Fantasy Baseball Player Notes
2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Notes
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13.
Gunnar Henderson
SS
Gunnar Henderson backed up his 2024 breakout with a season during which he says he had a shoulder impingement for almost 75% of the year. His power dipped considerably, and even though he still stole 30 bags, it was obvious something was off. His 2026 projections expect a bounce-back year, projecting elite power production and strong run totals. Year-over-year gains in swing decisions suggest his profile is fully established rather than volatile. Shortstop is a stacked position, but Henderson remains one of the elite options for those looking to secure it early.
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21.
Pete Alonso
1B
Pete Alonso once again supplied premium power in 2025, but continued erosion in batting average and on-base skills limited his category impact. His 2026 projections still forecast upper-tier home-run totals, though with muted run production compared to his peak seasons. The year-over-year trend shows narrowing fantasy utility as his value becomes increasingly HR-dependent. Alonso profiles best as a targeted power injection rather than a lineup anchor.
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77.
Kyle Bradish
SP
Kyle Bradish's road back from Tommy John surgery was long, but his return in August 2025 showed the potential for building on the breakout foundation he established during his 2023 Cy Young-caliber campaign. The 2026 projections appropriately price in strong ratios and strikeouts but stop short of a full starter's workload, capping his ceiling in volume-driven formats. Bradish profiles as a high-upside fantasy riser whose value spikes in leagues that prioritize ratios and strikeout efficiency over innings.
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124.
Taylor Ward
LF
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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125.
Ryan Helsley
RP
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145.
Trevor Rogers
SP
Trevor Rogers' 2025 rebound was dramatic, highlighted by a 1.81 ERA, elite run prevention (223 ERA+), and sharp ratios driven by improved command (6.9 BB%) and a return to missing bats (24.3 K%). The advanced profile supports the breakout: opponents managed just a .503 OPS with a suppressed BABIP (.228). After multiple injuries and poor performances from 2022-24, Rogers demonstrated more stability and efficiency without a full return to peak strikeout volume. The 2026 projections understandably bake in some regression from ace-level run prevention, but Rogers profiles as a strong SP3 with upside in formats that reward ratios, especially if his walk gains hold.
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170.
Adley Rutschman
C
Adley Rutschman enters 2026 as a clear fantasy rebound candidate after a disappointing, injury-shortened 2025 season. His plate discipline remains above league average and the power indicators weren't catastrophic. With 2026 projections forecasting a bounce-back toward his career norms, Rutschman profiles as a discounted catcher who could outperform his draft slot if the batted-ball luck normalizes.
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180.
Shane Baz
SP
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208.
Jackson Holliday
2B,SS
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223.
Samuel Basallo
C
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248.
Colton Cowser
LF,CF,RF
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293.
Jordan Westburg
2B,3B
Jordan Westburg followed up his 2024 All-Star breakout with another solid but less impactful 2025, as injuries limited him to 85 games and capped his counting stats. On a per-game basis, his power remained intact (17 HR, .457 SLG), but reduced doubles output and minimal speed kept him from taking the next step. His multi-position eligibility and steady contact quality help stabilize his fantasy floor, particularly in deeper formats. If he can stay healthy and reclaim a full-time role in Baltimore's crowded infield, Westburg still offers sleeper upside as a balanced power contributor entering his age-27 season.
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302.
Zach Eflin
SP
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313.
Chris Bassitt
SP
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352.
Tyler O'Neill
LF,RF
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354.
Coby Mayo
1B,3B
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356.
Dylan Beavers
LF,RF
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475.
Andrew Kittredge
RP
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544.
Ryan Mountcastle
1B
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553.
Dean Kremer
SP
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585.
Keegan Akin
SP,RP
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590.
Tyler Wells
SP,RP
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628.
Blaze Alexander
2B,3B
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652.
Yennier Cano
RP
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730.
Cade Povich
SP
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745.
Dietrich Enns
SP,RP
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802.
Jeremiah Jackson
2B,3B,RF
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822.
Colin Selby
RP
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871.
Nick Raquet
RP
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895.
Trey Gibson
SP
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898.
Felix Bautista
RP
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919.
Yaramil Hiraldo
RP
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934.
Anthony Nunez
RP
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944.
Heston Kjerstad
LF,RF
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958.
Grant Wolfram
RP
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970.
Enrique Bradfield Jr.
OF
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1004.
Jhonkensy Noel
1B,RF
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1055.
Albert Suarez
SP,RP
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1110.
Cameron Foster
RP
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1142.
Rico Garcia
RP
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1145.
Tyson Neighbors
RP
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1156.
Leody Taveras
CF,RF
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1160.
Brandon Young
SP
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1177.
Jose Espada
RP
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1301.
Jayvien Sandridge
RP
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1304.
Chayce McDermott
SP,RP
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1319.
Jackson Kowar
RP
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1325.
Eric Torres
RP
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1440.
Sam Huff
C
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1441.
Maverick Handley
C
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1450.
Johnathan Rodriguez
RF
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1540.
Weston Wilson
2B,LF
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1548.
Bryan Ramos
3B
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1564.
Luis Vazquez
3B,SS
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1580.
Jose Barrero
SS,CF
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