Ranking the top 15 Outfielders heading into the 2024 MLB season

They’re the farthest players from the plate on defense, but remain close to baseball fans’ hearts. Outfielders have the chance to showcase cannon-like arms, blazing speed and timely leaping ability, as well as perform in the batter’s box. We’ll rank the top 15 outfielders in baseball heading into the 2024 campaign. All statistics are sourced from Baseball Reference.

Despite being much maligned for his defense in centerfield, The Athletic and others have pointed out Nimmo’s notable improvement in that area over the years. He figures to play a lot of left field this year with the Mets’ acquisition of Harrison Bader, but should still make an impact hitting at or near the top of New York’s lineup in 2024.

Bellinger has had a roller coaster of a career, but seems to have found a new home in Chicago. He rebounded nicely in 2023, hitting .307 with 26 home runs and 97 runs batted in. It took a little while for him to be re-signed by the Cubs, but his new three-year contract indicates that Chicago views him as a solid piece to build around in the near future.

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The Rays find a way to remain relevant year after year, despite spending at a reduced clip compared to their divisional counterparts. Arozarena is a huge reason why, as his hustle and energy invigorate Tampa Bay in big games. If there’s one thing he can improve on, it’s discipline on the basepath; he’s “led” the league in caught stealing totals twice in the last three years.

Alvarez has been a prodigious power hitter since he entered the major leagues in 2019, and is a perennial bet to be included in the American League MVP race. However, Alvarez is perilously close to dropping out of a list like this, as he has spent progressively less time playing the outfield each year.

Yahoo Sports has dived into the Braves’ strategy of extending the contracts of promising young players. The philosophy has worked brilliantly, and was also applied to Harris, who signed an eight-year extension worth $75 million. The centerfielder has only played two major league seasons, but has a well-rounded addition to the Braves’ already stacked lineup.

With Juan Soto now out of the picture, Tatis’ value to the Padres might shine through like never before in 2024. Sports Business Journal profiled his unique personality, but Tatis has also delivered in a big way when he’s been available for most of the season. In addition to being a great hitter, Tatis also won a Gold Glove last season, his first campaign in right field.

Robert is trending in the right direction for the White Sox. His numbers have improved every year in the big leagues, and broke out with his first All-Star season in 2023. Robert mashed 38 home runs while also stealing 20 bases a year ago. Perhaps the most important figure for him last season was games played; he appeared in 145 contests after never having played more than 98 previously.

The Houston Chronicle has featured Yordan Alvarez and Tucker as a dynamic duo who may lead the Astros into the next era of contention. Tucker has been a sensational run producer, knocking in at least 107 runs in each of the past two seasons. He’s also won a Gold Glove for his play in right field in 2022.

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Carroll might be one of the hardest players to rank here. He had a tremendous rookie season, capturing Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 while leading the Diamondbacks to a World Series appearance. It’s about as great of a first year as anyone has had, as Sports Illustrated covered. Carroll might very well find himself higher with a repeat performance in 2024.

Like Alvarez, Judge may also be teetering on the brink of eligibility for an outfielder ranking, but he did play 67 games there in 2023. Judge also played 18 of the contests in centerfield, which is impressive for a player of his stature(6’7”, 282 pounds). Judge hit 37 home runs in 106 games last year, as he battled a nagging toe injury.

Soto has a chance to earn a gargantuan contract after the 2024 season, which is a scary thought for the rest of baseball. Players tend to lock in during contract years, which may drive Soto to post career-best numbers across the board. Playing in Yankee Stadium with a short porch in right field could aid that quest.

Rodriguez’s first two seasons in Seattle have reminded fans of another legend who played for the franchise at the same position. In fact, Fox Sports has reported that Ken Griffey Jr. has taken Rodriguez under his wing. “I’m really grateful that I have someone in my corner to mentor me and tell me things I should expect along the way,” Rodriguez said about Griffey Jr.

Garcia may have been a little underrated the past couple of seasons, but he’s firmly on the radar of MLB fans and scouts now. The Rangers’ outfielder was fantastic in 2023, leading Texas to a World Series championship. He slugged 39 home runs and drove in 107 last year. Garcia’s career may have gotten off to a belated start, but he’s sure making up for lost time.

There may not be a more physically gifted player in MLB than Acuna. In 2023, he led the league in hits, runs scored, and stolen bases. He also hit 41 home runs and posted 106 RBI’s. There was mild concern that Acuna’s athleticism might have been compromised after he tore his ACL in 2021, but that hasn’t slowed him down one bit.

A wrist injury limited Trout to just 82 games played in 2023. However, given his track record (three MVP’s, 11-time All-Star), the potential for a monster bounce campaign cannot be ignored. Trout told Sports Illustrated he doesn’t want to be traded, so his full attention should be focused on reminding fans just how dangerous of a player he is when healthy.

Mookie Betts was a shoe-in to make this list, but the Los Angeles Dodgers have communicated this spring that he will be moving to shortstop this season. Manager Dave Roberts called the switch “permanent for now”, according to the New York Post. It’ll be interesting to see how much time, if any, Betts gets in his most familiar position in right field in 2024.

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