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 my favorite $1 auction draft targets for the end of your draft this year!
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$1 Auction Draft Targets (2026 Fantasy Baseball)
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.
Coby Mayo (1B – BAL)
The injury to Jordan Westburg has opened up the door for Mayo. Westburg will be out for at least a couple of months and potentially the entire season. Mayo is a former top prospect who has struggled in small samples at the Majors. We do know that he has immense power. If he can keep the strikeouts under control, and he has this spring, there is 40-homer pop in the bat.
Edgar Quero (C/DH – CWS)
With Kyle Teel being out for the first month of the season, Quero is in line for a lot of playing time. The former top prospect has been overshadowed by Teel in Chicago, but he has similar offensive upside with a good hit tool and some pop in the bat. He will also get DH at-bats when he is not catching, which gives him a chance to really rack up early-season PAs.
Colt Keith (1B/2B/3B/DH – DET)
Keith is another former top prospect that people are not as interested in anymore. Yes, he will platoon, but there is a good hit tool and power that is still developing. Not to mention, he will likely lead off against right handed pitchers for a very good offense in Detroit. Especially if you can maximize his plate appearances when he is in the lineup, he is a steal at the end of your auction.
Jordan Lawlar (3B – ARI)
Lawlar is another top prospect that the fantasy industry has buried because he has struggled in small samples. He has been blocked off in the infield due to the breakout of Geraldo Perdomo, but the Diamondbacks have moved him to the outfield this spring, and as long as he can handle that defensively, he should be on the Major League team Opening Day. He has been great in spring at the plate, hitting four home runs with a .278 average. He has walked at a 14% rate and kept the strikeouts at a 26% rate. Could have a massive breakout.
Andrew Vaughn (1B – MIL)
Vaughn seemed to be a failed prospect in Chicago until the White Sox traded him to the Brewers last season. Once called up to Milwaukee, Vaughn proceeded to crush the ball, hitting /308/375//493 with 9 home runs in 254 plate appearances. He seems to have an everyday job locked up and will hit in the middle of a great lineup.
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