Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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1.
Aaron Judge
NYY
Aaron Judge followed up his MVP-caliber 2025 with another elite power profile, delivering 53 HR, 1.144 OPS, and a career-best 12 SB. His 2026 projections still anticipate slight regression & around 43 HR and a .285 AVG, but the underlying rates (elite barrel%, top-tier OBP stability) remain intact. Even with natural aging curves factored in, Judge projects as one of the safest four-category anchors in fantasy. He remains a first-round bat with minimal risk thanks to bankable power and sustainable plate discipline.
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2.
Juan Soto
NYM
Juan Soto's first season with the Mets produced 43 HR, 37 SB, and a .396 OBP, marking his highest fantasy ceiling since 2021. His 2026 projections dial back the steals (a common trait across projection systems) but still expect mid-30s HR, with a slight batting-average uptick. The plate discipline remains near flawless, and his run-production environment should stay strong. Soto enters 2026 as a high-floor, high-ceiling first-round hitter whose across-the-board contributions make him one of the safest early picks.
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3.
Ronald Acuna Jr.
ATL
Ronald Acuna Jr.'s 2025 was uneven as he worked his way back from knee surgery, flashing his MVP-level ceiling early before fading in the second half. Looking ahead to 2026, fantasy projections still view him as a first-round caliber talent, forecasting roughly 135-145 games with elite across-the-board production in the neighborhood of 30 homers, 90 runs, 90 RBI, and 20-plus steals. Durability remains the clear risk. He has topped 150 games only twice outside of the shortened 2020 season, but the per-game impact is still unmatched when he's on the field. If Acuna slips even slightly in drafts due to health concerns, he's a strong pick under the "anyone can get hurt" philosophy. However, managers who prefer safer volume can justify pivoting to another elite bat.
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4.
Julio Rodriguez
SEA
Julio Rodriguez posted a strong but slightly underwhelming 2025 relative to his sky-high expectations, as his power output plateaued despite excellent durability and counting stats. The 2026 projections forecast a modest power rebound into the low-30s with continued double-digit steals. His underlying contact metrics remain strong, but launch-angle inconsistency has capped his home-run ceiling year over year. Rodríguez remains a foundational fantasy outfielder, though he now projects closer to the back half of the first round than the very top.
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5.
Kyle Tucker
LAD
Kyle Tucker delivered another well-rounded fantasy season in 2025, pairing plus power with double-digit steals and elite run production. He also delivered another season of murky injuries that diminished his output. His 2026 projections remain remarkably stable, reflecting how consistent his plate discipline and contact quality have been year over year. While there's little growth left in the profile, there's also minimal downside other than the injury history. Tucker signed with the Dodgers, a landing spot that only helps his value, as his profile is that of a safe early-round outfielder who fits seamlessly into any roster build.
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6.
Fernando Tatis Jr.
SD
After two uneven seasons, Fernando Tatis Jr. re-established himself as an elite five-category force in 2025 and projects to remain there in 2026. Projections call for another 30-plus homer, 25-steal campaign with triple-digit runs atop the Padres lineup, supported by strong on-base skills and premium batted-ball quality. His improved plate discipline and reduced strikeout rate from last season point to a more stable batting-average floor than in earlier seasons. At the same time, underlying metrics suggest his power output still has room to grow. Entering his age-27 season with his role and health stabilized, Tatis profiles as a legitimate Top-5 overall fantasy upside play in 2026 drafts.
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7.
Corbin Carroll
ARI
Corbin Carroll made a noticeable jump in power in 2025, setting career bests with 31 home runs, 84 RBI, a .541 slugging percentage, and a 14.5% barrel rate. The added thump came with a higher strikeout rate (23.8%), but the tradeoff paid off as he still delivered elite all-around production, scoring 107 runs and swiping 32 bases. After an injury-marred 2024, his batting average bounced back from .231 to .259. Heading into his age-25 season, Carroll had been projected to come within striking distance of a rare 30 HR / 100 RBI / 100 R / 30 SB campaign, but a Spring Training injury to his hamate bone could impact his power output, moving him down in drafts and making him riskier than he was before.
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8.
Jackson Chourio
MIL
Jackson Chourio delivered a sophomore campaign that closely mirrored his rookie output. He again finished with 21 home runs, pairing them with 21 stolen bases after posting a 21/22 line the year before. His run and RBI totals barely budged as well, crossing the plate 88 times with 78 RBIs after scoring 80 runs and driving in 79 as a rookie. Even his rate stats stayed remarkably steady, as he slashed .270/.308/.463 in 2025 following a .275/.327/.464 line in 2024. Chourio did appear in 17 fewer games this past season, which makes the underlying production more intriguing. When scaled to a full workload, a 25/25 season is well within reach. Assuming roughly 140 games in 2026, fantasy managers should expect similar overall numbers, with a reliable 20/20 floor and a batting average in the .270 range. That profile makes Chourio a strong five-category contributor, even if he hasn't yet blossomed into the elite fantasy force some anticipated.
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9.
