and had four assists from right field. As for Sanchez, the youngster showed some serious power from the left side of the box. In 64 games, Sanchez sent 14 balls into the bleachers. This trio will pace Miami’s offense.
Image Source: Miami Marlins
21. Kansas City Royals
Combined ’21 WAR: 8.5
The Royals don’t lack speed in the outfield, that much is certain. A two-time All-Star, Whit Merrifield is the best player amongst the trio. Merrifield has missed only four games since 2018. In that time, Merrifield has led the league in triples (10 in ’19), doubles (42 in ’21), and steals (40 in ’21). Michael A. Taylor isn’t as good as Merrifield, but he did snag 14 bags of his own last year. Additionally, Taylor finished ’21 with a career-high 11 outfield assists.
The third member of the trio, Andrew Benintendi, enjoyed a solid debut season in Kansas City after beginning his career in Boston. As a first-year Royal, Benintendi hit 17 HR and drove in 73 runs. Once regarded as one of the game’s top prospects, Benintendi is eying a breakout season in ’22.
Image Source: Peter Aiken-USA Texas Rangers Sports
20. Baltimore Orioles
Combined ’21 WAR: 9.0
Baltimore is likely to finish the 2022 season with one of the worst records in the league, but at least Oriole fans can enjoy watching this trio. Cedric Mullins enjoyed a brilliant campaign in ’21. Ditching his switch-hitting ways last year in favor of being a full-time left-handed hitter, Mullins became an All-Star. The now-27-year-old set career-highs across the board — including 30 HR, 30 SB, and a .291 BA.
Anthony Santander had a disappointing year, but still hit 18 HR and drove in 50 runs for the O’s. We expect bigger numbers from Santander in his sixth year. Like Mullins, Austin Hays enjoyed a career-year in ’21. Splitting time between right and left field, Hays launched 22 HR and contributed 71 RBI. Hays also had a nice year in the field with nine assists and just one error.
Image Source: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
19. San Diego Padres
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.1
When Fernando Tatis Jr. is ready to take the field, he may be asked to spend some time in the outfield. If that is the case, the Padres would move up this list a decent amount. As things stand, however, San Diego’s outfield trio is a middling group. Trent Grisham is an average hitter and fielder. The fiery lefty certainly has his moments — both good and bad.
Wil Myers possesses a good amount of power, but after slugging 28 and 30 home runs in 2016 and 2017, respectively, Myers has failed to crack 20 the past four years (to be fair, he did hit 15 in the Covid-shortened ’20 season). Jurickson Profar is capable of playing numerous positions, and is likely to play all three outfield spots this year. The former Little League World Series star is coming off a bad year at the plate. In 137 games, Profar slashed .227/.329/.320 with four homers.
Image Source: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
18. Seattle Mariners
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.0
If the Mariners reach the postseason in 2022, their outfield trio will likely be a main contributing factor. Mitch Haniger is back for a fifth season in Seattle. Last year, Haniger launched a career-high 39 home runs and drove in 100 runs. Joining Haniger in the heart of the order will be Jesse Winker. An All-Star last season with the Cincinnati Reds, Winker slashed .305/.394/.556 with 24 HR in 110 games. While Winker isn’t a great defender, his hitting tool is tremendous.
The third man in Seattle’s outfield has immense potential. One of the top prospects in baseball entering last season, Jarred Kelenic is due to take a big step in ’22. The highly-talented youngster looked overwhelmed at times as a rookie — he hit .181 with 106 strikeouts in 93 games — but he also flashed his vast potential (14 HR).
Image Source: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
17. Milwaukee Brewers
Combined ’21 WAR: 5.7
Which version of Christian Yelich will show up in 2022? The superstar who won the MVP in ’18 and finished as runner-up in ’19? Or, the below-average player who who has hit .234 with 12 HR the past two years? If it is the former, Milwaukee will be a contender. The Brew Crew will also look to veteran Lorenzo Cain and newcomer Hunter Renfroe to power the offense. Cain is no longer the star he once was, but he remains a competent hitter and fielder. Renfroe joins the club after a huge year in Boston. In ’21, Renfroe hit 31 home runs and posted a respectable slash line — .259/.315/.501. Ultimately, the Brewers’ trio will rank much higher if Yelich returns to form.
