MLB State of the Position 2024: Every Team's 5-Year Plan in the Outfield

Outfielders Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, Julio Rodríguez, Corbin Carroll, Fernando Tatis Jr., Luis Robert Jr. and Kyle Tucker are some of baseball's brightest stars, and they could soon be joined by Evan Carter, Jackson Chourio, Dylan Crews, James Wood, Wyatt Langford, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Roman Anthony and other top prospects.

Ahead, we've broken down each team's present and future outlook in the outfield, highlighting their current starters and their top prospects working their way up the minor league pipeline.

Included with each top prospect is his tier ranking based on where he slotted in Bleacher Report's 2024 farm system rankings.

Think of this as the team's five-year plan at the position.

Catch up on the State of the Position series: Catcher, First Base, Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base

Present

• LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Age: 30; controllable through 2027)
• CF Alek Thomas (Age: 23; controllable through 2028)
• RF Corbin Carroll (Age: 23; controllable through 2031)

The D-backs shored up their outfield by bringing Lourdes Gurriel Jr. back on a three-year, $42 million this offseason, and this should once again be one of the most productive groups in the National League.

Future

• Druw Jones (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
• A.J. Vukovich (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Jack Hurley (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

Can a healthy Druw Jones show why he was widely regarded as the most talented prospect in the 2021 draft class? The 20-year-old has played just 41 games since he was selected No. 2 overall and given a massive $8.2 million signing bonus.

Present

• LF Jarred Kelenic (Age: 24; controllable through 2028)
• CF Michael Harris II (Age: 22; controllable through 2032)
• RF Ronald Acuña Jr. (Age: 26; controllable through 2028)

The Braves have done a fantastic job locking up their homegrown stars, and that includes long-term extensions for Ronald Acuña Jr. (eight years, $100 million) and Michael Harris II (eight years, $72 million) that both include a pair of club option years to extend the contracts even further. The decision to buy low on Jarred Kelenic could pay huge dividends if he lives up to the hype that made him one of baseball's top prospects just a few years ago.

Future

• Luis Guanipa (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
• Jesse Franklin V (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Isaiah Drake (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

Signed for $2.5 million as part of the 2023 international class, Luis Guanipa has an overflowing toolbox with a 55-hit, 50-power, 65-speed profile. The 18-year-old will be one to watch in 2024 as he makes his stateside debut.

Present

• LF Austin Hays (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
• CF Cedric Mullins  (Age: 29; controllable through 2025)
• RF Anthony Santander (Age: 29; controllable through 2024)

With slugger Anthony Santander headed for free agency next offseason and both Austin Hays and Cedric Mullins ticketed for the open market after the 2025 season, the Orioles have some decisions to make on who they plan to keep around long-term.

Future

• Colton Cowser (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Heston Kjerstad (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)

Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad both saw their first MLB action in 2023, and their continued development this season will have a direct impact on how the front office decides to proceed with their incumbent outfielders. Speedy Enrique Bradfield Jr. could be the center fielder and leadoff hitter of the future after going No. 17 overall in last year's draft and putting together a stellar pro debut.

Present

• LF Tyler O'Neill (Age: 28; controllable through 2024)
• CF Jarren Duran (Age: 27; controllable through 2028)
• RF Wilyer Abreu (Age: 24; controllable through 2029)

Rookie Wilyer Abreu hit .316/.388/.474 for a 132 OPS+ in 85 plate appearances in his MLB debut last season after posting a .930 OPS with 22 home runs and 65 RBI in 86 games at Triple-A. The 24-year-old will be given every opportunity to win a starting job this spring after Alex Verdugo was traded and Adam Duvall departed in free agency.

Future

• Roman Anthony (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Ceddanne Rafaela (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Miguel Bleis (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)

Roman Anthony was one of the biggest breakout prospects of the 2023 season, hitting .272/.403/.466 with 27 doubles, 14 home runs, 64 RBI and 16 steals in 106 games over three minor league levels while reaching Double-A as a 19-year-old. He has the potential to be a future superstar in Boston.

Present

• LF Ian Happ (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)
• CF Mike Tauchman (Age: 33; controllable through 2026)
• RF Seiya Suzuki (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)

The Cubs gave Ian Happ a three-year, $61 million extension after years of trade rumblings, and he is now signed through the 2026 season along with fellow corner outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Veteran Mike Tauchman tallied 2.4 WAR in 108 games last season, and he will keep center field warm for Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Future

• Pete Crow-Armstrong (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Owen Caissie (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Kevin Alcántara (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)

This could be Chicago's future outfield right here, with Pete Crow-Armstrong providing two-way superstar potential in center field and both Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara capable of middle-of-the-order offensive production.