Pete Crow-Armstrong
CHC
It's almost guaranteed that Pete Crow-Armstrong will be front and center in every "Potential Bust" or "Was it legit?" debate heading into 2026 drafts. To be clear, the 23-year-old delivered a monster stat line: 35 home runs, 95 RBIs, 91 runs scored and 35 stolen bases — production that firmly lands in OF1/OF2 territory. Had the season ended at the All-Star break, we'd likely be discussing whether he deserved first-round consideration. The problem is what followed. His second half unraveled, highlighted by an August stretch in which he logged 112 plate appearances but managed just one homer and five RBIs — a frustrating downturn for fantasy managers trying to make a playoff push. The most reasonable expectation for 2026 is something between his scorching first half and difficult second half. Projections peg him closer to a 20 HR, 75 RBI, 75 R, 30 SB profile — still a valuable fantasy contributor at the right draft price. The concern is cost. There will be managers willing to draft him as a budding MVP candidate. It's wiser to let someone else pay that premium and pivot to safer value elsewhere.
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10.
James Wood
WSH
James Wood was on a legitimate MVP pace through the first half of the 2025 campaign before a sharp second-half regression cooled the hype. He hit .278 with 24 home runs, 12 steals, 59 runs scored, and 69 RBIs early on, but his production dipped significantly down the stretch. Over the remainder of the season, Wood slashed just .223 with seven homers, 28 runs, 25 RBIs, and three stolen bases while being caught three times.
Despite finishing with strong overall totals, the 22-year-old was a liability for fantasy managers late in the year and carried a hefty 32.1% strikeout rate. Still, durability and elite batted-ball metrics stand out: Wood appeared in 157 games, posted a 16.3% barrel rate, a massive 56.3% hard-hit rate, and an .825 OPS. The talent is undeniable, and the ceiling remains enormous—he's best viewed as an OF2 in drafts, with hopes that 2026 delivers the full breakout. |
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11.
Brent Rooker
ATH
Credit the Athletics (and Nick Kurtz) for giving fantasy managers a welcome stretch of "Brent Rooker the outfielder," which added some valuable roster flexibility. While Rooker couldn't quite replicate his breakout 2024 campaign, he still delivered strong power production in 2025. He finished with 30 home runs, 89 RBI, and 92 runs scored, posting a .262/.335/.479 slash line. His strikeout rate dipped to 22.2%, a change that may have slightly capped his power output, and it wouldn't be surprising to see that number drift back toward his career norm around 28%. Even so, Rooker benefits from hitter-friendly conditions in Sacramento and a spot in the heart of a lineup that ranked fourth in MLB with a .431 team slugging percentage. With that context, his counting stats should remain reliable, keeping Rooker firmly on the fantasy radar for 2026.
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12.
Wyatt Langford
TEX
Wyatt Langford logged the same number of games in his sophomore campaign with Texas as he did during his rookie season, but his underlying production trended in the right direction. He finished with 22 home runs and 22 stolen bases, both modest step-ups from his 2024 totals. His on-base percentage climbed from .325 to .344, while his slugging percentage improved from .415 to .431. Although his overall counting stats dipped, that decline can largely be traced to a Rangers offense that failed to meet expectations. As he heads into his age-24 season, further growth looks likely, with a realistic path to a 25-HR, 20-SB profile as he continues to establish himself at the big-league level. The breakout feels inevitable—it's just a question of timing.
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13.
Roman Anthony
BOS
Roman Anthony wasted little time making an impact in Boston, thriving over a 71-game stretch before an oblique injury sidelined him for the postseason. He delivered on the hype, posting a .292/.396/.463 slash line while serving as the Red Sox's catalyst atop the lineup. Although the sample was limited, his underlying metrics jumped off the page, including a 15.5% barrel rate and a 60.3% HardHit rate. Some regression is likely, but the skill set is undeniable as he heads into his age-22 campaign. His .859 OPS mirrored what he showed in the minors, and a 20-homer, 10-steal season with around 90 runs and strong ratios is well within reach in 2026. If he can stay on the field, he should quickly emerge as the clear frontrunner for AL Rookie of the Year honors.
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14.
Riley Greene
DET
Riley Greene built on his breakout 2024 with another strong campaign in 2025, though it came with some noticeable tradeoffs. Batting mostly in the cleanup spot, he launched 36 home runs and knocked in 111 runs while posting a team-best .806 OPS. That power surge represented a 33% jump in homers, but it was paired with a spike in strikeouts, as his K-rate climbed to 30.7%. At the same time, his walk rate dipped from 11% to 7%, which dragged down his overall slash line more than fantasy managers would have liked. The underlying power metrics remain excellent—Greene posted a 17.1% barrel rate and a 45.5% hard-hit rate—supporting the production. While he falls just short of true OF1 territory, he enters his age-25 season firmly near the top of the OF2 tier.
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15.
Jackson Merrill
SD
Multiple trips to the injured list cut short what could have been a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old, holding Jackson Merrill to 115 games with 16 home runs and just one stolen base. Entering 2026 healthy, he's a strong bet to rebound toward his 2024 production. While he's unlikely to be a major contributor on the bases, a season in the range of 25 homers with around 80 runs and 80 RBI is well within reach. His expected batting average and slugging percentage both outpaced his actual results, pointing to poor fortune layered on top of the injury issues. Merrill still offers the highest ceiling among his peers and could push into OF2 value if everything clicks, though he's best drafted as an OF3 with upside baked in.
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16.