Image Source: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
16. Washington Nationals
Combined ’21 WAR: 7.9
In 2019, Victor Robles finished sixth for the National League Rookie of the Year. The speedy outfielder smacked 17 homers, stole 28 bases, and had 12 outfield assists. However, Robles has faltered the past two years. Over his last 159 games, Robles has managed to steal 12 bases, hit five homers, and has an overall BA of .209.
Lane Thomas is back for his first full-year with the Nationals. In 45 games with the club last year, Thomas hit .270 with seven dingers. Those two players alone aren’t good enough for the Nats to crack the top-25…which speaks to just how good Juan Soto is. One of the best players in the game, Soto is an absolute terror in the box. He is a phenom, full stop.
Image Source: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
15. New York Mets
Combined ’21 WAR: 10.8
The Mets knew they needed a massive upgrade in their outfield, and management went out and got that done. Adding Starling Marte and Mark Canha is nothing to scoff at. The two former Oakland A’s are two capable hitters who won’t crush you defensively. Though Marte took a step back defensively in ’21, he’s still incredibly fast and boasts one of the league’s best arms.
The two new acquisitions will be joined by Wyoming native Brandon Nimmo. Nimmo has been one of New York’s steadiest bats over the years. The Mets’ newly-formed trio likely means we see Dominic Smith utilized more at 1B or DH this upcoming season.
Image Source: Eric Espada/Getty Images
14. Colorado Rockies
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.7
The Rockies may not end up winning very many games in ’22, but it won’t be for a lack of offensive talent. It starts with former MVP Kris Bryant, who has the ability to play just about every position on a baseball field. Bryant moves all over the field defensively, though his primary position for the Rockies could be in LF to utilize his speed/arm.
That leaves the sweet-hitting Charlie Blackmon to play RF — and even slot in as a DH every now and again. In center, the Rockies have a bevy of young, exciting options between Garrett Hampson, Sam Hilliard and Yonathan Daza. At least one of those guys will have to stand out to earn playing time with the likelihood that recent acquisition Randal Grichuk is penciled in at DH.
Image Source: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
13. San Francisco Giants
Combined ’21 WAR: 5.9
In typical Giants fashion, the team will carry a bevy of outfielders who they will mix-and-match throughout the season. The Giants are a team built to exploit matchups, and they will deploy certain players in ideal situations. No player exemplified this more last season than Lamonte Wade Jr., who absolutely crushed RHP last season. Wade will begin the season on the injured list, but will be an important cog on the team as soon as he’s set to return.
Likely occupying one of the corner spots, the Giants are hoping for a bounce-back campaign from Mike Yastrzemski. After notching a .968 OPS in 2020, Yas struggled and hit just .224 while his OBP dropped nearly 90 points (from .400 to .311). Yastrzemski having a strong season will help ease the losses of guys like Buster Posey and Kris Bryant. Darin Ruf and Austin Slater are present for LHP, while Steven Duggar and new addition Joc Pederson could see significant time against righties.
Image Source: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
12. Minnesota Twins
Combined ’21 WAR: 7.2
When healthy, there aren’t a whole lot of players more talented than Byron Buxton. The Minnesota CF can do it all. He’s an exceptional fielder with world-class speed. Additionally, Buxton has become a terror at the plate. In 61 games last season, Buxton hit 19 HR with a .306 average (1.005) and stole nine bags for good measure. Buxton finished 33rd in WAR despite missing nearly two-thirds of the season. All 32 players ranked above him played at least twice as many games. Needless to say, Buxton is a star.
Joining him in the outfield is another potential star in the 24-year-old Alex Kirilloff. Scouts are excited about Kirilloff’s potential. In the minors, Kirilloff managed a sterling .318/.366/.503 slashline. The sky is the limit for his potential.
Image Source: David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
11. Tampa Bay Rays
Combined ’21 WAR: 10.3
The Rays should not be overlooked in terms of outfield talent. Randy Arozarena continued his torrid pace from the 2020 postseason en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year honors in ’21. The 27-year-old Cuban has lightning fast hands and a flair for the dramatic. In center, three-time Gold Glove recipient Kevin Kiermaier remains one of the league’s best. The lefty isn’t known for his bat — though he did notch a respectable 104 OPS+ last season. Regardless, Kiermaier is certainly one of the most valuable defenders in all of baseball.