Present

• LF Andrew Benintendi (Age: 29; controllable through 2027)
• CF Luis Robert Jr. (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
• RF Dominic Fletcher (Age: 26; controllable through 2029)

Dominic Fletcher hit .301/.350/.441 for a 115 OPS+ in 102 plate appearances as a rookie last season. The 26-year-old appears to be the favorite to win the starting right field job after he was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for pitching prospect Cristian Mena.

Future

• George Wolkow (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
• Zach DeLoach (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Wilfred Veras (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)

After hitting .286/.387/.481 with 30 doubles, 23 home runs and 88 RBI in 138 games at Triple-A in the Seattle Mariners farm system last year, Zach DeLoach should be ready for his first taste of the big leagues in 2024.

Present

• LF Spencer Steer (Age: 26; controllable through 2028)
• CF TJ Friedl (Age: 28; controllable through 2028)
• RF Jake Fraley (Age: 29; controllable through 2026)

Jake Fraley (380 PA, 109 OPS+, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 21 SB) and Will Benson (329 PA, 130 OPS+, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 19 SB) both had productive 2023 seasons, so expect them to both see regular action at the outfield corners.

Future

• Blake Dunn (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Rece Hinds (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Hector Rodríguez (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

While he is a bit behind the developmental curve as a 25-year-old who has played just 77 games above the High-A level, Blake Dunn is one to watch. He hit .321/.425/.522 with 23 home runs and 54 steals in 124 games last season.

Present

• LF Steven Kwan (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
• CF Myles Straw (Age: 29; controllable through 2028)
• RF Ramón Laureano (Age: 29; controllable through 2025)

The Guardians acquired outfielder Estevan Florial from the New York Yankees back in December in exchange for right-hander Cody Morris. The former Top 100 prospect hit .284/.380/.565 with 23 doubles, 28 home runs, 79 RBI and 25 steals in 101 games at Triple-A last season, and he could push Myles Straw for the starting center field job.

Future

• Chase DeLauter (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• George Valera (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
• Jaison Chourio (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

After starting his pro career on the sidelines recovering from a foot injury, Chase DeLauter has quickly made up for lost time. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2022 draft hit .355/.417/.528 with 27 extra-base hits in 57 games in his pro debut, and he added a .914 OPS with five home runs and 27 RBI in 23 games in the Arizona Fall League.

Present

• LF Nolan Jones (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• CF Brenton Doyle (Age: 25; controllable through 2029)
• RF Sean Bouchard (Age: 27; controllable through 2028)

Nolan Jones at the plate (138 OPS+, 20 HR, 20 SB) and Brenton Doyle in center field (19 DRS, 24.0 UZR/150) gave the Rockies two impact rookies last season, but now they have a hole to fill alongside that duo in right field. Slugger Hunter Goodman could make a strong push for the job this spring after back-to-back 30-homer seasons in the minors.

Future

• Yanquiel Fernandez (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Cole Carrigg (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
• Jordan Beck (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)

Aside from the three players listed above, the Rockies also have former first-round picks Zac Veen (No. 9 overall in 2020) and Benny Montgomery (No. 8 overall in 2021) headed for the upper levels of the minors. Cole Carrigg is one of baseball's most interesting top prospects with the defensive chops to play catcher, shortstop and center field.

Present

• LF Mark Canha (Age: 35; controllable through 2024)
• CF Parker Meadows (Age: 24; controllable through 2029)
• RF Riley Greene (Age: 23; controllable through 2028)

The under-the-radar move to add Mark Canha could pay huge dividends for the Tigers, and if they're not contending when the deadline rolls around he should be an easy trade chip to move. Parker Meadows is an elite defensive center fielder, but he'll need to prove he can hit enough to be an everyday player.

Future

• Max Clark (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
• Justyn-Henry Malloy (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
• Justice Bigbie (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)

Justice Bigbie hit .343/.405/.537 with 25 doubles, 19 home runs and 78 RBI in 115 games over three minor league levels last season. The 25-year-old needs to move quickly to carve out an MLB role, but it's hard to argue with those results. Can Max Clark develop into a consensus top-10 prospect in baseball by the end of 2024?