Cody Bellinger
NYY
Cody Bellinger silenced doubts during his stint in New York, showing that his resurgence in Chicago was no fluke. He finished the season with 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, 89 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases, while posting a strong .272/.334/.480 slash line. His batted-ball quality also trended in the right direction, as his HardHit rate climbed by five percentage points to 37.9%.
As he enters his age-30 campaign, his return to the Bronx is a boon to his fantasy value. A baseline projection in the range of 25 home runs with roughly 80 runs and 80 RBIs is a fair starting point. While his recent production has been far more stable, the downturns from 2021 and 2022 still loom as a reminder of his volatility. Fantasy managers should value the upside—but avoid paying a premium on draft day. |
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17.
Jarren Duran
BOS
After a breakout 2024, Jarren Duran regressed in 2025. His power and speed dipped to 16 home runs and 24 steals after posting 21 long balls and 34 swipes the year prior. While his RBI total climbed from 75 to 84, his run production fell by 25, influenced in part by injuries throughout the lineup and the midseason trade of Rafael Devers. Heading into 2026, Duran projects more in line with his 2025 output. He remains a viable OF3 option, though he could fall outside the top 24 outfielders as he enters his age-29 campaign.
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18.
Kyle Schwarber
PHI
Kyle Schwarber's 2025 profile remained extreme but effective, delivering elite home-run volume and run production while continuing to drag batting average, though not as much as in the past. He played in all 162 games, hit 56 home runs, drove in an MLB-leading 132, and scored 111 runs. His 2026 projections again place him among the league leaders in homers, with OBP formats propping up his overall value. Year over year, the power output has proven remarkably stable despite contact volatility. Schwarber remains a roster-construction play who fits best on teams built to absorb average risk in exchange for top-tier power.
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19.
Yordan Alvarez
HOU
Yordan Alvarez is shaping up as one of the more polarizing draft-day decisions in 2026 fantasy leagues. After an injury-marred 2025 season burned managers who invested a first- or early second-round pick, Alvarez now projects as a rebound bat with elite per-game production when healthy. Projection systems still view him as a middle-of-the-order force capable of strong four-category output, supported by his consistently elite plate skills and long track record of hard contact. The main complication is positional flexibility: Alvarez is expected to qualify only at DH in most formats, effectively locking him into a UTIL role and increasing roster rigidity. That added risk will likely suppress his ADP, but entering his age-29 season, the underlying talent suggests a strong bounce-back is well within reach. If the discount reflects health concerns rather than skill erosion, Alvarez becomes a calculated upside play worth considering at the right price.
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20.
Byron Buxton
MIN
Byron Buxton appeared in 126 games in 2025 — his highest total since logging 140 contests in 2017 — and delivered one of the best seasons of his career. He earned an All-Star selection, picked up MVP consideration and took home a Silver Slugger after posting career highs with 35 home runs, 83 RBI and 97 runs scored. Buxton also swiped 24 bases without being caught and ranked fourth in the American League with a .878 OPS. The underlying metrics back it up, too, as he produced a 53.8% hard-hit rate and a 17.6% barrel rate. Even in a relative best-case scenario, he still missed nearly a quarter of the season due to various injuries. Buxton will be 32 on Opening Day in 2026, and his track record suggests IL stints are more expectation than exception. While any player can get hurt, some carry more baked-in risk than others. If he comes close to repeating his 2025 output, he has league-winning upside — just be careful about drafting him as if that outcome is the baseline.
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21.
George Springer
TOR
George Springer silenced skeptics in 2025 with his strongest campaign since 2019, turning in a monster season at age 35. He appeared in 140 games, launching 32 home runs while scoring 106 runs, driving in 84, and swiping 18 bases. His .309/.399/.560 slash line was the best of his career, and his 166 wRC+ ranked third across MLB. The obvious question is how to value Springer heading into his age-36 season in 2026. A repeat batting average is unlikely, as his .309 mark was fueled by a .340 BABIP—well above his career norm. Most projections pull his power back into the mid-20s for home runs, but the strength of the lineup around him should help preserve strong run and RBI totals, along with roughly 15 stolen bases. If Springer can once again stay on the field for around 140 games, he remains a valuable fantasy asset. While a full encore of 2025 shouldn't be expected, even modest regression still leaves him among the more reliable contributors.
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22.
Seiya Suzuki
CHC
Seiya Suzuki delivered a wildly uneven 2025 campaign. He posted new career bests with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs, but the bulk of that damage came early, as 25 of those homers and 77 RBIs were recorded before the All-Star break. Like much of Chicago's lineup, Suzuki cooled off significantly in August, managing just one home run across 89 at-bats. The power surge came at a cost, as his batting average dipped to .245 after finishing above .280 in each of the previous two seasons. Entering his age-31 season and set to hit free agency in 2027, Suzuki could show a bit more urgency at the plate in 2026. Even without a major spike, fantasy managers can reasonably project something in the neighborhood of 25 homers, 75 runs, and 85 RBIs. He remains a steady draft option based on four years of reliable MLB production, with the upside of a potential contract-year push.
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23.
Randy Arozarena
SEA
Randy Arozarena delivered one of his strongest fantasy campaigns in 2025, stuffing the stat sheet with 27 home runs, 95 runs scored, 76 RBI, and 31 stolen bases. Both the power and speed marks represented new career highs for the 30-year-old outfielder. While batting average will likely always be a mild drag on his profile, the underlying quality of contact remained excellent, highlighted by a .798 OPS, an 11.5% barrel rate, and a 50.6% hard-hit rate. He also remained a savvy and efficient threat on the bases, getting caught just six times. With a lineup that still offers plenty of run-producing potential, Arozarena profiles as a dependable OF2 option for 2026 fantasy drafts.
