Welcome to my 2023 fantasy baseball prospect breakdown series. In this series, I break down each position’s top prospects, giving you a deep dive into the top 5 and five additional names to target in deep leagues. My goal is to help you get your minor league systems into shape with upside prospects that can help you now as well as set you up for long-term success. Let’s dive into my top five outfield prospects and five deep league names to keep your eyes on. Further down the page are my top 80 outfield prospects. For deeper dives into the outfield rankings check out the 81-302 on the Weekly Streamer Patreon page.
More Positional Prospect Rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF | SP
More great fantasy baseball advice and analysis: Waiver Wire & FAAB Recommendations | Daily MLB Injury Report | MLB DFS Picks | Line-up Analysis | Dynasty Rankings and Strategy | MLB Bullpen Updates | MLB Player Props | Prospect Rankings & Analysis | Fantasy Baseball Risers and Fallers
Top Five To Stash
Jordan Walker, STL
Now I could have put Jordan Walker at the top of my third base prospect rankings. Since he has made the move to the outfield with the major league club I felt it’s only right to rank him here. No doubt Jordan Walker is one of the most exciting prospects in the minor leagues at this time. With his major league debut and hitting streak to start his season he has become a household name in fantasy baseball circles. The demotion came as a surprise to dynasty managers as Walker was hitting .274/.321/.397 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, and two stolen bases in 20 games.
The first of many for Jordan Walker! Let’s go! 🚀 https://t.co/iqGMc9ge55
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) April 5, 2023
His strikeout rate was solid at 25.6% and despite a low walk rate, it was puzzling to see how they utilized their top prospect. Since the demotion to Triple-A, it has been a bit rough for Walker as he is slashing .130/.231/.261 with one home run and two runs scored in only 6 games. Small sample size for sure and I’m not worried about Walker at all long term. In my mind, he took a blow to his confidence with the demotion but I’m sure he will bounce back and work on the defensive skills to cement him in the Cardinals outfield for years to come.
Jackson Chourio, MIL
One of the most exciting pop-up prospects of the last two seasons has been Milwaukee outfield prospect Jackson Chourio. Showing speed and pop from his 5’11” frame, the 19-year-old Chourio played at three different levels in 2022. Chourio slashed .288/.342/.538 with 30 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in 99 combined games. If you take out his 6-game stint at AA Biloxi, Chourio had a 24.9% strikeout rate and a 7.35% walk rate in low-A and high-A combined.
⬆️MIL OF Jackson Chourio doubles at A+ Let’s Go! Continues to impress and climb rankings! #baseball #prospects #Milwaukee #BrewCrew @Brewers @JacksonChourio @TimberRattlers @WeeklyStreamer @TWS_Irish pic.twitter.com/HpzbdXLXdL
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) August 5, 2022
The Brewers sent Chourio back to AA Biloxi to start the 2023 season. In 24 games, Chourio is currently slashing .270/.312/.400 with three home runs, 18 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. Everything is translating from what we saw last season to this season. Currently, the strikeout rate is on par with his career numbers at 23.9% as well as the 6.4% walk rate. We might not see the high OBP numbers out of Chourio that we saw in the DSL or low-A but a .310-.330 OBP is easy to see going forward. Regardless at only 19 years old in Double-A, Chourio is an exciting prospect to watch ascend to Milwaukee.
James Wood, WSH
James Wood was the keystone piece in the Juan Soto trade. The 20-year-old Wood has impressed dynasty managers with his massive raw power and speed to go along with an excellent understanding of the strike zone. In 2022, Wood slashed .313/.420/.536 with 27 doubles, 12 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in 76 combined games. He took a bit of a step back once he came over to the Nationals before the trade deadline but the numbers remained solid. In his 21 games as a National after the trade Wood slashed .293/.366/.463 with two home runs, 17 RBIs, and four stolen bases.
WSH OF James Wood is the total 📦 in A+ Wilmington Wood is slashing .260/.333/.466 with 2HR, 16 RBIs and 5 SB in 21 GP. #NATITUDE @WilmBlueRocks @Nationals @NatsFarm @Fantrax https://t.co/bKv2xzIVut
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
The Nationals felt between Wood’s 50 games in the Padres organization at low A and the 21 games spent in Fredericksburg that he was ready for the bump to A+ Willmington. So far they are right, Wood is currently slashing .260/.333/.466 with two home runs, 16 RBIs, and five stolen bases in 21 games played. Almost the exact same results from the same number of games played in Fredericksburg last season. Even down to the strikeout rate of 27.6% and walk rate of 10.3% Wood has not changed his results.