Present

• LF Chas McCormick (Age: 28; controllable through 2026)
• CF Jake Meyers (Age: 27; controllable through 2027)
• RF Kyle Tucker (Age: 27; controllable through 2025)

The Astros have had "some talks" with Kyle Tucker on an extension this spring as he is now just two years removed from free agency. The 27-year-old is coming off his third straight 5-WAR season and a fifth-place finish in AL MVP balloting.

Future

• Jacob Melton (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
• Luis Baez (Tier 2, ETA: 2027)
• Joey Loperfido (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)

Despite trading away Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford in the Justin Verlander deal with the New York Mets, the Astros still have some high-ceiling outfield prospects, headlined by Jacob Melton. A 2022 second-round pick, he posted an .801 OPS with 23 home runs and 46 steals in 99 games between High-A and Double-A.

Present

• LF MJ Melendez (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• CF Kyle Isbel (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
• RF Hunter Renfroe (Age: 32; controllable through 2025)

The one-year, $5.5 million deal that Hunter Renfroe signed with the Royals this offseason also includes a $7.5 million player option and $1 million buyout for 2025, so he could be more than just a one-year stopgap signing. Slugger Nelson Velázquez could also see some outfield action, but he is expected to be the team's primary DH.

Future

• Tyler Gentry (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Gavin Cross (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
• Carson Roccaforte (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

Viewed as one of the most polished college bats in the 2022 draft class, Gavin Cross has gotten off to a rocky start to begin his pro career. He hit .203 with a .298 on-base percentage and 27.8 percent strikeout rate in 96 games between High-A and Double-A last season. Can the No. 9 overall pick in 2022 get his career on track?

Present

• LF Taylor Ward (Age: 30; controllable through 2026)
• CF Mike Trout (Age: 32; controllable through 2030)
• RF Mickey Moniak (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)

The Angels still owe Mike Trout roughly $260 million over the next seven seasons, and after playing a total of 237 games over the past three years, it's fair to wonder how well he is going to hold up over the remainder of that contract. Former top prospect Jo Adell and free-agent signing Aaron Hicks will also see time in the 2024 outfield.

Future

• Nelson Rada (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)
• Alberto Rios (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• Kevyn Castillo (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

Signed for just $10,000 as part of the 2022 international class, Kevyn Castillo returned to the Dominican Summer League for a second year last season after missing most of his pro debut with a broken hamate. He hit .371/.478/.548 with 20 extra-base hits and 23 steals in 55 games and is now a prospect on the rise heading into 2024.

Present

• LF Teoscar Hernández (Age: 31; controllable through 2024)
• CF James Outman (Age: 26; controllable through 2028)
• RF Jason Heyward (Age: 34; controllable through 2024)

With Mookie Betts making the full-time move to second base, Jason Heyward was re-signed to a one-year, $9 million deal to serve as the team's starting right fielder following last year's resurgence on a minor league pact. Chris Taylor will also continue to see time in the outfield as part of his super-utility role, while Manuel Margot provides quality depth after coming over in the Tyler Glasnow deal.

Future

• Josue De Paula (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)
• Andy Pages (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
• Kendall George (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

Andy Pages suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder in his Triple-A debut last May, or he might have already made his MLB debut. The 23-year-old has a classic power-over-contact profile, but it's some of the best raw power in the minors. The hope is that he can find a way to make enough consistent contact to fully utilize it.

Present

• LF Bryan De La Cruz (Age: 27; controllable through 2027)
• CF Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Age: 26; controllable through 2026)
• RF Jesús Sánchez (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)

Bryan De La Cruz (92 OPS+, 32 2B, 19 HR, 78 RBI) and Jesús Sánchez (108 OPS+, 23 2B, 14 HR, 52 RBI) both had passable offensive seasons last year, but they will need to provide more to hold onto starting jobs going forward. Can Jazz Chisholm Jr. finally take the next step toward stardom?

Future

• Victor Mesa Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
• Luis Cova (Tier 3, ETA: 2028)
• Dane Myers (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)

Luis Cova was one of the top prospects in the 2024 international crop, and he landed a $1.4 million bonus as the highest earner in a 21-player signing class. Originally scouted as a shortstop, he shifted to the outfield and looks the part of a future center fielder with a well-rounded offensive game.

Present

• LF Garrett Mitchell (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• CF Joey Wiemer (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• RF Sal Frelick (Age: 23; controllable through 2029)
  

The Brewers are loaded with young outfield talent, and that is part of the reason Tyrone Taylor was traded to the New York Mets earlier this offseason. With Christian Yelich expected to serve as the primary designated hitter, there is plenty of playing time available for whoever separates themselves from the pack.

