Prime 50 Middle Fielders for Fantasy Baseball

Thanksgiving is behind us, which suggests two issues – the Vacation season is in full swing, and the 2025 Prime Dynasty Keepers for 2025 collection is within the house stretch.

This week we concentrate on middle fielders, leaving solely proper fielders and true designated hitters remaining.

For me, the middle discipline place ranks solely behind the shortstops in relation to expertise and depth. If you’re beginning a group from scratch, my first choose is coming from both the shortstop or middle discipline place. This can be a place the place I’m relying on younger gamers to construct my group round.

Of the 50 gamers ranked beneath, solely six of them are 30 or older and a complete of 18 ranked gamers are 25-year-old or youthful.

So this can be a place that offer you a key participant for the following half decade or longer.

Simply Lacking the Lower

Michael Siani stole 20 bases in 124 video games for the Cardinals, however that pace is his solely actual asset as he slashed .228/.285/.285 and had a 27.5% strikeout charge as a participant who’s a contact hitter.

One season after ending third within the ROY voting, James Outman crashed and burned this previous season, slashing .147/.256/.265 with 4 house runs in 53 video games and 136 at-bats. In the event you suppose he can bounce again, then he is a superb buy-low candidate in 2025.

Kevin Pillar (36) and Michael A. Taylor (34) are each backups at greatest at this level of their careers. Nonetheless, each gamers stole 12 bases final yr and had greater than 250 at-bats. If an emergency happens to your total outfield and also you want a heat physique, you would do worse than Pillar and Taylor.

Prime Prospects

• Walker Jenkin, Minnesota
• Roman Anthony, Boston
• Max Clark, Detroit
• Emmanuel Rodriguez, Minnesota
• Chase DeLauter, Cleveland

Tier 5

Price A Look

Joey Loperfido and Austin Martin appeared within the left fielder rankings. Under is what I stated about them:

Joey Loperfido shot by way of the Astros system due to his highly effective bat and was a part of the commerce between the Blue Jays and Astros that despatched Yusei Kikuchi to Houston on the commerce deadline. Loperfido can play left and middle discipline and hit 52 homers in 290 profession minor league video games to go along with 69 steals. However he had points with strikeouts and that has carried over to his transient MLB profession as he had a 36.3% strikeout charge this previous season with a 5% stroll charge.

Austin Martin was the fifth participant chosen general within the 2020 draft by the Blue Jays and is a former prime 100 prospect. However to date, he has not been capable of dwell as much as the hype that surrounded him. In 280 minor league video games he has hit solely 15 homers to go along with a .261/.397/.363 slash line. Now a member of the Twins, Martin slashed .253/.318/.352 in 93 video games to go along with seven steals. However he hit just one homer, however he can play second, left and middle discipline. Versatility is bonus in relation to gamers ranked on this tier.

Cardinals outfielder Victor Scott II entered the 2024 season as a prime 100 prospect acquired a style of the large leagues final season as he appeared in 53 video games with 145 at-bats. Scott struggled with the Playing cards as he slashed .179/.219/.283. Scott’s worth comes from his legs. In 244 profession minor league video games he has 137 steals. In school, he stole 62 bases in 121 video games. Scott swiped 5 luggage with St. Louis, so if you’re in search of low-cost steals, Scott is value a glance.

Intriguing Abilities or Simply Teasing Us?

From 2022-23, Jack Suwinski mixed to hit 45 homers in 250 video games for the Pirates with a .436 slugging share. However he additionally had a .215 batting common and 31.6% strikeout charge. The 2024 season was one to neglect for Suwinski as he slashed .182/.264/.324 with 9 homers in 88 video games. He can play all three outfield spots, so if he can bounce again, he could be a respectable depth participant with pop and a few pace.

Like Suwinski, Will Benson has some intriguing expertise as he has respectable energy and pace. It regarded like he figured issues out in 2023 when he slashed .275/.365/.498 with 11 homers and 19 steals in 108 video games. However this previous yr noticed that slash line drop to .187/.274/.376 in 128 video games, although he did hit 14 homers and steal 16 luggage. However he had a 39.7% strikeout charge and for his profession it’s 35.5%. He’s not a starter, however in tremendous deep leagues, he can provide one thing off the bench.

Tier 4

An Up and Down Season

Jake Meyers had a really fascinating season for the Houston Astros. The excellent news is he set profession highs throughout the board when it got here to video games (148), runs scored (51), house runs (13), RBI (61) and stolen bases (11). That could be a respectable season. However he additionally slashed .219/.286/.360. The typical was a profession low and the OBP and SLG have been his second lowest outputs of his four-year profession.

Meyers is a superb defensive middle fielder, however his inconsistent bat will drive fantasy house owners nuts. And his second half numbers don’t actually encourage confidence. After slashing .242/.312/.424 throughout the first half with 10 homers and 40 RBI, he slumped to .188/.252/.274 with three homers and 21 RBI within the second half.

Can He Keep Wholesome

TJ Friedl has a 162-game common of 21 homers, 78 RBI and 23 steals with a .256/.332/.434 slash line throughout his four-year profession. The issue is Friedl by no means performs in 162 video games. Since debuting in 2021, taking part in in 14 video games for the Reds, he has performed in 72, 138 and 85 video games the previous three years. In 2023, when he appeared in these 138 video games, he hit 18 homers, drove in 66 runs and stole 27 bases.

However this previous yr he was restricted to 85 video games, and whereas he hit 13 homers and drove in 55 runs, he slashed .226/.310/.380. In the event you want a middle fielder, Friedl is a strong participant to have in your group if you happen to suppose he’ll play 130-plus video games. However at 29, there are some youthful gamers I’d goal first who’ve the identical or higher upside as Friedl.

How the Mighty Have Fallen

Luis Robert Jr. was as soon as a prime younger participant within the sport, however now it’s arduous to have any belief in him. He completed second within the 2020 ROY voting when he hit 11 homers and drove in 31 runs in 56 video games. However he then performed in solely 68 video games in 2021 and 98 in 2022, although he was productive as in these 166 video games he slashed .307/.344/.485 with 25 homers, 99 RBI and 17 steals.

The 2023 season lastly noticed Robert play a full yr as he appeared in 145 video games and hit 38 homers with 80 RBI and 20 steals whereas slashing .264/.315/.542. However then got here 2024. Robert once more acquired harm, appeared in solely 100 video games, and slashed .224/.278/.379 with 14 homers, 35 RBI and 23 steals. He reveals that he nonetheless has pace, however his strikeout charge has elevated from 19.2% in 2022 to twenty-eight.9% in 2023 to 33.2% this previous yr.

At this level my hopes for Robert are dim. You’re definitely welcome to take an opportunity on him as he’s a purchase low participant, however I’ll go after different gamers at this level.

Tier 3

He Is Who He Is

When the Seattle Mariners traded Edwin Diaz and Robinson Cano to the Mets again in 2018, one of many key gamers they acquired again within the commerce was Jarred Kelenic. However the hype that Kelenic has produced and the precise output have by no means been equal. In three seasons and 252 video games with the Mariners, Kelenic slashed .204/.283/.373 and averaged 84 video games, 11 homers, 36 RBI and eight steals.

Traded to the Bravers forward of the 2024 season, Kelenic appeared in a profession excessive 131 video games and slashed .231/.286/.393 with 15 homers, 45 RBI and 7 steals. At this level, I believe we’ve seen the ceiling from Kelenic. Since he can play each left and middle discipline and supplies some energy, he has some worth. However I’d not depend on him to instantly flip right into a 20 homer, 80 RBI participant.

A Misplaced Season

One of many greatest additions the San Francisco Giants made forward of the 2024 season was signing Jung Hoo Lee. Anticipated to supply a spark to the group’s offense, Lee’s season was derailed in Might when he crashed into the wall and separated his shoulder and missed the remainder of the season. All of the Giants acquired from Lee was 37 video games, two house runs, eight RBI and a .262/.310/.331 slash line.

Throughout his profession in Korea, Lee posted a profession slash line of .340/.407/.491 with 65 homers in 884 video games. He may very well be a wonderful hitter for the Giants, however till I see him carry out in additional than 37 video games, I’m not prepared to advertise him to Tier 2.

Discovering His Footing

JJ Bleday was the fourth general choice within the 2019 Draft by the Miami Marlins and is a former prime 100 prospect. However he by no means absolutely reached his potential with the Marlins and was ultimately traded to the Athletics for A.J. Puk. Bleday’s first season in Oakland wasn’t something to jot down house about, however given an opportunity to play on daily basis in 2024 allowed Bleday to loosen up and simply play ball. He completed the yr with 20 homers and 60 RBI whereas slashing .243/.324/.437. I believe there’s room for enchancment within the energy division and he may very well be sneaky good in 2025 and past.

Tier 2

By no means On The Subject

Byron Buxton is an excellent baseball participant. He has a profession OPS+ of 110 and in 5 of the final six seasons he has produced an OPS+ of 115 or larger. However the issue with Buxton is he’s at all times harm. The 102 video games he appeared on this previous season are essentially the most since he appeared in 140 video games in 2017. In his 102 video games this yr he hit 18 homers and drove in 56 runs. His 162-game common is 28 homers and 74 RBI.

The expertise is simple. However so, too, is his historical past of being injured. In the event you suppose Buxton goes to stay wholesome over the following three or so years, then transfer him up within the rankings. However I’m not relying on that.

The second participant who’s seemingly by no means on the sphere is Mike Trout. When wholesome he is likely one of the greatest gamers within the sport. However since taking part in in 134 video games in 2019 after which in 53 of the 60 video games performed in 2020, Trout has appeared in 53, 36, 119, 82 and 29 video games. You realize his numbers when he performs are greater than adequate to make him a Tier 1 participant, even on the age of 33 subsequent season. However do you belief him to really play in 130 video games or extra? I don’t. And that’s the reason I ranked him fifteenth.

Sneaky Good Season

Folks exterior of Colorado could not know who Brenton Doyle is. However you must know he’s a strong participant and will proceed to supply strong numbers. Doyle debuted in 2023, showing in 126 video games for the Rockies and hitting 10 homers with 48 RBI and 22 steals whereas slashing .203/.250/.343. The on a regular basis middle fielder this previous yr, Doyle improved his slash line to .260/.317/.446 and added 23 homers, 82 RBI and 30 steals. Amongst middle fielders he ranked fifth in house runs, tenth in RBI and fifth in stolen bases.

These are clearly adequate numbers to make him a Tier 1 middle fielder. However I believe Doyle is at his ceiling whereas these ranked forward of him are able to producing higher numbers persistently for an extended interval. However if you’re in search of an excellent middle fielder after the highest gamers are off the board, Doyle could be a strong choice.

A Pair of Tigers

Placing Riley Greene and Parker Meadows is form of dishonest since each can’t play middle discipline on the similar time. Greene at present qualifies as a middle fielder due to the very fact Meadows missed time as a consequence of a stint within the minors after which on the IL. However a wholesome Meadows pushes Greene to a nook outfield spot. However I’d guess that Greene nonetheless will get time in middle discipline in 2025 and subsequent years when Meadows just isn’t within the lineup, so listed here are each Greene and Meadows.

If it has not turn out to be apparent, I like Greene (who I ranked because the fifth general left fielder) loads. Greene lastly had his breakout season in 2024 as he slashed .262/.348/.479 with 24 homers and 82 RBI in 137 video games. Since debuting in 2022, Inexperienced’s OPS+ has gone from 97 to 119 to 133 this season. He could not attain 30 homers throughout his profession, however he will get on base at a .350 clip and supplies a strong, regular bat in your lineup.