Tampa will likely lean on a platoon for the final spot, switching between Manuel Margot and Austin Meadows. The latter has recorded 60 HR over his last two full seasons, and boasts a career .875 OPS against RHP. Meadows’ ability to mash righties will come in handy in an AL East filled with flamethrowers.
Image Source: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
10. Boston Red Sox
Combined ’21 WAR: 6.4
Outfield play has been integral to Boston’s success in recent years. It’s no surprise that the addition of reliable gloves in Alex Verdugo and Enrique Hernandez aided in the team’s return to the postseason in ’21. The two former Dodgers are reliable defensively, and can more than hold their own at the plate. Hernandez was especially important to Boston’s run, having caught fire during the team’s postseason run to the ALCS. He also brings versatility to the table given his ability to play every outfield position while equipped with a cannon for an arm.
An old face will return this season in the form of Jackie Bradley Jr. The World Series champion doesn’t possess the most consistent bat, but he’s good for a jaw-dropping catch every now-and-again. Given the rule change to allow a DH in National League games as well, it’s likely we never see J.D. Martinez in the outfield again (much to the delight of Red Sox fans).
Image Source: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
9. Toronto Blue Jays
Combined ’21 WAR: 6.1
There are no shortage of big names in Toronto’s outfield. World Series MVP George Springer is the headliner. The prized offseason acquisition of ’21, Springer dazzled in his first season with the Blue Jays despite missing nearly half of the year with an injury. In 78 games, Springer managed to hit 22 HR and 50 RBI with a .907 OPS. Depending on how Toronto decides to utilize the DH this year, we could see plenty of Teoscar Hernandez in LF. The ’21 All-Star recorded 132 games in the outfield last season, though we could see that number dip down a bit given the team’s recent string of transactions.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Cavan Biggio are versatile defenders who could see time in LF (or 2B). Additionally, former Rockie Raimel Tapia was brought in to provide defense and speed. He very well could end up being the team’s everyday CF.
Image Source: Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images
8. Houston Astros
Combined ’21 WAR: 10.5
Houston would likely be ranked even higher if Yordan Alvarez occupied one of the outfield spots. The powerful lefty will likely draw most of his starts as a DH, leaving Michael Brantley and Kyle Tucker to take the field in corner spots. Tucker is a star-in-the-making following the best season of his career. The former first-round pick hit .294 with a .917 OPS and a career-high 30 HR. Still just 24 years old, the Astros expect Tucker to shoulder even more responsibility as the core continues to age (or depart, in Carlos Correa’s case).
The ageless Brantley is coming off his fourth straight season hitting over .300 and has been named an All-Star each year since ’17. Playing center will be Chas McCormick, who is a gifted defender. In 108 games in ’21, McCormick hit 14 HR with a 107 OPS+.
Image Source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
7. Los Angeles Angels
Combined ’21 WAR: 2.3
Any group boasting Mike Trout deserves a premier spot within this ranking. Trout has been baseball’s best player for over a half-decade. The quintessential five-tool player, there is nothing Trout cannot do on the field. He’s proven to be serviceable in both center and right, and is likely the game’s top hitter when healthy. Surrounding Trout will be a handful of youngsters looking to make their mark in the Majors.
With Justin Upton potentially making some starts at 1B (and DH), playing time has opened up for the likes of Jo Adell and Brandon Marsh. Adell is a particularly intriguing prospect. After struggling mightily in his first taste of MLB action in ’20, Adell improved across the board in ’21 with a passable slashline of .246/.294/.408. There’s nowhere to go but up for the 22-year-old former first-round pick.
Image Source: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
6. Chicago White Sox
Combined ’21 WAR: 7.4
Make no mistake about it, the White Sox are serious contenders in ’22. The team is built to last into October with stars across multiple positions. While the pitching staff gains most of the notoriety, this lineup is nothing to scoff at. It starts with the two young outfielders in speedy CF Luis Robert and mashing RF Eloy Jimenez. The power-speed combo between these two young studs is a sight to behold.
