Full Breakdown
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Insights: Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts
2/25/2026, 8:23:15 AM
Key Fantasy Baseball Picks for 2026
As MLB Spring Training 2026 progresses, fantasy baseball drafts are heating up, with players like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto dominating early selections. However, identifying value in mid-to-late rounds is crucial for building a competitive roster. This article highlights key sleepers, breakouts, and busts for the upcoming season, based on projections from SportsLine's model, which successfully identified breakout players like Cal Raleigh in previous seasons.
Top Sleepers to Target
One notable sleeper is Brandon Lowe, the Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman. After a power surge in 2025, where he hit 31 home runs and drove in 83 runs, Lowe is currently being drafted at pick No. 132. SportsLine's model ranks him as the No. 6 second baseman, ahead of several top-100 picks, indicating significant potential value.
Another sleeper is Hunter Goodman, the Colorado Rockies' catcher. Goodman had a breakout year in 2025, hitting .278 with 31 home runs and 91 RBIs. Despite this success, he is being overlooked in drafts, with an ADP in the late top-100. SportsLine projects him as the No. 2 catcher for 2026, making him a strong candidate for fantasy managers seeking power from the catcher position.
Breakout Candidates
Luis Robert Jr., now with the New York Mets, is another breakout candidate. After a strong 2023 season, injuries have limited his production. However, with a projected increase in performance due to a favorable hitting environment at Citi Field, he is expected to outperform his current ADP of 165.
Matthew Boyd, a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, is also highlighted as a breakout. After a successful 2025 season, where he became an All-Star, Boyd is being drafted at pick No. 148, despite projections placing him within the top 10 starting pitchers for 2026.
Players to Avoid: Busts
On the flip side, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers is identified as a top bust. His declining performance, marked by career lows in batting average and OPS, raises concerns about his value at pick No. 47. The model suggests that players like Jeremy Pena and Corey Seager, drafted several rounds later, may offer better production.
Yordan Alvarez is another player to approach with caution. Despite his elite power potential, his injury history makes him a risky pick at around pick 33, especially considering his limited games played in recent seasons.
Conclusion: Strategic Drafting for Success
As fantasy baseball managers prepare for the 2026 season, leveraging insights on sleepers, breakouts, and busts can significantly impact draft strategies. Utilizing resources like SportsLine's rankings and cheat sheets can provide a competitive edge in identifying undervalued players and avoiding potential pitfalls. For comprehensive rankings and projections, managers are encouraged to visit SportsLine and stay updated as the season approaches.
