Here are my six draft tiers for fantasy outfielders, with a nod toward 5x5 leagues, as we approach the midpoint for exhibition play.
This position will likely produce baseball's largest number of four- and five-category studs by season's end. But all that star power at the top still cannot obscure the uncertainty of drafting inexperienced young players, injury-riddled veterans or certain big names that fall short of sustaining the pace of last year's inflated stats.
Put it all together, and it's easy to see why prioritizing outfielders throughout the early and middle rounds makes perfect sense. It eliminates doubt ... especially in leagues which require five starters at the position.
For a look at the continually evolving Average Draft Position values for outfielders, click here for FoxSports.com's ADP page.
Tier 1
Mike Trout, Ryan Braun, Andrew McCutchen, Matt Kemp
Tier 2
Josh Hamilton, Jose Bautista, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Gonzalez, Matt Holliday, Adam Jones, Justin Upton, Bryce Harper, Jason Heyward, Yoenis Cespedes, Alex Rios
Tier 3
Jacoby Ellsbury, B.J. Upton, Jay Bruce, Austin Jackson, Alex Gordon, Mark Trumbo, Michael Bourn, Desmond Jennings, Melky Cabrera, Martin Prado, Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Zobrist, Josh Willingham, Jason Kubel
Tier 4
Nick Swisher, Dexter Fowler, Nelson Cruz, Allen Craig, Carlos Gomez, Hunter Pence, Josh Reddick, Chris Davis, Jayson Werth, Angel Pagan, Norichika Aoki, Andre Ethier, Alfonso Soriano, Torii Hunter, Corey Hart, Carlos Beltran and Curtis Granderson, Nick Markakis (injury-based demotions)
Tier 5
Dayan Viciedo, Brett Gardner, Michael Cuddyer, Lorenzo Cain, Ben Revere, Drew Stubbs, Denard Span, Justin Ruggiano, Starling Marte, Carl Crawford, Domonic Brown, Tyler Colvin, Cody Ross, Carlos Quentin, Alejandro De Aza, Tyler Moore, Coco Crisp, Chris Parmelee and Wil Myers, Billy Hamilton (stashees for Memorial Day)
Tier 6
Andy Dirks, Adam Eaton, Travis Snider, Darin Mastroianni, Colby Rasmus, Darin Ruf, Lucas Duda, Juan Rivera, Peter Bourjos, J.D. Martinez, Justin Maxwell, Jesus Martinez, Rajai Davis, John Jay, Oscar Taveras, Gerardo Parra, Mike Morse, Michael Saunders, Franklin Gutierrez, Gregor Blanco, Michael Brantley, Jonny Gomes, Ryan Ludwick, Delmon Young, Nate McLouth, David Murphy, Chris Gentry, Leonys Martin
Jay Clemons can be reached on Twitter, day or night, at @FOX_JayClemons.
