Fantasy Baseball 2026 Draft Guide: Position tiers, sleepers, breakouts

15 days till Opening Day … 

I’ve excellent news for you: No lengthy intro right now! We’re nearly two weeks from Opening Day, and for those who’re simply becoming a member of us, you should get caught up. The Fantasy Baseball Today staff has been deep in analysis since November, but when you have not fairly caught up but, that is okay.

That’s what right now’s publication is all about. It’s time to get accustomed to the participant pool for 2026, and to assist out, I’ve acquired place previews, methods, and tiers for each place from Scott White and I. With any luck, with the assistance of right now’s publication, you will know each place just like the again of your hand in time to your drafts. 

We’ll have a complete lot extra to be sure you’re prepared for Opening Day between now and the twenty fifth, too. We’re within the house stretch. Let’s get to it: 

“Prepare to be amazed.

You know, catcher, that black sheep of a position that’s often as frivolous and frustrating as tight end is in Fantasy Football? What if I advised you it is really good now?

Heard that one earlier than, have you ever? Gotten burned greater than as soon as by some younger upstart who in the end fell sufferer to attrition, playing-time chicanery, or plain old school failure? Yes, all three are fairly frequent at catcher, largely due to the bodily calls for it locations on its contributors.

But this time, I imply it. It’s not mere wishcasting over some hypothetical any person. It’s not naively whitewashing some deeply flawed knowledge darling. The inflow of expertise right here has been so in depth over the previous couple years that the redundancies run deep. And these are all gamers who, to a point or one other, have already demonstrated what they will do …” –Scott White

C Tiers

The Elite: Cal Raleigh
The Near-Elite: Hunter Goodman, William Contreras, Ben Rice, Shea Langeliers
The Next-Best Things: Will Smith, Agustin Ramirez, Salvador Perez, Drake Baldwin, Adley Rutschman
The Fallback Options: Samuel Basallo, Yainer Diaz, Carter Jensen, Gabriel Moreno, Kyle Teel, (Ivan Herrera), Francisco Alvarez
The Last Resorts: J.T. Realmuto, Alejandro Kirk, Austin Wells, Dillon Dingler, Logan O’Hoppe
The Leftovers: Carson Kelly, Edgar Quero, Tyler Stephenson, (Moises Ballesteros), Harry Ford, Victor Caratini, Ryan Jeffers, Sean Murphy, Miguel Amaya, Carlos Narvaez, Danny Jansen, Bo Naylor

†: one tier decrease in classes/Rotisserie leagues
^: one tier decrease in Head-to-Head factors leagues
( ): DH-only, however with some hope of changing into eligible right here

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Harry Ford, Nationals

Ford has been a high prospect for a reasonably very long time and hasn’t fairly developed into the sure-fire distinction maker many hoped for. And his profile for Fantasy took an particularly large hit in 2025 as he stole simply seven bases in 97 video games at Triple-A. That places much more strain on the bat to play up, and issues are sort of fringe-y; he makes good swing choices, however the uncooked energy and get in touch with abilities are extra common than nice, and the hit instrument may play down in opposition to MLB pitching.

Breakout: Samuel Basallo, Orioles

Rice is everybody’s favourite breakout, although I think about the warmth goes to get turned down a bit in drafts after the signing of Paul Goldschmidt as a possible platoon for at the least the hardest lefties on the schedule. Rice ought to nonetheless have a taking part in time edge on most different catchers and may find yourself being one of many two or three finest hitters on the place. 

Bust: Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays

I suppose I simply do not get the enchantment right here? Kirk is coming off a career-best season that noticed him hit … 15 homers with 121 mixed runs and RBI? Really, that is all? Sure, he hit .282, however do not you want greater than that to be a top-12 choice at catcher, particularly this yr? In concept, Kirk’s talent set ought to at the least make him a strong wager for batting common, however even there, he hit simply .251 between 2023 and 2024, so you possibly can’t even say that. It’s cheap to hope for a helpful batting common from Kirk, however he was simply sixteenth in homers, sixth in RBI, and nineteenth in runs amongst catchers in 2025. –Chris Towers

“Once a repository for all things slug, first base got stuck in a state of sameness for about a half-decade, recycling the same standouts, with a number of youthful misses along the way.

