10 Burning Questions (2026 Fantasy Baseball)

Welcome to our weekly fantasy baseball burning questions article. Each week, I’ll dive into 10 key questions that are popular within the fantasy community. These will be carefully chosen to ensure that only the most polarizing topics and players are featured.

This week, we’re focusing on players who have gotten off to hot or cold starts.

Fantasy Baseball 10 Burning Questions

1. Is Chase DeLauter for real?

Chase DeLauter came into Tuesday’s action slashing .286/.318/.857 with four homers in 22 plate appearances. The batted ball metrics look great (21.4% barrel rate), but the strikeout rate is a bit concerning at 31.8%.

With that said, he is a talented hitter with 30-homer upside, but he is also a high injury risk. DeLauter left Tuesday’s game early with a foot injury. Hopefully, he doesn’t miss extended time.

2. Is Mike Trout back?

Mike Trout looks back to his old ways. Not only is he hitting homers, having gone yard twice already, but he’s also been more aggressive on the basepaths, with two stolen bases.

The willingness to run and also play center field is a huge indicator that Trout is fully healthy. Expect excellent production while healthy. Let’s hope that he’s able to avoid the injury list (IL) this year. Obviously, there’s a ton of risk.

3. Should you be concerned about Cal Raleigh?

Cal Raleigh is off to a putrid start at the plate, entering Tuesday’s action with a .176/.300/.235 slash and a 55% strikeout rate. Am I concerned at all? No, it’s still an extremely small sample.

With that said, I wasn’t drafting Raleigh at his average draft position (ADP). I don’t like to buy in at a peak price. Still, he should approach 40-42 home runs this year, so just be patient.

4. What should you do with Lance McCullers Jr.?

Lance McCullers Jr. turned back the clock with a dominant outing against the Red Sox on Monday. The veteran righty went seven innings, allowing one run on four hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. I’m buying in.

While he’s dealt with injuries throughout his career, when healthy, McCullers has been effective. Ride the wave and see where it takes you. Remember: “If they did it once, they can do it again.” You just never know. Bet on the track record here.

5. Is Emerson Hancock a potential breakout pitcher?

Emerson Hancock looked fantastic against the Guardians on Sunday Night Baseball, pitching six scoreless, no-hit innings with one walk and nine strikeouts.

This comes after an impressive spring, where Hancock put up a 33.3% strikeout rate (16.6% last year). He’s shown improved stuff, and the Mariners have a strong track record of getting the most of their pitchers. Plus, who knows when Bryce Miller will return? Buy Hancock.

6. Is it time to worry about James Wood?

James Wood has a ton of upside, but the concern has been strikeouts. He hasn’t done anything to address those concerns so far, putting up a 45% strikout rate in 20 plate appearances.

While the 35-homer power is real, there’s a real risk that he’s going to hurt your batting average. I find it hard to see how Wood pays off his ADP this year. Wait for a hot streak and try to sell him then.

7. How good is Sal Stewart?

Sal Stewart is off to a fantastic start, slashing .563/.682/1.125 with two homers so far. Entrenched in the cleanup spot of a team that plays in a bandbox, there’s a lot to like.

Stewart looks like a budding star. Absolutely do not sell high on Stewart. We just can’t quantify his upside. Just look at Nick Kurtz last season. Stewart has a great hit tool with 25+ home run power. You have to love what you’re seeing so far.

8. Is Michael Soroka worth adding?

Michael Soroka was dominant in his DiamondBacks debut, tossing five scoreless innings with one walk and 10 strikeouts. Up next is a matchup at home against the Braves. This is a tougher spot than the Tigers, but it’s his former team.

I’d be willing to give Soroka a shot as a streamer. If he performs well once again, we may have something here. As always with fringe starting pitchers, we ride them while they’re hot.

9. How good is Parker Messick?

You have to love what you saw from Parker Messick in his season debut against the Dodgers, where he pitched six scoreless innings with zero walks and five strikeouts. Up next is a matchup at home versus the Royals.

There’s a good chance that Messick can build on this outing. Remember, he is a pitcher with a prospect pedigree, so there’s upside that he can stick on your roster all year. I think he’ll be a solid mid-rotation arm for your fantasy baseball team.

10. Should you trust Jordan Romano?

Jordan Romano has emerged as the closer for the Angels. This is a similar situation to lance McCullers: It’s the case of a player who’s provided strong production in the past, and now looks back to previous form.

Would it surprise you if Romano was this year’s Emilio Pagan? That is, a veteran closer who takes over the role and never looks back, providing fantasy value all year? I think that’s exactly what he is. Make sure he’s not sitting on your waiver wire.