Anthony Gambale - Roto Street Journal

Player Note on Shohei Ohtani (SP,DH - LAD)

Aaron Judge is the best hitter on the planet, but Ohtani reigns supreme as the best fantasy baseball player in the land. Also, in leagues where Ohtani is two different players, one a batter, and one a pitcher, Ohtani would rank as a Tier 3 SP who can provide elite ratios, albeit with an unknown usage rate.

Player Note on Sandy Alcantara (SP - MIA)

He showed glimpses of his former Cy Young self, posting a 3.33 over his final 13 starts in 2025. I am chalking up the rocky first half to TJ injury recovery and banking on him being the pitcher we saw in the latter stages of last season.

Player Note on Cade Smith (RP - CLE)

I know Mason Miller is THE relief pitcher household name these days, but Cade Smith could be joining that conversation after this year. In his only two seasons in the big leagues, Smith has posted 12+ K/9s and sub 2 FIPs in each season, making him as reliable and excellent as any reliever in the game.

Player Note on Jacob deGrom (SP - TEX)

I bow down to one of the great pitchers of this millennium. But he just turned 38, and has only started more than 15 games once in the past 6 years (last year). And while the 2.97 ERA looks great, he was greatly aided by a .230 BABIP. His (more than respectable) 3.64 FIP is more indicative of the pitcher he was last year, and will be in his age 38 season, making him a pass for me at his current ADP.

Player Note on Cody Ponce (SP,RP - TOR)

I know it was the KBO League, but Ponce set fire to the competition last year, posting a 12.55 K9 and a 1.89 ERA. I am not sure if his success will translate to the MLB this year, but I will happily spend just a last round pick to find out.

Player Note on Chase DeLauter (CF,RF - CLE)

The former first round pick could finally be getting his shot in the big leagues this year, and if his Spring (.400/1.084) is indicative of his upcoming season, then we could finally see the breakout we always expected from DeLauter.

Player Note on Chad Patrick (SP - MIL)

Patrick is not getting the love he deserves. In 2025, across 23 starts and 119.2 innings pitched, Patrick boasted a 9.55 K9, and a 3.53 ERA (as well as a matching 3.53 FIP). And he is not even being drafted in most leagues, going past pick 300! He is one of my favorite undrafted players in 2026, and if he comes close to matching his 2025 stats, he will provide you SP3/4 numbers for a mere lottery pick in the last round. That is league winning value if you ask me.

Player Note on Luis Castillo (SP - SEA)

His age is increasing and his strikeout rate is plummeting - a disastrous combination for a pitcher. There are more talented, lively, and exciting arms being drafted behind him with more upside that I strongly prefer.

Player Note on Joey Cantillo (SP,RP - CLE)

Walks are the big issue for Cantillo, who could provide immense strikeout upside. The Guardians organization routinely gets the best out of their pitchers, so I am gambling on the best case scenario with this live arm.

Player Note on Brett Baty (2B,3B - NYM)

After years of scuffling, Baty finally produced a solid .254/.749 slash, with 18 homers in just 130 games. Still just 26, I think this could be a breakout year for the former first round pick.