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24.
Tyler Soderstrom
ATH
Fantasy managers who took a chance on Tyler Soderstrom in 2025 were rewarded with a breakout season. At just 23 years old, he delivered 25 home runs, drove in 93 runs, scored 74 times, swiped eight bases, and posted a strong .276/.346/.474 slash line. He made tangible progress cutting down his strikeouts while continuing to impact the ball at an elite level, ranking in the 86th percentile in hard-hit rate (49.8%). Encouragingly, his expected batting average and slugging percentage closely matched his actual production, suggesting the performance was well-earned. With projections calling for a comparable output in 2026 and the Athletics' hitters benefiting from games in Sacramento, Soderstrom enters his age-24 season as a dependable OF3 option.
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25.
Michael Harris II
ATL
Michael Harris took another step back in 2025, slashing .249/.268/.409 with a career-worst 88 OPS+ despite playing 160 games. His plate discipline eroded further, as his walk rate cratered to 2.5% while his .281 BABIP and .295 rOBA both trended well below his rookie peak. The underlying quality of contact also dipped (43.6% HardHit, 89.4 mph EV), and his once-impactful baserunning regressed, leading to a sharp decline in overall offensive value. While the 2026 projections still forecast a return to 20/20 production, Harris is best viewed as a fantasy faller entering his age-25 season unless he meaningfully rebounds in approach and on-base skills.
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26.
Oneil Cruz
PIT
Oneil Cruz followed up his 2024 breakout (21 HR, 22 SB, .773 OPS, 114 OPS+) with a steep regression in 2025, batting just .200 with an 87 OPS+ despite swiping a career-high 38 bases. The underlying power metrics remain loud — his 95.8 mph average exit velocity and 56.9% hard-hit rate were both elite and actually improved year over year — but a .262 BABIP and persistent 32.0% strikeout rate cratered his overall production. While his 11.8% walk rate was a career best, the contact issues and declining run production (RE24: -5.45) highlight the volatility in his profile. Looking ahead, Cruz's 2026 projections suggest a rebound toward his 2024 form, banking on normalization in batting average with continued 20/30 upside. If the BABIP corrects even partially, his rare combination of top-of-scale power and speed makes him a prime fantasy rebound candidate with high-variance upside — but managers must build around the batting average risk.
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27.
Jose Altuve
HOU
Jose Altuve's 2025 profile showed clear age-related erosion, with declining rOBA, reduced hard-hit rates, and a continued drop in stolen-base efficiency despite strong durability. While his contact skills remain above average, the quality of contact has flattened out, making his mid-20s home run totals harder to bank on going forward. The 2026 projections reflect this shift, leaning toward solid but unspectacular production with diminishing speed and only modest power. Altuve still offers batting average stability and run production in a strong lineup, but at his age, he profiles more as a floor play than a difference-maker in fantasy formats.
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28.
Teoscar Hernandez
LAD
Teoscar Hernandez saw a dramatic step back in 2025 after posting a massive 25.6 offensive WAR the year before, finishing with just 0.4. His production dipped nearly across the board, and injuries limited him to 134 games. Hernández still managed 25 home runs with 89 RBI, scored 65 runs, and added five steals, but his efficiency cratered. He posted career lows with a .247/.285/.454 slash line, raising concerns about age-related decline as he enters his age-33 season. While hitting in the Dodgers lineup provides a strong run-producing environment, continued struggles could push him lower than a typical middle-of-the-order role. Power remains his calling card, but at this stage, Hernandez profiles best as a depth outfielder, ideally drafted as an OF3 or OF4 rather than a lineup anchor.
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29.
Kyle Stowers
MIA
Kyle Stowers finally translated his loud tools into production in 2025, slashing .288/.368/.544 with 25 home runs across 457 plate appearances for Miami. His underlying metrics support the breakout: a .391 rOBA and 148 Rbat+ were fueled by a career-best 10.5% walk rate, reduced 27.4% strikeout rate, and a .256 ISO with a 5.5% HR rate. The quality of contact remained strong (52.2% hard-hit rate), but the key shift was a more balanced batted-ball profile and improved swing decisions that allowed his power to play in games. Heading into 2026, projections expect some regression from the near-.900 OPS peak, but still forecast Stowers as a middle-of-the-order bat with 25-homer upside and above-average on-base skills. The elevated BABIP (.356) suggests the batting average could settle closer to the .260-.270 range, yet the gains in plate discipline and contact authority appear legitimate. He's best viewed as a solid OF3 with upside in five-outfielder formats, offering bankable power and run production as long as the improved approach holds.
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30.
Brandon Nimmo
TEX
Brandon Nimmo remains one of fantasy baseball's quieter contributors, consistently delivering well-rounded production without much buzz. Now 32, he posted 25 home runs with 81 runs scored, 92 RBI, and 13 steals while batting .262/.324/.436—numbers that closely mirror his career norms. The one notable blemish was a career-low 7.7% walk rate, marking the first time it dipped below double digits. Heading into his age-33 season, expectations should be steady but cautious, especially after his move to Texas removes the lineup insulation he previously enjoyed hitting near Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, making a modest step back in 2026 a reasonable assumption.