Now the strikeout rate needs to come down a bit for Wood but despite it, he just continues to make solid contact and get on base. That and his propensity to steal bases effectively makes him a dangerous dynasty asset for managers looking towards the future.
Evan Carter, TEX
The Texas Rangers look to be on the rise not only with their Major League team, but the overhauled minor league system could easily rank in the top 10. One of the most exciting young prospects they have is 20-year-old, Evan Carter. In 2022 we saw Carter take a major step forward, ascending two levels and slashing .295/.397/.489 with 21 doubles, 10 triples, 12 home runs, 73 RBIs, and 28 stolen bases in 106 combined games. I saw Evan in A+ Hickory in 2022 and was very impressed with his plate discipline and ability to drive the ball to all fields. Jake Johnson of The Weekly Streamer got an awesome interview with Evan Carter that just solidified his work ethic and maturity facing off against older competition at A+ Hickory.
TEX OF Evan Carter has continued to build apon his strong 2022 campaign. Currently in AA Frisco Carter is slashing .333/.495/.505 with 4HR, 20 RBIs and 4SB in 21 GP. Stack that with a 22.4% BB and 16.8% K rate watch Carter 🚀 #StraightUpTX @RidersBaseball @Rangers @TEXPlayerDev https://t.co/zusCwFoFpj
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
After spending only 6 games with the Double-A RoughRiders in 2022, it was no surprise the Rangers sent Carter back to start the 2023 season. So far the results are good as Carter has slashed .333/.495/.506 with four home runs, 20 RBIs, and four stolen bases in 21 games. Carter’s plate discipline has continued to impress me as he is sitting with a 22.4% walk rate to a 16.8% strikeout rate! It’s no surprise that Carter has climbed into the top 20’s (currently 22 overall) in the FantraxHQ prospect rankings. Just don’t be surprised to see him climb even higher in the next rankings update as he continues his rise to join the Rangers.
Elijah Green, WSH
That’s right, two Washington Nationals prospects have cracked the top five for outfielders in the minor leagues and with Elijah Green, this is only the beginning. The Nationals selected Green fifth overall in 2022 out of high school. With reports of double-plus power and speed, it’s easy to see why dynasty managers were salivating at the thought of a 19-year-old taking the minor leagues by storm. Green did not disappoint as he slashed .302/.404/.535 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and a stolen base in 12 games played in rookie ball after the draft.
And now No. 3 prospect Elijah Green nearly legs out a little league homer! pic.twitter.com/VTuEPzmn6F
— Nats Farm (@NatsFarm) April 12, 2023
With a solid rookie ball debut, the Nationals assigned the now 19-year-old Elijah Green to low-A Fredericksburg to start the 2023 season. Currently in 19 games, Green is slashing .257/.349/.392 with two home runs, 15 RBIs, and eight stolen bases. Picking up where he left off in 2022, Green has held his fantastic 11.6% walk rate and his extremely scary strikeout rate of 45.3%. Honestly, that has been the only knock on Green in his young career so far as he has unfortunately averaged a 42.85% strikeout rate in his 31 professional games. Regardless Green is a fun prospect to watch in a recently bolstered Nationals farm system.
Deep League Targets
Jonatan Clase, SEA
In deep leagues, Jonatan Clase has been a name on dynasty managers’ lists to watch for some time now. With big “raw” power and speed, Clase checks off most of the boxes as a prospect to stash and ride to the majors.
In 2022 the Mariners assigned Clase to A- Modesto where he strung together a strong season in what is a hitter-friendly division. In 107 games, Clase slashed .267/.373/.463 with 13 home runs, 91 runs scored, and stole 55 bases in 65 attempts. No doubt the speed was on full display for Clase in A- but what was encouraging was his 13% walk rate in 107 games, leading me to believe he can be a strong OBP contributor long term.