On April Fool’s Day, the White Sox acquired former All-Star and Gold Glove winner AJ Pollock from the Dodgers. Pollock should be an incredible fit in Chicago’s lineup and gives the Sox one of the best trios in the league.
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
5. St. Louis Cardinals
Combined ’21 WAR: 13.4
If you’re looking for a team to climb up this ranking by season end, the Cardinals are the best bet. That’s because they have a trio of young stars looking to breakout. Tyler O’Neill perhaps already has following a 34 HR, 80 RBI, and 15 SB season in ’21. The 26-year-old Canadian finished eighth in National League MVP voting and added a second Gold Glove to his hardware. O’Neill may have a tendency to strike out a ton, but he has immense power and speed to burn.
In center resides web-gem extraordinaire Harrison Bader. One of the best gloves in the league, Bader finished second among all full-time outfielders in Defensive WAR last season (Michael A. Taylor). He’s also steadily improved as a hitter, showing some pop with 16 HR in 103 games. The Cardinals also have high hopes for switch-hitting corner outfielder Dylan Carlson, a former top-10 prospect who finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting last season.
Image Source: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Combined ’21 WAR: 9.4
You aren’t going to find a 1-2 a whole lot better than Philly’s new tandem. Reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper will be joined in ’22 by All-Star Nick Castellanos. The Phillies dropped the bag on a lucrative multi-year deal for Castellanos to provide some pop in the middle of the lineup. Castellanos is coming off a monstrous season with the Reds, recording a .309/.362/.576 slashline with 34 HR and 100 RBI.
Kyle Schwarber will also be in the mix, with all three guys taking a turn at DH’ing at some point. However, CF remains in flux as Odubel Herrera is set to miss the early portion of the season. Notre Dame product Matt Vierling could run away with the role. The 25-year-old hit .324 with a .843 OPS in his first taste of big league action last season.
Image Source: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Combined ’21 WAR: 5.3
Though LA’s star-studded infield is clearly No. 1 in the league, the outfield is a bit closer to the rest of the pack. That being said, the Dodgers’ boast three All-Star caliber players in their outfield who are all capable at the dish as well as in the field. Betts and Bellinger are former MVP’s, though the latter is coming off a dreadful 2021 campaign.
The Dodgers hope the 25-year-old Bellinger can bounce-back following a strong showing in the postseason. Since joining the Dodgers in 2017, Taylor boasts an .804 OPS — and is coming off his first All-Star season. Needless to say, the Dodgers are stacked across the entire diamond.
Image Source: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
2. New York Yankees
Combined ’21 WAR: 10.4
On paper, there might not be a more intimidating bunch of outfielders than the Bronx Bombers. Aaron Judge has continuously proven to be one of the very best players in baseball, and notched a fourth-place MVP finish after hitting 39 HR last season. Joey Gallo matches Judge’s power (38 HR in ’21) and is also a gifted fielder at all three outfield positions.
Aaron Hicks has been productive (when healthy) for the Yankees, registering a 120 OPS+ from ’17-’20 while offering switch-hitting ability. Of course, health is the main concern for this squad. Judge and Hicks constantly find themselves on the injured list. Additionally, Gallo is prone to particularly rough stretches after recording a league-high 213 strikeouts last year. This Yankees group has immense potential, but can they put it all together for a full season?
Image Source: USA TODAY Sports
1. Atlanta Braves
Combined ’21 WAR: 4.0
Once Ronald Acuna Jr. returns, the Braves may be the team boasting the best outfield in baseball. The 24-year-old phenom will be joining forces with NLCS MVP Eddie Rosario and the power-hitting Adam Duvall. However, the timeline for Acuna’s return to the outfield remains murky. The team hopes he can return to the lineup — in a DH role — sometime in May. However, it’s unclear how much longer after that until he resumes his defensive position.
Atlanta will be receiving additional reinforcements with the return of Marcell Ozuna — who played in just 48 games last year after being suspended following his domestic violence arrest. In addition to the starting trio, the Braves also added Alex Dickerson. Dickerson is used to operating in a platoon role from his time with the Giants where he notched a .952 OPS against RHP in 2020.
Image Source: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports