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2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft: Breakout Stars to Watch

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 fantasy baseball draft season starts ahead of Opening Day on March 25, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt is a breakout candidate after Brendan Donovan's trade.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo is highlighted for potential first-base eligibility and a strong minor league track record.
Reds first baseman Sal Stewart hit five home runs in limited MLB at-bats last season and is a watch candidate.

History

Historical Context

In 1980, the Rotisserie League Baseball was established by New York writers, marking the birth of modern fantasy baseball. This league allowed participants to draft MLB players and track their statistics, revolutionizing fan engagement. By 2003, the fantasy sports industry had grown to 15.2 million players in North America, reflecting its significant cultural impact and the emergence of a multi-billion dollar market.

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Story summary

The 2026 fantasy baseball draft season starts ahead of Opening Day on March 25, 2026.
St. Louis Cardinals infielder JJ Wetherholt is a breakout candidate after Brendan Donovan's trade.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo is highlighted for potential first-base eligibility and a strong minor league track record.
Reds first baseman Sal Stewart hit five home runs in limited MLB at-bats last season and is a watch candidate.

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