💥💣No doubt about this one! SEA 3B Jonatan Clase is a name to 🎯. At A+ Everett Clase is slashing .337/.455/.723 with 7HR and 16 SB in 19 attempts all in 20 GP. 16.8% BB is 💪 for the 21 year old! #SeaUsRise @ClaseJonatan @EverettAquaSox @Mariners @MiLBMariners https://t.co/KTK3a5ScVU
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 1, 2023
The Mariners sent the now 21-year-old Clase to A+ Everett, another very good hitters park and league for the 2023 season. So far in 21 games, Clase has slashed .333/.453/.701 with seven home runs, 23 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases in 21 attempts.
His strikeout rate has remained the same as it has been for the last three seasons, sitting at 26.4%. While the walk rate has risen to 17%. No doubt the numbers have been solid for Clase and the only reason I bring up the ballparks and leagues is to build context that he is in a favorable environment for hitters. Regardless, Clase is still a solid grab in 15-team leagues and up as a player that profiles as a top-of-the-order power speed threat.
Jonny DeLuca, LAD
The Dodgers continue to have prospects come from what seems to be out of nowhere. Make no mistake, Jonny DeLuca is not going anywhere but up! In 2022, DeLuca ascended two levels, slashing .260/.347/.541 with 22 doubles, five triples, 25 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases in 98 combined games.
Now don’t let the .260 average sway you on what he did in 2022. DeLuca got even better once he got the call to AA Tulsa, slashing .298/.359/.606 with seven home runs, 20 RBIs, and five stolen bases in only a 25-game span.
💥💣LAD OF Jonny DeLuca is crushing it at AA Tulsa! .287/.392/.632 with 8 HR, 19 R, 12 RBIs and 5 SB in 22 GP he has to be a prospect to watch! #HERETOPLAY @TulsaDrillers @Dodgers @DodgersNation @Fantrax https://t.co/Pdj4tPXPuh
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
Take that hot finish to the season and ask yourself was that a fluke? Seems the Dodgers wanted to be sure as well as they sent him back to AA Tulsa to start the 2023 season. How’s he doing you ask? Well, DeLuca is currently slashing .287/.392/.632 with eight home runs, 19 runs scored, 12 RBIs, and five stolen bases in 22 games played. Seems familiar? It should! DeLuca has pretty much duplicated his stats from the year prior at AA Tulsa. Deluca improved his walk rate to 8.8% while slightly increasing his strikeout rate to still a respectable 19.6%. With DeLuca tearing up AA, it only seems like a matter of time before the 24-year-old gets his bump to AAA Oklahoma City and hopefully a call-up to the Dodgers in 2023.
Daylen Lile, WSH
Taken by the Nationals in the second round of the 2021 draft, Daylen Lile was an interesting high school prospect that had strong projectable traits. After missing the entire 2022 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Lile might have been a bit forgotten in dynasty managers’ minds. So far in 2023, that is proving to be a mistake as the Nationals assigned Daylen Lile to low A Fredricksburg where he has crushed the ball. In 16 games, Lile is slashing .328/.413/.609 with three home runs, 15 RBIs, and five stolen bases.
📝 WSH OF Daylen Lile is seriously underrated and is showing it in 2023. Currently with the A- Fred Nats Lile is slashing .328/.413/.609 with 3 HR, 15RBI and 5 SB in 16 GP. It’s time to stash in deep dynasty leagues! #NATITUDE @DaylenLile @FXBGNats @Nationals @NatsFarm https://t.co/hDRtoBIFPV
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
The advanced plate approach scouts touted Daylen for in high school seems to be coming to fruition as Lile has a 12% walk rate and a low 17.3% strikeout rate in 75 plate appearances. No doubt a small sample size for the now 20-year-old Daylen Lile, but with the scouting reports before the draft and the early results in 2023, you can’t help but want to hop on the Daylen Lile train.
Jose Rodriguez, MIN
Jose Rodriguez has been one of my favorite stash candidates this off-season. The Minnesota Twins signed Rodriguez in the 2022 international signing period and he absolutely destroyed the Dominican Summer League. Before I get into the slash lines that you are no doubt interested in, it must be stated that Rodriguez is only 17 years old and has a projectable build for plus power as he fills out. In 55 games in the DSL Rodriguez slashed .289/.361/.605 with 13 home runs, 39 runs, 49 RBIs, and five stolen bases.
🤫 If you don’t know Twins outfield slugger Jose Rodriguez.. You should. In the DSL Rodriguez slashed .289/.361/.605 with a league leading 13 HR and 49 RBIs in 55 games. He’s one of my main stashes this season. #MNTwins @Twins @ProspectsTwins pic.twitter.com/j8Yln93ut0
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
Thirteen home runs? That and the 49 RBIS led the DSL in 2022. With a 9.6% walk rate and a 23.7% strikeout rate, Rodriguez showed he could work the count and get a pitch to hit. It’s not known yet if Rodriguez will get time this season at complex ball or make his debut for low-A Fort Myers in 2023. The sky’s the limit for a potential masher in the Twins lineup for years to come.
Jaison Chourio, CLE
Why not have both Chourio brothers in the top 80! After all, they have earned these spots, especially Guardians prospect Jaison Chourio coming in at 80. Signed by the Guardians during the 2022 international signing period, this Chourio has largely been overshadowed by his older brother Jackson. This might be a mistake as Chourio put together a solid pro debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2022.
📝One of the many exciting Guardians prospects Jaison Chourio slashed .280/.446/.402 with 1HR, 32R, 28RBIs & 14 SB in 40 GP in the DSL during the 2022 season. 22.9% BB and a 12.6% K rate makes him a must grab. #ForTheLand @CleGuardians @CleGuardPro @GuardsInsider @Fantrax https://t.co/hO50N9ZDhO
— Richard Haake (@Mustbethehawk) May 5, 2023
In 40 games, Chourio slashed .280/.446/.402 with one home run, 32 runs scored, 28 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 18 attempts. The younger Chourio showed the excellent plate discipline the Guardians are known for developing, as he held a 22.9% walk rate and 12.6% strikeout rate in 175 plate appearances. At 6’1” and 162 pounds the 17-year-old switch hitter has room to fill out and it’s easy to dream of a 20 home run and 30 stolen base centerfield prospect as moves though the Guardians system.
Top 80 Outfield Prospects for Dynasty Leagues
Rnk | Player | Pos | Team | Age | ETA | Overall Rnk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jordan Walker | 3B/OF | STL | 21 | Debuted | 2 |
2 | Jackson Chourio | OF | MIL | 19 | 2024 | 6 |
3 | James Wood | OF | WSH | 20 | 2026 | 8 |
4 | Evan Carter | OF | TEX | 20 | 2024 | 22 |
5 | Elijah Green | OF | WSH | 19 | 2026 | 31 |
6 | Druw Jones | OF | ARI | 19 | 2026 | 10 |
7 | Connor Norby | 2B/OF | BAL | 22 | 2023 | 32 |
8 | Colton Cowser | OF | BAL | 22 | 2023 | 37 |
9 | Zac Veen | OF | COL | 21 | 2024 | 18 |
10 | Jasson Dominguez | OF | NYY | 20 | 2024 | 28 |
11 | Sal Frelick | OF | MIL | 23 | 2024 | 39 |
12 | Emmanuel Rodriguez | OF | MIN | 20 | 2025 | 49 |
13 | Gabriel Gonzalez | OF | SEA | 19 | 2025 | 57 |
14 | Ceddanne Rafaela | OF/SS | BOS | 22 | 2023 | 63 |
15 | Heston Kjerstad | OF | BAL | 24 | 2024 | 65 |
16 | Alex Ramirez | OF | NYM | 20 | 2024 | 66 |
17 | James Outman | OF | LAD | 25 | Debuted | 128 |
18 | Joey Wiemer | OF | MIL | 24 | Debuted | 80 |
19 | Spencer Jones | OF | NYY | 21 | 2025 | 86 |
20 | Robert Hassell | OF | WSH | 21 | 2024 | 55 |
21 | Kevin Alcantara | OF | CHC | 20 | 2024 | 59 |
22 | George Valera | OF | CLE | 22 | 2023 | 58 |
23 | Justyn-Henry Malloy | OF/3B | DET | 23 | 2024 | 244 |
24 | Oscar Colas | OF | CHW | 24 | Debuted | 25 |
25 | Dustin Harris | OF | TEX | 23 | 2023 | 83 |
26 | Gavin Cross | OF | KCR | 22 | 2024 | 88 |
27 | Andy Pages | OF | LAD | 22 | 2023 | 91 |
28 | Miguel Bleis | OF | BOS | 19 | 2026 | 92 |
29 | Aaron Zavala | OF | TEX | 22 | 2024 | 114 |
30 | Pete Crow-Armstrong | OF | CHC | 20 | 2024 | 68 |
31 | Yasser Mercedes | OF | MIN | 18 | 2026 | 95 |
32 | Anthony Gutierrez | OF | TEX | 18 | 2026 | 98 |
33 | Josue De Paula | OF | LAD | 17 | 2026 | 125 |
34 | Luis Matos | OF | SFG | 21 | 2024 | 100 |
35 | Gabriel Martinez | OF | TOR | 20 | 2025 | 147 |
36 | Chase DeLauter | OF | CLE | 21 | 2025 | 67 |
37 | Drew Gilbert | OF | HOU | 22 | 2025 | 101 |
38 | Garrett Mitchell | OF | MIL | 24 | Debuted | 113 |
39 | Everson Pereira | OF | NYY | 21 | 2024 | 119 |
40 | A.J Vukovich | 3B/OF | ARI | 21 | 2024 | 120 |
41 | Brennen Davis | OF | CHC | 23 | 2023 | 53 |
42 | Will Brennan | OF | CLE | 25 | Debuted | 121 |
43 | Alexander Canario | OF | CHC | 22 | 2023 | 122 |
44 | Jonatan Clase | OF | SEA | 20 | 2024 | 170 |
45 | Yanquiel Frenandez | OF | COL | 20 | 2024 | 126 |
46 | Cristhian Vaquero | OF | WSH | 18 | 2027 | 134 |
47 | Dylan Beavers | OF | BAL | 21 | 2025 | 138 |
48 | Lazaro Montes | OF | SEA | 18 | 2026 | 123 |
49 | Justin Crawford | OF | PHI | 19 | 2026 | 152 |
50 | Drew Waters | OF | KCR | 24 | Debuted | 156 |
51 | Samuel Zavala | OF | SDP | 18 | 2025 | 132 |
52 | Benny Montgomery | OF | COL | 20 | 2025 | 167 |
53 | Vaun Brown | OF | SFG | 24 | 2024 | 181 |
54 | Cade Marlowe | OF | SEA | 25 | 2023 | 203 |
55 | Jhonkensy Noel | 1B/3B/OF | CLE | 21 | 2023 | 183 |
56 | Tyler Gentry | OF | KCR | 24 | 2023 | 184 |
57 | Alec Burleson | OF | STL | 24 | Debuted | 186 |
58 | Jonny DeLuca | OF | LAD | 24 | 2023 | 456 |
59 | Jose Ramos | OF | LAD | 22 | 2024 | 185 |
60 | Nolan Jones | 3B/OF | COL | 24 | Debuted | 197 |
61 | Denzel Clarke | OF | OAK | 22 | 2024 | 200 |
62 | Jordan Beck | OF | COL | 21 | 2024 | 208 |
63 | Mason Auer | OF | TBR | 22 | 2024 | 211 |
64 | Oswaldo Cabrera | OF | NYY | 24 | Debuted | 213 |
65 | Jeremy De La Rosa | OF | WSH | 21 | 2024 | 215 |
66 | Brailer Guerrero | OF | TBR | 16 | 2028 | 220 |
67 | Justin Dirden | OF | HOU | 25 | 2023 | 222 |
68 | Jud Fabian | OF | BAL | 23 | 2024 | 223 |
69 | Sterlin Thompson | OF | COL | 21 | 2024 | 224 |
70 | Jairo Pomares | OF | SFG | 22 | 2024 | 229 |
71 | Daylen Lile | OF | WSH | 20 | 2025 | 373 |
72 | Kyle Stowers | OF | BAL | 25 | Debuted | 233 |
73 | Will Benson | OF | CIN | 24 | Debuted | 234 |
74 | Hedbert Perez | OF | MIL | 19 | 2025 | 238 |
75 | Jay Allen | OF | CIN | 20 | 2025 | 240 |
76 | Moises Gomez | OF | STL | 24 | 2023 | 254 |
77 | Joshua Baez | OF | STL | 19 | 2025 | 227 |
78 | Grant McCray | OF | SFG | 22 | 2024 | 260 |
79 | Jose Rodriguez | OF | MIN | 17 | 2027 | 359 |
80 | Jaison Chourio | OF | CLE | 17 | 2027 | 278 |