MLB Projections: Top 10 outfielders for the 2020 season
Today, ‘Call to the Pen’ is going to examine the top 10 outfielders in baseball using the “Steamer” MLB projections system.
Here we have perhaps the most stacked compilation of players of any position on the field. Combined, these players are worth around $1.3B, roughly the same value of close to 50% of MLB teams Of these 10 players, six have won MVP awards and all can call themselves perennial All-Stars.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it. Here are the top 10 outfielders according to the “Steamer” MLB projections.
10. Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees
In two seasons since winning the 2017 NL MVP award, Giancarlo Stanton has struggled to stay on the field. Especially in 2019, when baseballs were being juiced, fans were deprived of his power. Who knows how many homers he could’ve hit.
As the 10th ranked outfielder on this list, the “Steamer” MLB projections system has Stanton slashing .268 / .355 / .589. The “Steamer” also has Stanton hitting 48 home runs and 115 RBI.
With two seasons in the Bronx under his belt, Stanton is ready to prove his worth in New York. If these projections are accurate, the Yankees and their fans would welcome them with wide-open arms.
MLB Projections: Top 10 Outfielders for the 2020 Season
9. Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies
Given the disappointment that was the 2019 MLB season for the Phillies, Bryce Harper took on much of the blame for the team’s lack of success. The fact of the matter is, however, that 2019 was a top 3 season for Harper by all measures.
His .882 OPS last season was the third-best in his career as was his 292 TB. What’s more, he posted a top-two season in HR (35) and a career-high in RBI (114).
In 2020, according to the “Steamer” MLB projections system, Harper is poised for an even better season. If all goes according to plan, Harper is looking at 41 HR, 102 RBI, and .924 OPS.
8. Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves
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In just two MLB seasons Ronald Acuna Jr. has established himself as one of the best players in baseball. Last season, Acuna after hitting 41 HR and stealing 37 bags, Acuna just missed a shot at the 40-40 club. Nevertheless, he earned his first Silver Slugger award and was selected to his first All-Star game.
This season, his age-22 season, Acuna is looking to continue to establish himself as an elite ballplayer. The “Steamer” system has Acuna slashing .282 / .363 / .527. In that, Acuna is slated for 37 homers and 93 RBI.
7. Juan Soto, Washington Nationals
When Bryce Harper opted to leave Washington D.C. for Philadelphia, Nats fans worried about the team’s future. For years Harper had been the face of the franchise and provided the team with stability in the outfield.
Then, Juan Soto emerged and established himself as a legitimate force to be reckoned with in MLB circles. Experts and analysts quickly declared him better than Harper at this stage and he’s only 20-years-old.
In his two-year career, Soto features a .287 / .403 / .535 slash line. What’s more, he already has a World Series ring to his name.
Looking ahead, the “Steamer” system has Soto improving upon previous years if you can believe it. His predicted slash line will be .292 / .406 / .555. I’d like to add upon that serious MVP consideration and an All-Star appearance.
MLB Projections: Top 10 Outfielders for the 2020 Season
6. George Springer, Houston Astros
I really struggled with placing George Springer on this list. Given what we know now about the Houston Astros and the sign-stealing scandal, can we really trust that any Astros players’ offensive performance is legitimate? I’m not sure.
Nevertheless, I have to honor the “Steamer” system. So, here is what Springer is predicted to do next season: .273 / .365 / .510 with 35 HR and 91 RBI.
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5. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Since 2017, Aaron Judge has established himself as a fan favorite not only in New York but in all of MLB. Unfortunately, a couple of freak injuries have kept him from playing consistently in 2018 and 2019. Even so, when on the field, he lives up to the hype and then some.
For the 2020 MLB season, the “Steamer” MLB projections system has Judge slashing .254 / .372 / .525. In that are 41 HR and 101 RBI. With Stanton slated for 48, the Yankees are looking at a combined 89 HR out of two players. Another record-setting season is not out of the question.
4. Christian Yelich, Milwaukee Brewers
If you can believe it, after an MVP 2018 season, Christian Yelich had an even better 2019 MLB season. In all, he posted career highs in…
- HR – 44
- SB – 30
- BA – .329
- OBP – .429
- SLG – .671
- OPS – 1.100
…all in 2019. Unfortunately for Yelich, Cody Bellinger had a magical season too, snatching the MVP award from Yelich in the final weeks of the season.
In 2020, the “Steamer” system has Yelich hitting .304 / .400 / .568. While that’s not 2018 and 2019-like, it’s still elite. Makes you wonder how the Miami Marlins feel about seeing one of their home-grown players being in consideration for the best player in baseball?
MLB Projections: Top 10 Outfielders for the 2020 Season
3. Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
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In some ways, Mookie Betts has to be one of the most fortunate players in the league. He goes from one elite lineup to another in a recent blockbuster trade that has him going from Boston to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The move has the Dodgers being favored to go to the World Series for the third time in four years. This time, if they make it, Mookie might be able to get them over the hump.
In many circles, Betts is the best player not named Mike Trout. While I agree with this sentiment, the “Steamer” system has Betts slightly below the next player. Even so, Mookie is being projected to slash .280 / .371 / .516.
2. Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
Last season, after experiencing something of a sophomore slump in 2018, Cody Bellinger came out all guns blazing. After winning the 2017 Rookie of the Year award, two years later Bellinger was being crowned the NL MVP.
For the 2020 season, the “Steamer” system is projected Bellinger to slash .287 / .385 / .583 with 42 HR and 115 RBI. With Betts in the lineup, I wouldn’t be surprised if these projections increase slightly.
1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Finally, we have come to the most predictable outcome of this entire list: Mike Trout. In 9-years, 8-full seasons, Trout has more than established himself as the best player in the game. Each season except for one saw him place 1 or 2 in the MVP ballot; he’s secured 7 Silver Slugger awards; and was selected to 8 All-Star games.
The 2020 season looks to be similar. According to the “Steamer” system, Trout is set to slash .297 / .439 / .611. What’s more, he’s expected to continue to develop his power by hitting 44 home runs.
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With a much improved Los Angeles Angels team, don’t be shocked if we get to experience Trout in the postseason for the first time since 2014. Is a World Series MVP in store for 2020? We shall see.