Full Breakdown
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Insights: Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts
3/25/2026, 4:47:48 PM
Key Players to Watch in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
As the 2026 MLB season approaches, fantasy baseball managers are finalizing their drafts. The consensus top pick is two-way player Shohei Ohtani, followed by Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Bobby Witt, and Jose Ramirez. Among pitchers, Tarik Skubal and Paul Skenes are leading the early selections. However, identifying value in mid-to-late rounds is crucial for building a competitive roster.
Promising Sleepers for 2026
One notable sleeper is Brandon Lowe, the Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman. After a trade from the Tampa Bay Rays, Lowe is projected to hit near the top of the order. His 2025 season saw him achieve 31 home runs and 83 RBIs, marking a significant power surge. Despite an average draft position (ADP) of 113, SportsLine's model ranks him as the sixth-best second baseman, ahead of top-100 picks like Nico Hoerner and Marcus Semien.
Breakout Candidates
The model also highlights Jonathan Aranda, a first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, as a breakout candidate. After playing 106 games in 2025 and posting a .316 batting average with 14 home runs, Aranda is expected to have an expanded role this season. His ADP is currently 149, while the model ranks him as the ninth-best first baseman, projecting similar production to top-100 players like Josh Naylor.
Another breakout to watch is Samuel Basallo, a catcher for the Baltimore Orioles. At just 21 years old, Basallo is a consensus top-10 prospect and is expected to spend time as a designated hitter. With a career minor league total of 73 home runs, he has the potential to be a significant contributor in his rookie season.
Players to Avoid
Conversely, Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers is identified as a top bust for the 2026 season. Betts experienced a decline in performance, recording career-lows in batting average (.258) and OPS (.732) last year. As he enters his age-33 season, the model suggests he is overvalued at an ADP of 50, recommending alternatives like Jeremy Pena and Corey Seager, who are being drafted several rounds later.
Conclusion: Preparing for Draft Day
With Opening Day just around the corner, fantasy baseball managers must leverage insights from models like SportsLine and RotoBaller to optimize their draft strategies. The identification of sleepers, breakouts, and busts can significantly impact team performance throughout the season. For comprehensive rankings and cheat sheets, managers are encouraged to consult these resources regularly as they prepare for their drafts.