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31.
Jo Adell
LAA
Jo Adell took a legitimate step forward in 2025, clubbing 37 home runs with a .249 ISO and 112 Rbat+, both comfortably above league average. His quality-of-contact metrics backed it up, as he posted a career-best 91.7 mph average exit velocity and 50.1% hard-hit rate, signaling that the power surge was skill-driven rather than fluky. While the strikeout rate (26.4%) remains elevated and caps his batting average ceiling, the improved damage on contact supports his projected 30-plus homer output in 2026. Fantasy Riser: Adell has transitioned from post-hype lottery ticket to viable OF3 with impact power, though managers should still build around batting average volatility.
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32.
Andy Pages
LAD
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33.
Luis Robert Jr.
NYM
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34.
Taylor Ward
BAL
Once again, Taylor Ward delivered a season that was as maddening as it was productive for fantasy managers. He set career highs across the board, launching 36 home runs with 86 runs scored and 103 RBIs, while adding his usual handful of steals (four). The downside was a rough .228 batting average, a reminder of Ward's well-documented inconsistency. His month-to-month splits tell the story: he caught fire in May with a .255 average and 10 homers, only to cool off in June, hitting .204 with four long balls. There are reasons for optimism heading into 2026, including a contract-year motivation, an upgraded offensive environment after his move to Baltimore, and back-to-back healthy seasons. A 30-homer campaign with roughly 75-80 runs is within reach, but expecting another 100-RBI season is likely a stretch. If you roster Ward, prepare for volatility—smooth rides have never really been part of the package.
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35.
Lawrence Butler
ATH
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36.
Jakob Marsee
MIA
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37.
Ceddanne Rafaela
BOS
Ceddanne Rafaela took a meaningful step forward in 2025, emerging as a clear fantasy riser after trimming his strikeout rate from 26.4% in 2024 to 19.9% while boosting his ISO to .165. The improved contact quality (87.7 mph EV, 38.7% HardHit) and career-best 4.8% walk rate supported a jump to a .708 OPS and 4.7 WAR, with 16 homers and 20 steals across 156 games. While his .295 OBP still limits his runs ceiling in standard formats, Rafaela's elite defense secures everyday playing time, and his 80% SB success rate plus 65.9% extra-base-taken rate highlight impactful speed. If the 2026 projections hold near a 15-18 HR, 18-22 SB pace with incremental OBP growth, Rafaela profiles as a high-floor middle-round target whose category juice outweighs the modest plate-discipline concerns.
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38.
Steven Kwan
CLE
Steven Kwan took a step back offensively after three straight productive seasons. His lack of power continues to cap his ceiling, but he still contributed solid category juice with 81 runs scored, 21 steals, and a .272 batting average. Kwan's elite bat-to-ball skills remain intact, evidenced by an 8.7% strikeout rate, though his 7.9% walk rate ranked just 47th percentile per Statcast. Entering his age-28 season, there's room for his batting average and on-base percentage to rebound closer to prior highs. Slated to remain Cleveland's leadoff hitter, he should again flirt with 85 runs if the lineup cooperates. While Kwan remains a useful fantasy outfielder in the OF3/OF4 range, managers may find more upside among similarly priced options on draft day.
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39.
Ian Happ
CHC
After posting offensive WAR totals in the 17 range for three straight seasons, Ian Happ took a noticeable step back in 2025, finishing at 9.1. The decline was driven primarily by a sharp drop in stolen bases, as he went from regularly reaching double digits to just six. Otherwise, his production was largely unchanged. Happ finished with 23 home runs, 87 runs scored, 79 RBIs, and a .243/.342/.420 slash line. That profile is a reasonable expectation again in 2026. He has appeared in at least 150 games in four consecutive seasons, and Chicago continues to rely on his steady presence in the lineup. With free agency looming in 2027, there's also a chance for a modest uptick in power. Happ profiles as a dependable OF3 option for fantasy managers in 2026.
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40.
Maikel Garcia
KC
Maikel Garcia took a massive step forward in 2025, transforming from a speed-first table-setter into a well-rounded fantasy contributor with a .286/.351/.449 line, 16 homers, and 23 steals. The offensive breakout was backed by real skill growth, including a sharp jump in on-base ability and contact quality after a down 2024. His elite defensive versatility locked in everyday playing time, which allowed the counting stats to fully surface across a full season. At just 26 years old, Garcia now profiles as a high-floor, multi-category infielder with sneaky upside rather than a niche speed play.
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41.
Christian Yelich
MIL
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42.
Jurickson Profar
ATL
Jurickson Profar landed a three-year contract with Atlanta but immediately ran into trouble, serving a PED suspension that limited him to 80 games in 2025. His offensive track record is unusual, with his 2024 breakout standing out as a clear outlier compared to the rest of his career. Even so, Profar can still provide fantasy value, especially in formats that require five outfielders. Reasonable expectations include around 20 home runs, 90 runs scored, and roughly 10 stolen bases, though his batting average is unlikely to be an asset given his career .245 mark. With Ronald Acuña Jr. back at full strength, Profar is expected to hit lower in the lineup, though his exact spot will depend on how much the rest of the Braves' offense bounces back from injuries and disappointing seasons. He profiles best as a fourth outfielder in fantasy lineups, with a path to OF3 production, but managers should not count on a repeat of his 2024 performance.
