It’s almost time for the MLB season once again, and with that, the fantasy baseball season. I recently completed a fantasy baseball mock draft using FantasyPros’ Draft Wizard tool. Let’s dive into some of my favorite picks from the draft.
Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Top Early-Round Picks
This draft is from a late-round pick point of view. I’ll be drafting from the No. 11 spot in a 12-team, head-to-head, traditional 5×5 categories league. The positions include the following: 1-C, 1-1B, 1-2B, 1-3B, 1-SS, 3-OF, 1-UTIL, 5-Pitchers, 3-Bench. See the full mock draft here.
1.11: Julio Rodriguez (OF – SEA)
Julio Rodriguez is coming off a great fantasy season, hitting .267 with 32 home runs, 95 RBI and 30 stolen bases. He’ll cover all five categories.
2.02: Gunnar Henderson (SS – BAL)
Gunnar Henderson’s home run numbers dipped in 2025, but he was dealing with a shoulder injury for most of the season. If he can get back to his 2024 status, finishing fourth in American League MVP voting with 37 home runs and 21 stolen bases, he will cover all five categories.
3.11: Bryce Harper (1B – PHI)
It was close between Bryce Harper and Matt Olson, but I lean slightly toward Harper because he should steal more bases than Olson. Yes, Olson will play more games, so there’s more potential there, but they had fairly similar numbers despite Olson playing more games last season.
4.02: Manny Machado (3B – SD)
Manny Machado will be a steady third baseman in this format, with solid power numbers and perhaps a dozen steals.
Draft Wizard Insights
When the draft was all said and done, I was given a B grade (84/100). Check out the full draft and results below.
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