Full Breakdown
Six Breakout Pitchers to Watch in 2026 Fantasy Baseball Drafts
3/12/2026, 1:30:15 PM
Overview of Breakout Candidates
As fantasy baseball drafts approach, identifying potential breakout pitchers can significantly enhance a team's roster. This article highlights six pitchers who are poised for breakout seasons in 2026, with five of them projected to be selected outside the top 125 picks.
Eury Perez: A Promising Return
Eury Perez of the Miami Marlins is a key candidate for a breakout year after a challenging return from Tommy John surgery. In 2025, Perez posted a 4.66 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 18 starts. However, his final four starts showcased his potential, yielding a 2.70 ERA and a 42.3% strikeout rate. His expected ERA of 3.23 and strong fastball metrics, including an average velocity of 97.9 mph, suggest he could significantly improve in 2026.
Cam Schlittler: Yankees' Rising Star
New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler emerged as a standout during his rookie season, finishing with a 2.96 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 14 starts. His late-season performance included a remarkable eight shutout innings against the Boston Red Sox in the postseason. With a fastball that held opponents to a .173 batting average, Schlittler's potential for elite numbers in 2026 makes him a valuable pick at his 144 ADP.
MacKenzie Gore: A Change of Scenery
MacKenzie Gore, now with the Texas Rangers, has the potential for a breakout season after struggling with the Washington Nationals. His first-half performance in 2025 featured a 3.02 ERA, but he faltered in the second half with a 6.75 ERA. The Rangers' strong defense and Gore's impressive whiff and strikeout rates suggest that he could finally deliver a complete season, making him a compelling choice at his 179 ADP.
Braxton Ashcraft: Building on a Strong Rookie Campaign
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Braxton Ashcraft is set to start the season in the rotation after a promising rookie year, where he recorded a 2.71 ERA and 71 strikeouts. His performance as a starter was particularly impressive, with a 2.16 ERA in eight starts. With metrics indicating strong potential, including a 32.4% whiff rate on his slider, Ashcraft is a sleeper pick at his 275 ADP.
Ryan Weathers: Health as a Key Factor
Ryan Weathers, now with the New York Yankees, has struggled with injuries throughout his career, limiting his innings. In 2025, he posted a 3.99 ERA in eight starts. Despite his injury history, his previous season's numbers indicate potential, including a 28.8% whiff rate. At a 262 ADP, Weathers represents a risk worth taking if he can maintain his health.
Edward Cabrera: High Ceiling in Chicago
Edward Cabrera, recently traded to the Chicago Cubs, finished the 2025 season with a 3.53 ERA and 150 strikeouts. His transition to a more pitcher-friendly environment at Wrigley Field, combined with his strong metrics, positions him as a top breakout candidate. With an impressive changeup and high strikeout rates, Cabrera is a valuable target at his 192 ADP.
Conclusion
These six pitchers—Eury Perez, Cam Schlittler, MacKenzie Gore, Braxton Ashcraft, Ryan Weathers, and Edward Cabrera—are positioned to make significant impacts in the 2026 fantasy baseball season. Their unique circumstances and potential for improvement make them compelling choices for fantasy managers looking to enhance their rosters.
