Full Breakdown
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Insights: Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts
3/16/2026, 4:24:17 AM
Key Players to Watch in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
As the 2026 MLB regular season approaches, Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for draft season, which begins with Opening Day on March 25. The early average draft position (ADP) data indicates that two-way player Shohei Ohtani is the most sought-after pick, followed by Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt, and Jose Ramirez. Among pitchers, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes are leading the pack, while Mason Miller is the top reliever. However, the real challenge lies in identifying value picks in the mid-to-late rounds.
Promising Sleepers for 2026
One notable sleeper is Brandon Lowe, the Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman, who was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays. After a power surge in 2025, where he hit 31 home runs and drove in 83 runs, Lowe is projected to be a key player for the Pirates, with an ADP of 118. SportsLine's model ranks him as the sixth-best second baseman, ahead of established players like Nico Hoerner and Marcus Semien.
Another sleeper to consider is Luis Robert Jr., now with the New York Mets. Despite injury setbacks in recent years, Robert's potential remains high, especially after a season where he hit 38 home runs and stole 33 bases. His ADP of 94 places him outside the top 10 centerfielders, but the model projects him as the seventh-best in his position.
Breakout Candidates
Jonathan Aranda, the Tampa Bay Rays' first baseman, is highlighted as a breakout candidate. After playing 106 games in 2025 and posting a .316 batting average with 14 home runs, Aranda's ADP of 148 suggests he could outperform higher-ranked players like Josh Naylor and Michael Busch.
Samuel Basallo, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, is another breakout to watch. Although primarily a designated hitter, Basallo's power potential, with 73 home runs in his minor league career, makes him a valuable asset with an ADP of 231.
Players to Avoid: Busts
Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers is identified as a significant bust. After experiencing a decline in performance, with a career-low .258 batting average and .732 OPS last season, Betts is projected to be overvalued at an ADP of 43. The model suggests alternatives like Jeremy Pena and Corey Seager, who are being drafted several rounds later.
Another player to avoid is Pete Alonso, now with the Baltimore Orioles. Despite a strong past season, Alonso's metrics indicate potential regression, and his ADP of 32 may not reflect his current value.
Conclusion
As Fantasy baseball drafts approach, identifying sleepers, breakouts, and busts is crucial for building a competitive roster. Utilizing models like SportsLine's can provide insights that may lead to significant advantages in drafts. For comprehensive rankings and cheat sheets, Fantasy managers are encouraged to consult SportsLine's resources to enhance their draft strategies.
