PLAYING SHALLOW, GOING DEEP

Outfielders to roster or ignore

THE OUTFIELDERS

THE TOP TIER

Julio Rodriguez’s talent is so grand that no one is questioning whether he can improve on last year’s very sweet rookie campaign. That’s because he hits the ball so darned hard. He’s not perfect, his batting average should fall this year because he’s aggressive and not always selective, but that’s something he might improve. And his power-speed combo is so strong no one would care if he hit .225 (and he’ll do much better than that).

Fantasy players are taking Ronald Acuna before Rodriguez in drafts (and expert leagues are paying more for Acuna, as well) and I can see why, I guess. There is a ton of potential in Acuna if only he can stay healthy. For me, Rodriguez had higher earnings in three-quarters of a season than Acuna has had in any year since 2019. Sophomore slump? Feh!