Full Breakdown
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Insights: Breakouts, Busts, and Sleepers
3/16/2026, 11:52:53 PM
Key Breakout Candidates for 2026
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, identifying potential breakout players is crucial for Fantasy baseball success. The SportsLine Projection Model highlights several promising talents, including JJ Wetherholt, an infielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, who is expected to capitalize on the trade of Brendan Donovan. With an average draft position (ADP) of 215, Wetherholt is anticipated to be a popular pick among Fantasy managers.
Another standout is Samuel Basallo, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, who is projected to spend significant time as a designated hitter. At just 21 years old, Basallo has demonstrated impressive power potential, having hit 73 home runs in 1,460 minor league at-bats. His ADP is currently 231, placing him ahead of veterans like Carson Kelly.
Sal Stewart, a first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, is also on the radar. With an ADP of 201, Stewart has shown promise after hitting five home runs in just 55 major league at-bats last season. His performance in the minors, where he slashed .309/.383/.524, positions him as a key player to watch.
Notable Busts to Avoid
Fantasy managers must also be cautious of players who may not live up to their draft positions. The model warns against Jacob Misiorowski, a starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers, whose ADP of 107 is misleading given his struggles after a strong start. Despite his initial success, Misiorowski's performance declined, leading to a projected ranking outside the top 100 starting pitchers.
Pete Alonso, now with the Baltimore Orioles, is another player to consider avoiding. After a season with 38 home runs, Alonso's metrics indicate potential regression, particularly with a career-low home run rate of 5.4%. His ADP of 32 suggests he may be overvalued compared to his projected performance.
Emerging Sleepers
In the later rounds, several players offer intriguing upside. Dylan Beavers, an outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles, has an ADP of 356 and is noted for his power and speed. After a successful minor league season, Beavers is expected to make an impact if he secures regular at-bats.
Carson Benge, an outfielder for the New York Mets, is another sleeper with an ADP of 371. Following a strong showing in the minors, Benge is positioned to claim a spot on the Mets' roster, potentially providing multi-category production.
Bryce Eldridge, a first baseman for the San Francisco Giants, is also worth monitoring. With an ADP of 444, Eldridge possesses significant power potential, having hit 18 home runs in just 66 games at Triple-A last season.
Conclusion
As the 2026 Fantasy baseball draft season heats up, understanding which players to target and avoid can significantly impact team success. Utilizing insights from the SportsLine Projection Model can help managers make informed decisions, ensuring they capitalize on breakout candidates while steering clear of potential busts. For comprehensive rankings and cheat sheets, Fantasy managers are encouraged to visit SportsLine for the latest updates.