As for Meadows, Gray wrote about him as a 2025 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper. In 119 profession MLB video games, Meadows has 12 properties, 58 RBI and 17 steals. That equates to 16 homers, 56 RBI and 23 steals over 162 video games. Meadows ought to improve his energy numbers, even taking part in in Detroit, and the steals will proceed to pile up as properly to make him a 20-20 man. Some might imagine I could also be a bit aggressive with Meadows’ rating, however I’m all aboard the Meadows practice.

Tier 1

The Group of 5

Harris and Crow Armstrong

This tier form of falls into three groupings – 5 actually good gamers, 4 excellent gamers, and one who’s simply out of this world. Michael Harris II, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Colton Cowser, Oneill Cruz and Jarren Duran fall into the 5 actually good gamers.

Michael Harris has been unable to remain on the sphere for a whole season, showing in 114, 138 and 110 video games in every of the final three seasons. However when he’s wholesome, he has the flexibility to hit for energy, steal bases and assist your slash line. For his profession he’s a .285/.325/.469 hitter with a 162-game common of 24 homers, 76 RBI and 22 steals. Regardless of a considerably down yr on the plate, his xBA ranked within the 94th percentile and his Arduous Hit% ranked within the 82nd percentile.

Crow-Armstrong has not produced the numbers the opposite gamers on this grouping have, however I believe it is just a matter of time earlier than he does. As a rookie with the Cubs he slashed .237/.286/.384 with 10 homers, 47 RBI and 27 steals in 123 video games. His power-speed combo is simply too good to move up. As a 21-year-old in 2023 taking part in on the Double-A and Triple-A ranges, Crow-Armstrong had 20 homers, 82 RBI and 37 steals in 107 video games whereas slashing .283/.365/.511. He could not have as a lot energy as a number of the gamers on this group, however the steals he’ll present will make up for the less homers.

Cowser, Cruz and Duran

Cowser had a wonderful rookie marketing campaign for the Orioles, ending second within the AL ROY voting after hitting 24 homers, driving in 69 runs and stealing 9 bases whereas slashing .242/.321/.447. Cowser has excellent energy and I believe what he did this previous season is his ground and the ability ought to improve over the following few years.

In the meantime, Cruz is now showing as a Tier 1 participant for the second time as he was ranked as my No. 10 shortstop. Cruz just isn’t an excellent defensive shortstop, main the Pirates to provide him a glance in middle discipline. Will he stay in middle discipline? Why not. Jack Suwinski hasn’t been capable of seize the spot and permitting Cruz to play middle discipline all season could enable him to fret about hitting and fewer about making an error within the discipline at shortstop.

However regardless of the place Cruz performs, he’s going to hit for energy and steal bases. His 162-game common is 27 homers, 91 RBI and 23 steals. In 146 video games this season these numbers have been 21-76-22. There is no such thing as a motive to suppose he isn’t going to at the least match these numbers for years to come back.

Duran, who ranked third in my left fielders rankings, is just an impressive athlete who can put up a really good slash line, hit for energy, rack up RBI, steal bases and rating runs. The rise in house runs from eight to 21 from 2023 to 2024 just isn’t a fluke and his pace is actual as he stole 24 bases in 2023. Duran ought to attain 20 homers and 30 steals once more, and who doesn’t need that form of manufacturing on their group?

4 Aces

Attempting to decide on between Corbin Carroll, Wyatt Langford, Julio Rodriguez and Jackson Merrill is sort of unattainable. They’re all beneath the age of 25. They have been all prime prospects. All of them have energy and pace and the flexibility to hit for common. At one level I had all of those gamers ranked second, third, fourth and fifth.

