With the 2026 MLB regular season less than three weeks away, fantasy baseball drafts are intensifying as managers prepare their teams. Early 2026 fantasy baseball average draft positions (ADP) highlight Aaron Judge as the top selection in many leagues, with notable hitters such as Shohei Ohtani, Bobby Witt, Juan Soto, Jose Ramirez, and Ronald Acuna Jr. rounding out the typical first round. On the pitching side, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Garrett Crochet are regularly picked in the first round or early second. While these choices are fairly predictable, uncovering value in later rounds is crucial for assembling a competitive roster, especially when aiming to find under-the-radar talent with high upside.
Identifying 2026 fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts, and busts can provide a significant advantage during drafts. Before finalizing picks, examining the latest 2026 fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets curated by the advanced projection model at SportsLine can be invaluable for gaining an edge. This model correctly forecast several key players last season, including Cal Raleigh’s remarkable breakout.
SportsLine’s projection model, driven by the same analytics experts responsible for forecasts at several major fantasy platforms, accurately projected Raleigh as a top-five catcher prior to last season. Raleigh outperformed expectations by hitting 60 home runs, delivering exceptional value at a position where offensive production is often scarce. The team continues to update these comprehensive rankings and cheat sheets daily, factoring in trades, injuries, and other breaking MLB news, helping fantasy managers make informed decisions throughout the season.
Identifying Underrated 2026 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers
One sleeper that the SportsLine model strongly endorses for 2026 is Brandon Lowe, now with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Lowe, previously with the Tampa Bay Rays, was acquired by Pittsburgh during the offseason and is positioned to be a lead offensive contributor near the top of the Pirates’ lineup. In 2025, Lowe demonstrated his power potential by hitting 31 home runs and collecting 83 RBIs, his best power numbers since 2021.
Despite Lowe’s upward trajectory, his current ADP sits around pick No. 122, which is significantly later than his true value. SportsLine ranks him as the No. 6 second baseman, ahead of well-regarded players such as Nico Hoerner, Marcus Semien, and Ozzie Albies, all of whom tend to be selected within the top 100 picks. Managers who select Lowe in middle or late rounds may unlock a valuable asset for their rosters.
Projected Breakout Candidates for 2026 Fantasy Baseball
Hunter Goodman, catcher for the Colorado Rockies, is one of the model’s most promising breakout picks this year. Goodman’s early Major League appearances in 2023 and 2024 showed struggles, with a batting average below .200. However, in 2025, he made a striking improvement as the Rockies’ primary catcher, posting a .278 average, an .843 OPS, 31 home runs, and 91 RBIs—second only to Cal Raleigh in home runs among catchers.
These numbers are bolstered by the hitter-friendly conditions at Coors Field, yet fantasy owners remain hesitant to draft Goodman early, typically waiting until nearly the 100th pick. SportsLine ranks him as the No. 2 catcher for 2026, suggesting that Goodman should be considered before highly drafted catchers like Will Smith and Shea Langeliers to maximize roster potential.
Which Established Players Are Considered Busts in 2026 Fantasy Baseball?
The SportsLine projection model warns fantasy managers to be cautious with Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts, labeling him as a likely bust for 2026. Betts’ performance dipped during the 2025 season, producing career lows in batting average (.258) and OPS (.732). His struggles extended into the postseason, where he recorded a .648 OPS, continuing a troubling trend compared to his typically high standards throughout his career.
Now entering his age-33 campaign, Betts’ ADP remains around pick No. 42, higher than the model’s projection justifies. The model advises that players such as Jeremy Pena, Corey Seager, and Willy Adames, all selected in later rounds, will likely yield greater production. Avoiding Betts in favor of these undervalued players could be a critical strategy in 2026 drafts.
Utilizing Advanced Rankings to Navigate 2026 Fantasy Baseball Drafts
Beyond hitters, the SportsLine model also presents surprising insights into starting pitcher rankings for 2026. It highlights a pitcher currently drafted outside the top 200 who is projected to outperform established names like Max Fried, Chris Sale, and Logan Webb. Unearthing this sleeper pitcher could prove pivotal in dominating your fantasy league, distinguishing winners from those who fall short.
As the draft season progresses, consulting the fully updated 2026 fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets on SportsLine can equip managers with critical data. This model, known for forecasting Cal Raleigh’s breakout season, provides tailored advice on busts, sleepers, and breakout stars for every position, allowing fantasy owners to draft with greater confidence and precision.