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43.
Bryan Reynolds
PIT
After years of steady production, Bryan Reynolds showed real signs of decline. His strikeout rate climbed to 26.5% — a jump of roughly four percentage points — and he posted a career-worst .245/.318/.402 slash line. Playing in a Pittsburgh lineup that offers little support only adds to the downside. As he enters his age-31 season, fantasy managers should be prepared for increased inconsistency. Reynolds is still projected for around 20 home runs, but his run and RBI totals will suffer in a weak offense, and his batting average is more likely to settle near .250 than his career .271 mark. At this stage, he profiles better as an OF3 or OF4 rather than a reliable, every-week fantasy starter.
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44.
Noelvi Marte
CIN
Noelvi Marte showed some growth in 2025, rebounding from a rough 2024 to post a .263/.300/.448 line with 14 homers and double-digit steals in just 90 games. The power-speed blend that made him a top prospect resurfaced, supported by a strong rOBA and near-league-average OPS+ despite an aggressive approach. Defensive versatility across third base and the outfield should help him maintain regular playing time, even if his glove remains a work in progress. FantasyPros 2026 projections reflect a young hitter still trending upward, making Marte an appealing upside play in deeper formats where counting stats and steals are at a premium.
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45.
Dylan Crews
WSH
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46.
Brenton Doyle
COL
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47.
Alec Burleson
STL
Alec Burleson may not carry the same buzz as some other OF3 or OF4 options, but his profile is trending in the right direction as he enters his age-27 season. He took a noticeable step forward in 2024, appearing in 139 games while posting 18 home runs, 69 RBI, and 54 runs scored, along with a .290/.343/.459 slash line and an .802 OPS. His appeal is rooted in strong contact skills, evidenced by a modest 14.5% strikeout rate, paired with enough power to contribute in multiple categories. Locked into a prominent spot near the top of St. Louis' lineup, Burleson offers inexpensive batting-average stability and quiet upside for fantasy managers in 2026 drafts.
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48.
Mike Trout
LAA
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49.
Chandler Simpson
TB
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50.
Heliot Ramos
SF
Heliot Ramos broke out in 2024 with a 129 Rbat+ and .200 ISO, but his 2025 follow-up was more solid than spectacular, as his rOBA dipped from .349 to .319 and his ISO fell to .144 despite a career-high 695 plate appearances. The good news is his underlying quality of contact held firm (91.8 mph average EV, 47.8% hard-hit rate), while his strikeout rate improved to 22.7%, nearly league average. A more contact-oriented, opposite-field-heavy approach (63.2% to center in 2025) capped his over-the-fence output, but the skills foundation remains stable. With 2026 projections forecasting mid-20s homer power and strong run production in an everyday role, Ramos profiles as a fantasy riser if the power ticks back closer to his 2024 level.
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51.
Addison Barger
TOR
Addison Barger took a significant step forward in 2025, improving across the board with a .243/.301/.454 slash, 21 homers, and a league-average 105 OPS+ after struggling mightily as a rookie. The power growth was especially encouraging, supported by a jump in extra-base hits and a rOBA that climbed back to league average. While his strikeout rate remains elevated, everyday playing time and defensive versatility at third base and the corner outfield helped solidify his role. Projections reflect cautious optimism, positioning Barger as a late-round sleeper with legitimate 20-plus homer upside if the plate discipline continues to stabilize.
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52.
Daylen Lile
WSH
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53.
Daulton Varsho
TOR
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54.
Wilyer Abreu
BOS
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55.
Kerry Carpenter
DET
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56.
Sal Frelick
MIL
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57.
Jac Caglianone
KC
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58.
Adolis Garcia
PHI
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59.
Ramon Laureano
SD
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60.
Trent Grisham
NYY
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61.
TJ Friedl
CIN
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62.
Jordan Beck
COL
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63.
Jasson Dominguez
NYY
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64.
Mickey Moniak
COL
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65.
Colton Cowser
BAL
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66.
Josh Lowe
LAA
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67.
Jose Caballero
NYY
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68.
Brendan Donovan
SEA
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69.
Chase DeLauter
CLE
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70.
Jung Hoo Lee
SF
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71.
Spencer Steer
CIN
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72.
Tommy Edman
LAD
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73.
Ryan O'Hearn
PIT
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74.
Jeff McNeil
ATH
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75.
Matt Wallner
MIN
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76.
Giancarlo Stanton
NYY
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77.
Cedric Mullins II
TB
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78.
Konnor Griffin
PIT
Konnor Griffin entered 2025 as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the lower minors and exceeded expectations after being widely considered the top prep position player in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound infielder combines elite speed and athleticism with impact power, slashing .333/.415/.527 with 21 home runs, 65 steals, and a 21.7% strikeout rate across Single-A, High-A, and Double-A as a 19-year-old. His wRC+ improved at each level, finishing 75% above the Double-A average despite being the second-youngest hitter with 80 plate appearances, behind only Leo De Vries. Once questioned for his hit tool, Griffin now appears on track for a 2026 MLB debut, and a potential extension could accelerate his timeline. He offers defensive versatility but has primarily played shortstop.
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79.
Evan Carter
TEX
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80.
