5 Late-Round Draft Targets: Pitchers (Fantasy Baseball)

In a fantasy baseball auction draft, the leagues are often won at the endgame. Finding $1 guys that not only fill out your roster, but also break out are massive catalysts for a winning season. Here are some of Justin Mason’s favorite $1 auction draft targets and late-round fantasy baseball draft picks!

Fantasy Baseball Late-Round Draft Targets (2026)

Kyle Harrison (SP – MIL)

While he was a top prospect on the Giants, when Harrison was in San Francisco, he struggled to develop a third pitch and seemed destined for a bullpen role long term. However, after being traded twice in a year, he has ended up with two great pitching development organizations and added a very good changeup, which is giving him a full and dangerous arsenal. He should be in the Brewers’ rotation this year and could take a massive step forward.

Lucas Erceg (RP – KC)

There has been a lot of talk about Carlos Estevez’s lower velocity and stuff on his pitches late last year and in spring training. If Estevez were to lose the role, Erceg would be the logical next man up. If you are drafting Estevez this year, you should handcuff Erceg to him, but even if you are not drafting Estevez, go grab Erceg.

Mick Abel (SP – MIN)

Abel has been fantastic in Spring Training this season, throwing 13.1 innings with a 1.58 ERA, a 36% strikeout rate, and a 2% walk rate. The former top prospect has the inside track to the fifth starter job in Minnesota and has always had good stuff, but the improvement in his ability to throw strikes makes him a very fun late gamble.

Zach Eflin (SP – BAL)

Eflin was terrible last year, but he was dealing with a back injury that he was able to get surgery on in the offseason. He has been throwing harder this spring and has looked good on the mound. He has a nice home park to pitch in and a good team behind him.

Justin Sterner (RP – ATH)

The A’s may go with a committee approach for their closer this season, but if they do choose a guy, I am betting it is Sterner. Sterner has fantastic stuff, but can struggle with control. There are not a lot of enticing options for the A’s, but they are clearly moving towards wanting to be a competitive team, so if I am going to gamble on a closer spec, Sterner has the best upside in Sacramento.