Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks to Avoid (2026)

ESPN rankings typically assign more value to aging veterans and players who are good in points formats. Highlighting players that ESPN overvalues reveals players that ESPN users should avoid in fantasy basball drafts.

Overvalued Fantasy Baseball Players to Avoid on ESPN

Paul Skenes (SP – PIT) | ESPN ADP: 4/Consensus ADP: 9

The title of this list is players to avoid. I cannot stress enough that I am not telling you to avoid Paul Skenes.

The 23-year-old reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has been elite. He had an ERA of 1.96 in 2024 and followed it up with an ERA of 1.97 in 2025. By these metrics, Skenes should have an ERA of 1.98 this season. Jokes aside, Skenes is an incredible talent, and he is simply valued a little higher in ESPN leagues. Just consider hesitating before drafting him in the very early first round.

Ketel Marte (2B – ARI) | ESPN ADP: 14/Consensus ADP: 27

In 2025, Ketel Marte completed arguably his third consecutive dominating season. He won the Silver Slugger Award at second base in 2024 and 2025. Last season was Marte’s third consecutive campaign with over 25 home runs.

Marte deserves to be drafted early. But how early? The 32-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. It is not ridiculous to draft the second baseman at his ADP. Just also consider other powerhouse players that will likely be available on ESPN, such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Junior Caminero.

Alex Bregman (3B – CHC) | ESPN ADP: 30/Consensus ADP: 92

Alex Bregman has finally settled down with the Chicago Cubs after signing a five-year, $175 million deal. Although the third baseman just got a huge payday, he is coming off an injury-ridden season. Bregman hit an impressive .273 batting average, a .821 OPS and 18 home runs, but he played in just 114 games due to a quad injury.

Although Bregman is a consistent talent on the hot corner, it is hard to justify drafting the 31-year-old five rounds earlier than on other sites. On ESPN, Bregman is expected to go before fellow corner infielders Pete Alonso, Matt Olson and Nick Kurtz. Third base is somewhat thin this season, but I am not sure Bregman is the answer.