Future

• Jackson Chourio (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Luis Lara (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)
• Yophery Rodriguez (Tier 3, ETA: 2028)

He was not listed with the "present" group above, but expect to see Jackson Chourio in the Opening Day lineup as the team's starting center fielder after he signed an eight-year, $82 million extension in early December. The 19-year-old now holds the record for the largest contract ever given to a player with zero MLB experience.

Present

• LF Matt Wallner (Age: 26; controllable through 2029)
• CF Byron Buxton (Age: 30; controllable through 2028)
• RF Max Kepler (Age: 31; controllable through 2024)

After playing exclusively designated hitter in an attempt to get healthy and stay healthy last season, former Gold Glove winner Byron Buxton is expected to return to center field to start the 2024 season. Longtime trade candidate Max Kepler now looks as though he will play out the final year of his contract in Minnesota.

Future

• Walker Jenkins (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
• Emmanuel Rodriguez (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Gabriel Gonzalez (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)

This is a dynamic group of young outfielders that was bolstered when Gabriel Gonzalez was acquired from the Seattle Mariners in the Jorge Polanco trade. All three of these guys will have a spot on the B/R Top 100 prospect list to open the year, and while they are still a few years away, all three have star potential.

Present

• LF Brandon Nimmo (Age: 30; controllable through 2030)
• CF Harrison Bader (Age: 29; controllable through 2024)
• RF Starling Marte (Age: 35; controllable through 2025)

The addition of Harrison Bader on a one-year, $10.5 million deal allows the Mets to shift Brandon Nimmo to left field and makes the entire outfield better defensively. While he has dealt with injury issues throughout his career, Bader is not far removed from a 3.8-WAR season and Gold Glove win during the 2021 season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Future

• Jett Williams (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Drew Gilbert (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Ryan Clifford (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)

With Francisco Lindor locked in at shortstop and Luisangel Acuña the leading candidate to be the long-term answer at shortstop, speedy Jett Williams could fit best in center field, and he made 21 starts there during the 2023 season. Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford were both acquired from Houston in the Justin Verlander trade last summer.

Present

• LF Alex Verdugo (Age: 27; controllable through 2024)
• CF Aaron Judge (Age: 31; controllable through 2031)
• RF Juan Soto (Age: 25; controllable through 2024)

The Yankees have a new-look outfield following offseason trades to acquire Juan Soto and Trent Grisham from the San Diego Padres and Alex Verdugo from the Boston Red Sox. However, it remains to be seen if Soto or Verdugo will stick around beyond the 2024 season with free agency looming.

Future

• Jasson Dominguez (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Spencer Jones (Tier 2, ETA: 2025)
• Everson Pereira (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)

Jasson Dominguez went 8-for-31 with four home runs in eight games as a September call-up and appeared to be on his way to staking claim to a 2024 role before his debut was cut short by Tommy John surgery. It will be interesting to see how he fits with this year's group once he returns to action.

Present

• LF JJ Bleday (Age: 26; controllable through 2028)
• CF Esteury Ruiz (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• RF Seth Brown (Age: 31; controllable through 2026)

The Athletics could be a landing spot for some of the second-tier outfielders still looking for a new contract in free agency, including Eddie Rosario, Tommy Pham, Adam Duvall and Garrett Cooper. Otherwise, the above group is likely just keeping spots warm until Denzel Clarke and Lawrence Butler make their case for a starting job.

Future

• Denzel Clarke (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
• Lawrence Butler (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)
• Henry Bolte (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

Denzel Clarke played for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic and then went on to hit .261/.381/.496 with 27 extra-base hits and 11 steals in 64 games at Double-A. The 23-year-old has emerged as one of the best all-around prospects in the Oakland system.

Present

• LF Brandon Marsh (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
• CF Johan Rojas (Age: 23; controllable through 2029)
• RF Nick Castellanos (Age: 31; controllable through 2026)

The Phillies have finally found a long-term solution in center field following a breakout performance from Johan Rojas. The 23-year-old racked up 2.5 WAR in 59 games as a rookie, logging a 111 OPS+ in 164 plate appearances to go along with stellar defensive metrics (15 DRS, 12.1 UZR/150). Bryce Harper moving to first base means we won't have to watch Kyle Schwarber in left field this year.

