We will be running a fantasy baseball mock draft using FantasyPros’ Draft Wizard. We’ll draft for a 12-team, head-to-head, traditional 5×5 categories league with the following rosters: 1-C, 1-1B, 1-2B, 1-3B, 1-SS, 3-OF, 1-UTIL, 6-Pitchers and three bench spots. I’m drafting from the eight slot.
Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft
1.08: Paul Skenes (SP – PIT)
I twas between Paul Skenes, Elly De La Cruz and either Corbin Carroll or Julio Rodriguez with this selection. Skenes should be a safe selection to give me consistent production across the board for pitcher categories (besides saves, of course).
2.05: Cal Raleigh (C – SEA)
I rarely go catcher early. It’s the position I usually punt until the final few rounds. But fantasy baseball mock drafts are for practicing different strategies, so I elected to go with Cal Raleigh early to test it out.
3.08: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (SP – LAD)
One of the most dominant players in the postseason last year, Yoshinobu Yamamoto looks to carry that momentum into this season.
4.05: Mookie Betts (SS – LAD)
It wasn’t a season that lived up to Mookie Betts’ standards last year, and the postseason was even worse. That is baked into where he’s falling in drafts this year, based on his average draft position (ADP), as he looks to bounce back.
5.08: Jarren Duran (OF – BOS)
After hitting .295 in 2023 and .285 in 2024, Jarren Duran was down to .256 at the plate last season. He drove in a career-high 84 RBI, but his numbers as a whole took a hit. I’m banking on a bounce back from him here as my first outfielder drafted.
6.05: Spencer Schwellenbach (SP – ATL)
Spencer Schwellenbach did not pitch to close last season as he battled an elbow injury. He posted a steady 3.17 ERA across the 17 starts he made before his injury.
7.08: Byron Buxton (OF – MIN)
One of the biggest injury risks every season, Byron Buxton appeared in 126 games in 2025, which was his best since he played in 140 games all the way back in 2017.
Buxton posted career highs in home runs (35), RBI (83) and runs (97). The injury risk he still holds is baked into him falling this far in drafts.
8.05: Tyler Soderstrom (1B – ATH)
After locking in a seven-year extension this offseason with the Athletics, Tyler Soderstrom will look to build off his breakout season, where he hit .276 with 25 home runs and 93 RBI.
9.08: Cade Smith (RP – CLE)
Following the whole situation with Emmanuel Clase, Cade Smith has stepped into the closer role for the Guardians. He posted 16 saves last year and will enter his first full season as the closer for Cleveland.
10.05: Nico Hoerner (2B – CHC)
Nico Hoerner is continuing to be brought up in trade talks, which is something to monitor heading into spring training. He remains a steady contributor in batting average and stolen bases in category leagues.
11.08: Andy Pages (OF – LAD)
Andy Pages took advantage of being in one of the best lineups in baseball last year, and it only got better with the addition of Kyle Tucker. He should continue to have plenty of RBI chances.
12.05: Cam Schlittler (SP – NYY)
Entering his first full season, Cam Schlittler posted a stifling 2.96 ERA over 14 starts in the regular season. He is one of my favorite value targets in the double-digit rounds of drafts this year.
13.08: Steven Kwan (OF – CLE)
I continued to attack batting average with Steven Kwan, also adding to my outfield depth.
14.05: Carlos Estevez (RP -KC)
I addressed my second closer with Carlos Estevez. He led the entire league with 42 saves last season and should remain in a similar role.
15.08: Edward Cabrera (SP – CHC)
Recently traded to the Cubs, Edward Cabrera should offer more upside for wins heading into this season.
16.05: Drew Rasmussen (SP – TB)
Ending the year on an innings limit last season, Drew Rasmussen posted a stifling 2.76 ERA across 150 innings. I’ll take a chance on him this late, hoping he isn’t on as strict of an innings limit.
17.08: Alec Bohm (3B – PHI)
I usually end up punting one position player in every draft, and it wound up being third base with Alec Bohm. His power numbers were down last year, but his batting average was up.
18.05: Gerrit Cole (SP – NYY)
Gerrit Cole rounds out my starting pitcher staff.
Draft Wizard Insights
I was given a B- grade (82/100). I’m projected to finish no worse than in the top five in every pitching category, but dead last in runs, home runs and RBI.
I’m projected to finish fifth in batting average, which I probably put too much emphasis on looking back. Next time, I’ll try to focus a bit more on power hitters.
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | SoundCloud | TuneIn
