As the first MLB spring training games begin, 2026 fantasy baseball drafts are starting to take shape, spotlighting the importance of the Cal Raleigh fantasy breakout for those building their teams. Early draft data shows Shohei Ohtani dominating the top picks, followed closely by stars like Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt, but uncovering hidden gems later in drafts will be vital for championship contenders.
With Opening Day set for Wednesday, March 25, fantasy players are eager to identify sleepers, breakouts, and players to avoid. Using a proven projection system that accurately predicted Cal Raleigh’s breakout last year, experts offer insight into the key fantasy baseball targets for 2026 to gain an edge over the competition.
Noteworthy Sleeper Prospects for 2026
Among the under-the-radar choices, Brandon Lowe stands out as a prime sleeper candidate. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ new second baseman, acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays during the offseason, is poised to anchor the lineup near the top of the order. In 2025, Lowe powered up with 31 home runs and 83 RBIs, his best power numbers since 2021.
Despite his recent surge, Lowe’s average draft position (ADP) in 2026 drafts is around pick 162, which the projection model suggests undervalues him. It ranks him as the sixth-best second baseman, placing him ahead of more popular picks like Nico Hoerner, Marcus Semien, and Ozzie Albies, signaling a strong sleeper opportunity for fantasy squads.
Emerging Breakout Players to Watch
Hunter Goodman, catcher for the Colorado Rockies, is another breakout candidate the projection model highlights. After two difficult major league seasons with a batting average under .200, Goodman made a remarkable transformation in 2025. Playing regularly at Coors Field, he posted a .278 batting average, combined with a .843 OPS, 31 home runs, and 91 RBIs.
Despite these impressive statistics, many fantasy managers hesitate to select Goodman until late in the top 100 picks. The model, however, ranks him as the second-best catcher in 2026, recommending that fantasy owners prioritize him over commonly drafted catchers like Will Smith and Shea Langeliers for greater overall value.
Players Expected to Underperform in 2026
Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers emerges as one of the model’s top bust candidates. Though the Dodgers continue to amass a talented roster, Betts has seen a downturn, finishing 2025 with career-low totals in batting average (.258) and OPS (.732), and struggled especially during the postseason with an OPS of .648.
At 33 years old and currently going off the board at pick 47, Betts is projected to fall short of fantasy expectations. According to the model, several players selected in later rounds such as Jeremy Pena, Corey Seager, and Willy Adames are expected to provide better fantasy returns, making Betts a risky pick this season.
Accessing Reliable 2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings
The projection model delivers surprising insights beyond hitters, including pitchers. One notable pitcher barely drafted within the top 200 is forecasted to outperform well-known names like Max Fried, Chris Sale, and Logan Webb, a difference that could determine league champions.
For fantasy managers seeking detailed rankings for every position, the model that successfully predicted Cal Raleigh’s breakout provides continually updated rankings and cheat sheets. These tools adjust for new developments such as trades and injuries, offering a significant advantage in assessing who to target, avoid, or watch closely as the 2026 season approaches.