Future

• Justin Crawford (Tier 1, ETA: 2026)
• Gabriel Rincones Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• TJayy Walton (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

Justin Crawford hit .332/.392/.467 with 33 extra-base hits and 47 steals in 87 games between Single-A and High-A in his first full professional season last year. The son of former All-Star Carl Crawford, he has a similar skill set to his father and has quickly emerged as the top position player in the Philadelphia system.

Present

• LF Bryan Reynolds (Age: 29; controllable through 2031)
• CF Jack Suwinski (Age: 25; controllable through 2028)
• RF Edward Olivares (Age: 27; controllable through 2026)

After months of trade speculation, Bryan Reynolds inked an eight-year, $106.75 million extension last April that stands as the largest contract in Pirates history, and he remains the face of the franchise amid their current rebuild. Edward Olivares and Joshua Palacios will battle for the starting right field job this spring.

Future

• Jase Bowen (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
• Lonnie White Jr. (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• Matt Gorski (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)

After a 23-homer, 26-steal regular season, Jase Bowen hit .290/.355/.500 with 11 extra-base hits, 19 RBI and six steals in 25 games in the Arizona Fall League. A two-sport star in high school who was committed to play baseball and football at Michigan State, he is shaping up to be a steal after signing an above-slot deal as an 11th-round pick in the 2019 draft.

Present

• LF Jurickson Profar (Age: 31; controllable through 2024)
• CF José Azocar (Age: 27; controllable through 2028)
• RF Fernando Tatis Jr. (Age: 25; controllable through 2034)

Surely the Padres are not going to go into the season with light-hitting José Azocar as the team's starting center fielder, right? As it stands, the three guys listed above are the only three outfielders on the 40-man roster, and Michael A. Taylor makes a ton of sense as a late addition in free agency.

Future

• Samuel Zavala (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Dillon Head (Tier 2, ETA: 2027)
• Jakob Marsee (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)

Jakob Marsee had a strong season between High-A and Double-A last year and then solidified his rising prospect status by taking home Arizona Fall League MVP honors. The 22-year-old hit .391/.509/.707 with 18 extra-base hits, 20 RBI and 16 steals in 24 games, and that should earn him a long look this spring.

Present

• LF Michael Conforto (Age: 30; controllable through 2024)
• CF Jung Hoo Lee (Age: 25; controllable through 2029)
• RF Mike Yastrzemski (Age: 33; controllable through 2025)

The Giants rolled the dice on KBO star Jung Hoo Lee being the answer in center field and as an impact bat atop the lineup, signing him to a six-year, $113 million deal. While Mitch Haniger was traded to the Seattle Mariners, the team still has Austin Slater as a quality fourth outfielder option.

Future

• Rayner Arias (Tier 2, ETA: 2028)
• Wade Meckler (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Grant McCray (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)

Rayner Arias signed for $2.7 million as part of the 2023 international class, the second-highest international bonus in Giants history. His pro debut was just 16 games in the Dominican Summer League, but he justified the early hype by hitting .414/.540/.793 with 12 extra-base hits and more walks (15) than strikeouts (11) in 76 plate appearances.

Present

• LF Luke Raley (Age: 29; controllable through 2028)
• CF Julio Rodríguez (Age: 23; controllable through 2034)
• RF Mitch Haniger (Age: 33; controllable through 2025)

The Mariners shored up their outfield with a pair of trades, acquiring slugger Luke Raley from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for José Caballero, and bringing back former standout Mitch Haniger in a swap of hefty contracts with the San Francisco Giants that sent Robbie Ray the other way. That should provide some much-needed stability alongside superstar Julio Rodríguez.

Future

• Lazaro Montes (Tier 2, ETA: 2026)
• Jonathan Clase (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
• Jonny Farmelo (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

With a 6'3", 210-pound frame and a 50-hit, 60-power profile, Lazaro Montes has as much offensive upside as any teenager in the minors. The 19-year-old hit .303/.440/.560 with 19 doubles, 13 home runs and 61 RBI in 70 games between rookie ball and Single-A, though he also recorded a 25.2 percent strikeout rate.

Present

• LF Lars Nootbaar (Age: 26; controllable through 2027)
• CF Tommy Edman (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)
• RF Jordan Walker (Age: 21; controllable through 2029)

Trading Tyler O'Neill to the Boston Red Sox helped unclog the outfield logjam a bit, but there are still four guys vying for playing time with former top prospect Dylan Carlson looking to prove he can still be an impact player. Versatile Tommy Edman could shift back to shortstop if the team decides Masyn Winn needs more time in the minors.