I settled on Carroll at fifth as a result of he’s seemingly nearer to his ceiling than the opposite three gamers. But when he’s near his ceiling, that also makes him a fantastic middle fielder. After successful the ROY in 2023, Carroll fell off a bit on the plate with a .231/.322/.428 slash line this previous yr with 22 homers, 74 RBI and 35 steals. However after a sluggish first half, Carroll discovered his groove within the second half of the season for the Diamondbacks, slashing .259/.351/.568 with 17 homers, 42 RBI and 17 steals in 64 video games.

Langford sneaks in forward of Carroll as a result of I like his energy potential a bit greater than Carroll’s. Langford isn’t going to ship the identical quantity of steals as Carroll, however over the following few years I see Langford hitting with extra energy, resulting in extra RBI. Langford supplied a glimpse of what he can do in September when he slashed .300/.386/.610 with eight homers, 20 RBI and 7 steals in 26 video games for the Rangers.

Rodriguez and Merrill are mainly a coin flip between being ranked second or third. Rodriguez misplaced the coin flip largely to the truth that Merrill is barely 21 and easily lived as much as the hype that surrounded him coming into the season.

Rodriguez struggled to match the numbers he put up his first two seasons in Seattle, slashing .273/.325/.409 with 20 homers, 68 RBI and 24 steals. However as quickly as folks began to doubt him, he turned his season round within the second half as he slashed .285/.337/.482. He had a monster September as he hit seven homers, drove in 22 runs and stole six bases whereas slashing .328/.349/.546. There shouldn’t be any questions on Rodriguez and his expertise.

Merrill is coming off an impressive rookie season as he completed second within the NL ROY voting to Paul Skenes and was ninth general within the MVP voting. All Merrill did was seem in 156 video games for the Padres and hit 24 homers, drive in 90 runs and steal 16 bases whereas slashing .292/.326/.500. He additionally had solely a 17% strikeout charge. And his consistency was merely superb. The one month he hit beneath .279 was July, when he “struggled” to the tune of .259/.278/.412 with one homer and 12 RBI.

All he did after that was hit .303 in August and .309 in September with a mixed 11 homers and 36 RBI in 50 video games. Within the second half of the season, coving 61 video games, he slashed .314/.349/.596 with 12 house runs and 44 RBI.

Cream of the Crop

Aaron Decide will probably be 33 for many of subsequent season. You realize what I consider that? I don’t care. Will he be a middle fielder past 2025? Possibly not. However if you’re in a league that begins solely “outfielders,” then the place Decide performs doesn’t matter. And if you’re in a league that does break down the outfield into left, middle and proper and Decide strikes to proper discipline or DH within the subsequent two to 5 years, who cares? Fear a few substitute at that place then and luxuriate in having one of the vital feared bats in baseball being in your group.

Since his age 30 season in 2022, all Decide has carried out the final three years is common 140 video games and slash .304/.433/.674 with 52 homers, 117 RBI and 10 steals. His 162-game common throughout that span is 60 homers and 135 RBI. His OPS the final three seasons has been 1.111, 1.019 and 1.159. There are not any indicators of Decide slowing down on the plate, so I’m not afraid of the very fact he’s creeping nearer to 35 than being nearer to 30.

If you’re really making an attempt to construct a group of gamers beneath 25 with nice upside, then go forward and transfer Decide all the way down to fifth in these rankings and go for one of many younger bucks on the market. However typically a participant defies the ageing course of, and proper now it seems to be like Decide is a type of gamers.

Come Again Subsequent Week

Thanks for studying and are available again subsequent week for the highest 50 proper fielders. A bonus rating of the highest DHs will probably be included.

Earlier Rankings

Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Relievers
Prime 100 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Beginning Pitchers
Prime 40 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Catchers
Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – First Basemen
Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Second Basemen
Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Shortstops
Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Third Basemen
Prime 50 Dynasty Keepers for 2025 – Left Fielders