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Baltimore Orioles: Who will be the right fielder and where will they rank?

By Nate Wardle

Mar 8, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Craig Gentry (14) is greeted by catchers Caleb Joseph (36) and outfielder Seth Smith (12) after hitting a three run home run in the second inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Sarasota, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles outfielder Craig Gentry (14) is greeted by catchers Caleb Joseph (36) and outfielder Seth Smith (12) after hitting a three run home run in the second inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Right field is a position on the Baltimore Orioles roster that has been unsettled for the Orioles since the tough decision to allow Nick Markakis to leave during free agency.

The Baltimore Orioles have used many players in the position, including Mark Trumbo, Joey Rickard, Michael Bourn and others in 2016 alone.

To wrap up 2016, the Baltimore Orioles ranked second at the position, based on the power displayed by Trumbo. With him being considered a DH primarily in 2017, where will the Orioles rank?

Also, will Jose Bautista‘s 2016 carry over into a weak 2017, or will he turn it around? Will Steven Souza cut down on his strikeouts? All questions to weigh in the column.

Before we get to a review of the position in 2016, don’t forget to check out this year’s rankings at catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field and center field.

Last year, the rankings ended looking like:

5. Tampa Bay Rays

4. New York Yankees

3. Toronto Blue Jays

2. Baltimore Orioles

1. Boston Red Sox

Mar 5, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) at bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) at bat against the Pittsburgh Pirates at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. New York Yankees

New York Yankees’ RFs – Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Mason Williams, Tyler Austin

Sure, Steven Souza and the Rays might deserve to go here, because Souza strikes out A LOT. But, so does Judge. In 95 plate appearances in the majors in 2016, Judge struck out a whopping 42 times. He also only hit .179 with a .263 OBP. That’s not okay. Sure, he did hit four home runs, and the power is undeniable.

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The other issue here is the backups. Hicks is a career .223 hitter better used as a defensive replacement. Williams hasn’t been able to breakthrough on the Yankees’ 25-man roster. Tyler Austin is out with a fractured foot.

Sure, Matt Holliday could play right field, but he would be a defensive liability at the position.

Could Judge be much better in his first full year in the majors, if he indeed makes the team? Yes, of course, he is. But, let’s judge that when the year is done.

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