Future

• Victor Scott II (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Chase Davis (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• Travis Honeyman (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

Speedy Victor Scott II is one of baseball's most exciting prospects. After hitting .303/.369/.425 with an MiLB-leading 94 steals in 132 games between High-A and Double-A last season, he logged an .805 OPS with 24 hits, 12 walks and 18 steals in 23 games in the Arizona Fall League.

Present

• LF Randy Arozarena (Age: 28; controllable through 2026)
• CF José Siri (Age: 28; controllable through 2027)
• RF Josh Lowe (Age: 26; controllable through 2028)

The emergence of José Siri and Josh Lowe in 2023 helped pave the way for the Rays to include Manuel Margot in the deal that also sent Tyler Glasnow to the Los Angeles Dodgers, saving the tight-fisted organization some extra money. Jonny DeLuca went the other way in that deal, and he could play his way into an MLB role this spring.

Future

• Colton Ledbetter (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• Chandler Simpson (Tier 3, ETA: 2025)
• Brailer Guerrero (Tier 3, ETA: 2028)

Brailer Guerrero signed for a hefty $3.7 million as part of the 2023 international class, and his 55-hit, 60-power offensive profile gives him the potential to quickly emerge as one of the top prospects in the Tampa Bay system. He played just seven games in the DSL last year before undergoing shoulder surgery, so 2024 will be his first full season of pro ball.

Present

• LF Evan Carter (Age: 21; controllable through 2029)
• CF Leody Taveras (Age: 25; controllable through 2027)
• RF Adolis García (Age: 30; controllable through 2026)

It's hard to believe Evan Carter had just 23 big league games under his belt heading into the Texas Rangers' postseason run, and he will kick off the 2024 season as the heavy favorite to take home AL Rookie of the Year honors. The Rangers also brought back Travis Jankowski after a productive season in the fourth outfielder role.

Future

• Wyatt Langford (Tier 1, ETA: 2024)
• Dustin Harris (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Anthony Gutierrez (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)

Don't be surprised when we see Wyatt Langford in the majors in 2024, and it's not out of the question to think he could even win a spot on the Opening Day roster. After a huge junior season at the University of Florida, he went No. 4 overall in last year's draft and promptly hit .360/.480/.677 with 17 doubles, 10 home runs and 30 RBI in 44 games across four minor league levels, closing things out with his Triple-A debut.

Present

• LF Daulton Varsho (Age: 27; controllable through 2026)
• CF Kevin Kiermaier (Age: 33; controllable through 2024)
• RF George Springer (Age: 34; controllable through 2026)

The Blue Jays brought back Kevin Kiermaier on a one-year, $10.5 million deal after he posted a 104 OPS+ and won his fourth career Gold Glove in a 3.9-WAR season. That allows Daulton Varsho to stay in left field and should again give the Blue Jays one of the best defensive outfields in baseball.

Future

• Alan Roden (Tier 3, ETA: 2024)
• Jace Bohrofen (Tier 3, ETA: 2026)
• Emmanuel Bonilla (Tier 3, ETA: 2027)

Jace Bohrofen was one of the biggest breakout players in college baseball during the 2023 season, hitting .318/.436/.612 with 16 home runs and 52 RBI in 60 games after hitting .228 with a .768 OPS during his sophomore season. The sixth-round pick had a 1.080 OPS and seven home runs in 24 games in his pro debut and could be a late-blooming steal.

Present

• LF Joey Gallo (Age: 30; controllable through 2024)
• CF Victor Robles (Age: 26; controllable through 2024)
• RF Lane Thomas (Age: 28; controllable through 2025)

Lane Thomas posted a 114 OPS+ with 36 doubles, 28 home runs, 86 RBI and 20 steals in a 3.3-WAR season last year, and with two years of club control remaining and a wealth of young outfield talent on the way, he could end up being a valuable trade chip before he reaches free agency.

Future

• Dylan Crews (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• James Wood (Tier 1, ETA: 2025)
• Robert Hassell III (Tier 2, ETA: 2024)

Aside from the three guys listed above, the Nationals also have a pair of high-ceiling prospects in Elijah Green ($6.5 million) and Cristhian Vaquero ($4.925 million) who both landed huge bonuses in 2022. How quickly will Dylan Crews make it to the majors, and will James Wood beat him there? The future is bright in the Nationals outfield.