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MLB Top Ten Outfield Prospects for 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi (16) doubles in the first inning of a spring training game against theMinnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Andrew Benintendi (16) doubles in the first inning of a spring training game against theMinnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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10. Tyler O’Neill, Seattle Mariners

There may not be a more impressive physical specimen in the minor leagues than O’Neill, in spite of standing just 5’11”.

O’Neill was drafted by the Mariners in the 3rd round in 2013 out of high school in Canada. Immediately in his draft year, he made a big impression, with a .310/.405/.450 slash line in 28 games.

The next season, O’Neill fought through injuries and missed roughly half the season, but he showed off big power when he was able to hit for low-A Clinton, clubbing 13 home runs in just 57 games at the level.

O’Neill moved up to high-A Bakersfield in the Cal League in 2015 at age 20, and he showed off his prodigious power with 32 home runs and also flashed his athleticism with 16 stolen bases.

O’Neill went to the Arizona Fall League in 2015, and there he established himself as one of the best young hitters in the game. In just 8 games before an injury ended his time in the AFL, O’Neill hit .333/.355/.733 with three home runs.

O’Neill came in to spring with a focus on plate discipline and a focus on more complete hitting. The results showed, as he hit .293/.374/.508 with 26 doubles, 24 home runs, and 12 stolen bases. He also returned to the AFL for a full AFL season, and he showed well again, hitting .292/.395/.486 with three home runs.

O’Neill has your typical right field type of profile with a big arm and a big power bat. He’s not an elite defender, but he can handle a corner well.

O’Neill will likely open the season at AAA for the Mariners, but he’s going to make a push for the big leagues very soon.

9. Clint Frazier, New York Yankees

Frazier was the first high school hitter taken in the 2013 draft at #5 overall, and many considered him a legit option at #1 overall in that season’s talent pool.

Frazier has displayed exceptional tools across the board in his pro career with plus power, fringe-plus speed, a plus arm, and solid ability in the field and with contact.

He was the centerpiece of the Andrew Miller trade that sent him from the Indians to the Yankees, and while the Indians wouldn’t swap the World Series appearance for anything, most likely, they will miss Frazier’s bat going forward.

Frazier is not a guy who will likely hit .300 with a swing that isn’t necessarily long, but does have some load on the back side. Once entering the zone, there are few with a faster bat in the entire game, leading to raw power that’s been easily rated plus-plus.

Frazier has shown excellent ability to control the strike zone, though his strikeout rate did spike in his AAA time for both the Indians and Yankees. He is a guy who will likely be a .350+ OBP guy with big power as a big leaguer.

Frazier is athletic enough to play center field, but his arm and instincts play best in right field. He will likely spend the entire 2017 season in AAA, short of a September call-up, but he should be in line to be starting in the Bronx in 2018.

Next: #7, #8

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