Willi Castro
COL
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81.
Lars Nootbaar
STL
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82.
Cam Smith
HOU
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83.
Justin Crawford
PHI
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84.
Dylan Beavers
BAL
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85.
Brandon Marsh
PHI
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86.
Dominic Canzone
SEA
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87.
Harrison Bader
SF
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88.
Nick Castellanos
SD
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89.
Zach McKinstry
DET
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90.
Jonathan India
KC
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91.
Victor Robles
SEA
|
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92.
Austin Hays
CWS
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93.
Victor Scott
STL
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94.
Parker Meadows
DET
|
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95.
Jorge Soler
LAA
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96.
Gavin Sheets
SD
|
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97.
Trevor Larnach
MIN
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98.
Andrew Benintendi
CWS
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99.
Tyler O'Neill
BAL
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100.
Jesus Sanchez
TOR
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101.
Wenceel Perez
DET
|
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102.
Jordan Walker
STL
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103.
Carson Benge
NYM
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104.
Mike Yastrzemski
ATL
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105.
Owen Caissie
MIA
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106.
Jake Mangum
PIT
|
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107.
Isaac Collins
KC
|
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108.
Anthony Santander
TOR
|
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109.
Gavin Lux
TB
|
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110.
Lane Thomas
KC
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111.
Tyler Freeman
COL
|
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112.
Nathan Lukes
TOR
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113.
Kristian Campbell
BOS
|
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114.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
ARI
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115.
Luis Rengifo
MIL
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116.
Masataka Yoshida
BOS
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117.
Luke Raley
SEA
|
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118.
Kyle Isbel
KC
|
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119.
Jake Meyers
HOU
|
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120.
Josh Smith
TEX
|
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121.
Jake McCarthy
COL
|
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122.
Jack Suwinski
LAD
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123.
CJ Kayfus
CLE
|
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124.
Christopher Morel
MIA
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125.
Garrett Mitchell
MIL
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126.
Denzel Clarke
ATH
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127.
Javier Baez
DET
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128.
Jesse Winker
FA
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129.
Jacob Melton
TB
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130.
Jake Fraley
TB
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131.
Miguel Andujar
SD
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132.
JJ Bleday
CIN
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133.
Hyeseong Kim
LAD
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134.
Zach Cole
HOU
|
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135.
Kody Clemens
MIN
|
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136.
Brooks Baldwin
CWS
|
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137.
Davis Schneider
TOR
|
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138.
Griffin Conine
MIA
|
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139.
Walker Jenkins
MIN
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140.
Javier Sanoja
MIA
|
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141.
Jhostynxon Garcia
PIT
|
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142.
Mauricio Dubon
ATL
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143.
Troy Johnston
COL
|
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144.
Ryan Waldschmidt
ARI
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145.
Jacob Young
WSH
|
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146.
Colby Thomas
ATH
|
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147.
Spencer Jones
NYY
|
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148.
Alek Thomas
ARI
|
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149.
Joshua Baez
STL
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150.
Austin Martin
MIN
|
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151.
Max Clark
DET
|
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152.
Jonny DeLuca
TB
|
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153.
Heston Kjerstad
BAL
|
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154.
Heriberto Hernandez
MIA
|
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155.
Angel Martinez
CLE
|
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156.
Matt Vierling
DET
|
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157.
Tommy Pham
FA
|
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158.
Zac Veen
COL
|
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159.
Jake Bauers
MIL
|
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160.
Esteury Ruiz
MIA
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161.
Robert Hassell III
WSH
|
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162.
George Valera
CLE
|
|
163.
Michael Conforto
FA
|
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164.
Charlie Condon
COL
|
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165.
Tim Tawa
ARI
|
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166.
Eric Wagaman
MIN
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167.
Tyrone Taylor
NYM
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168.
Alan Roden
MIN
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169.
Jett Williams
MIL
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170.
Drew Gilbert
SF
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171.
Will Benson
CIN
|
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172.
Max Kepler
FA
|
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173.
Starling Marte
FA
|
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174.
Nolan Jones
CLE
|
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175.
Joey Loperfido
HOU
|
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176.
Enrique Hernandez
LAD
|
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177.
Jhonkensy Noel
BAL
|
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178.
Dylan Moore
FA
|
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179.
Abimelec Ortiz
WSH
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180.
Michael Massey
KC
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181.
Yanquiel Fernandez
NYY
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182.
Braden Montgomery
CWS
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183.
Jeremiah Jackson
BAL
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184.
Kevin Alcantara
CHC
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185.
Chas McCormick
CHC
|
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186.
MJ Melendez
NYM
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187.
Jose Siri
LAA
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188.
Leody Taveras
BAL
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189.
Ezequiel Duran
TEX
|
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190.
LaMonte Wade Jr.
CWS
|
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191.
Jarred Kelenic
CWS
|
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192.
Emmanuel Rodriguez
MIN
|
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193.
Otto Kemp
PHI
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194.
Luis Matos
SF
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195.
Alex Verdugo
FA
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196.
Eloy Jimenez
TOR
|
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197.
Bryan De La Cruz
PHI
|
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198.
Carlos Rodriguez
SD
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199.
Daniel Schneemann
CLE
|
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200.
Juan Montes
FA
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201.
Andrew McCutchen
FA
|
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202.
Everson Pereira
CWS
|
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203.
Mike Tauchman
NYM
|
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204.
Enrique Bradfield Jr.
BAL
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205.
Tyler Austin
CHC
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206.
Nelson Rada
LAA
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207.
Alejandro Osuna
TEX
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208.
Dane Myers
CIN
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209.
Jorge Mateo
ATL
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210.
Randal Grichuk
FA
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211.
Richie Palacios
TB
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212.
Rob Refsnyder
SEA
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213.
Sam Haggerty
TEX
|
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214.
Adam Frazier
LAA
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215.
Jerar Encarnacion
SF
|
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216.
Blake Perkins
MIL
|
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217.
Kemp Alderman
MIA
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218.
Nathan Church
STL
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219.
James Outman
MIN
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220.
Justyn-Henry Malloy
TB
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221.
Ryan Clifford
NYM
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222.
Ryan Ward
LAD
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223.
Johnathan Rodriguez
CLE
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224.
Chris Taylor
LAA
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225.
Bryan Torres
STL
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226.
Bryce Teodosio
LAA
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227.
Alex Call
LAD
|
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228.
Henry Bolte
ATH
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229.
Jahmai Jones
DET
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230.
Austin Slater
DET
|
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231.
Junior Perez
ATH
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232.
Santiago Espinal
LAD
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233.
Hector Rodriguez
CIN
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234.
Carlos Cortes
ATH
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235.
Bryce Johnson
SD
|
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236.
Esmerlyn Valdez
PIT
|
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237.
Tyler Tolbert
KC
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238.
Derek Hill
CWS
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239.
Tre' Morgan
TB
|
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240.
Zach Dezenzo
HOU
|
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241.
Jorge Barrosa
ARI
|
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242.
Michael Helman
TEX
|
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243.
Myles Straw
TOR
|
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244.
Gabriel Gonzalez
MIN
|
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245.
John Rave
KC
|
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246.
Payton Eeles
BAL
|
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247.
Max Schuemann
NYY
|
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248.
Eli White
ATL
|
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249.
Nick Loftin
KC
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250.
Mark Canha
TEX
|
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251.
Kyren Paris
LAA
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252.
Johan Rojas
PHI
|
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253.
Nate Eaton
BOS
|
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254.
Sterlin Thompson
COL
|
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255.
Joey Wiemer
WSH
|
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256.
Seth Brown
NYY
|
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257.
Ryan Vilade
TB
|
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258.
Lazaro Montes
SEA
|
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259.
Gabriel Rincones
PHI
|
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260.
Christian Franklin
WSH
|
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261.
Tanner Murray
CWS
|
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262.
Brandon Lockridge
MIL
|
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263.
Vidal Brujan
NYM
|
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264.
Dairon Blanco
KC
|
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265.
Tirso Ornelas
SD
|
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266.
Matthew Lugo
LAA
|
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267.
Tyler Callihan
CIN
|
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268.
Trey Mancini
LAA
|
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269.
Dylan Carlson
CHC
|
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270.
Manuel Margot
FA
|
|
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271.
Trei Cruz
DET
|
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272.
James Triantos
CHC
|
|
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273.
Josue De Paula
LAD
|
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274.
Kameron Misner
KC
|
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275.
DaShawn Keirsey
ATL
|
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276.
Bo Davidson
SF
|
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277.
Grant McCray
SF
|
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278.
Niko Kavadas
LAA
|
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279.
Akil Baddoo
MIL
|
|
280.
Gustavo Campero
LAA
|
|
281.
Drew Waters
KC
|
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282.
Blake Dunn
CIN
|
|
283.
Taylor Trammell
HOU
|
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284.
Stuart Fairchild
CLE
|
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285.
Ji Hwan Bae
NYM
|
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286.
Dustin Harris
CWS
|
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287.
RJ Schreck
TOR
|
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288.
Jonatan Clase
TOR
|
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289.
Ryan Kreidler
MIN
|
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290.
Miles Mastrobuoni
SEA
|
|
291.
Wade Meckler
LAA
|
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292.
Garrett Hampson
CIN
|
|
293.
Justin Dean
CHC
|
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294.
Samad Taylor
SD
|
|
|
295.
Jared Young
NYM
|
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296.
Tyler Wade
TEX
|
|
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297.
Nick Morabito
NYM
|
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298.
Victor Mesa Jr.
TB
|
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299.
Billy Cook
PIT
|
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300.
A.J. Vukovich
ARI
|
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301.
Tristan Peters
CWS
|
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302.
Matt Koperniak
STL
|
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303.
Weston Wilson
BAL
|
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304.
Nelson Velazquez
STL
|
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305.
Petey Halpin
CLE
|
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306.
Rhylan Thomas
SEA
|
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307.
Jose Azocar
ATL
|
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308.
Kahlil Watson
CLE
|
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309.
Ronny Simon
PIT
|
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310.
Steward Berroa
MIL
|
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311.
Pedro Leon
PHI
|
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312.
Dominic Fletcher
PIT
|
|
313.
Michael Siani
LAD
|
|
314.
Kristian Robinson
ARI
|
|
315.
Cristian Pache
NYM
|
|
316.
Patrick Wisdom
SEA
|
|
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317.
Tristin English
ATL
|
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318.
Jose Barrero
BAL
|
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319.
Jose Rojas
NYM
|