But then came Nick Kurtz. To say he delivered on the hype can be promoting him brief. Not solely did he homer 36 occasions in 117 video games, giving him a 162-game tempo of fifty, however he additionally had arguably the most effective single-game efficiency for any hitter in historical past, homering 4 occasions en path to a file 19 complete bases. Some gamers sputter when rushed to the majors. He discovered one other gear.

And with that, the place accustomed to sameness has a brand new No. 1. Turns out Kurtz wasn’t the one one to interrupt via, both. Vinnie Pasquantino lastly stayed wholesome lengthy sufficient to ship on his potential. Tyler Soderstrom made good in his first full season. Michael Busch and Jonathan Aranda had a protracted highway to common taking part in time within the majors, however proved deserving of it, delivering numbers very like they did within the minors. Makes you overlook all about Triston Casas, does not it?” –Scott White

1B Tiers

The Elite: Nick Kurtz, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
The Near-Elite: Pete Alonso, Matt Olson, Bryce Harper, Rafael Devers, Freddie Freeman, Josh Naylor
The Next-Best Things: Ben Rice, Vinnie Pasquantino, Yandy Diaz†, Tyler Soderstrom, Michael Busch
The Fallback Options: Salvador Perez, Spencer Torkelson, Jonathan Aranda
The Last Resorts: Sal Stewart, Munetaka Murakami, Willson Contreras, Alec Burleson, Spencer Steer, Luis Arraez, Kyle Manzardo, Christian Walker, (Bryce Eldridge)
The Leftovers: Andrew Vaughn, Lenyn Sosa, Jake Burger, Miguel Vargas, Nolan Schanuel, Ryan O’Hearn, Coby Mayo, Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Smith, Triston Casas, Romy Gonzalez, Josh Bell

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Munetaka Murakami, White Sox

Murakami was just about the most effective hitter in Japan over the previous half-decade, although there have been some actual ups and downs. He struggled with contact in Japan, putting out round 28-29% of the time over the previous three seasons, and it is cheap to count on that quantity to be even larger within the majors. So he’ll must be an elite energy hitter to beat that. The excellent news is he is been the premier energy hitter within the second-best skilled league on the planet and remains to be very a lot in his prime. 

Breakout: Kyle Manzardo, Guardians 

We acquired a close to 30-homer season out of Manzardo already, however with a poor batting common and restricted counting stats, so I perceive the dearth of curiosity in him in drafts. But the Guardians began treating him extra like an on a regular basis participant down the stretch, as he began seven of their remaining 10 video games in opposition to lefty begins, together with a must-win playoff recreation in opposition to Tarik Skubal.

Bust: Nick Kurtz, Athletics

He’s going to be good. He might even be nice. There’s even an opportunity Kurtz is actually a generational expertise. And that upside – 45 homers, 100-plus RBI, a great batting common – is price chasing with a second-round decide. But the likeliest end result is disappointment. Every rookie with an OPS north of 1.000 apart from Ted Williams has regressed the next yr, and that is even true for Hall of Fame abilities like Aaron Judge, who went 4 seasons with out one other 1.000 OPS after his rookie season. –Chris Towers

“Second base has turn into more and more troublesome to categorise in recent times. Is it deep? Is it shallow? It’s all a matter of perspective.

Certainly, it is weak within the sense that few drafters will really feel like their second baseman is the crux of their staff. The first (Jazz Chisholm) will go off the board late in Round 2, with perhaps one other (Ketel Marte) in Round 3 and perhaps one other (Brice Turang) in Round 4. But all three are elevated as a consequence of their shortage and do not convey the identical assurances as high-end gamers at different positions (for example, first base).

You see the dilemma. Sure, investing large at second base may provide you with a critical leg up in your competitors, however not if it ruins you first …” –Scott White

2B Tiers

The Elite: Jazz Chisholm, Ketel Marte
The Near-Elite: Brice Turang
The Next-Best Things: Jose Altuve, Nico Hoerner, Luke Keaschall
The Fallback Options: Brandon Lowe, Ozzie Albies, Gleyber Torres†
The Last Resorts: Jorge Polanco, Xavier Edwards, Marcus Semien, Brendan Donovan†, Ceddanne Rafaela, Matt McLain, Bryson Stott, Otto Lopez, Jackson Holliday
The Leftovers: Luis Garcia, Brett Baty, Lenyn Sosa, Colt Keith, Jose Caballero, Brooks Lee, Tommy Edman, Jeff McNeil, Jake Cronenworth, Ernie Clement, Chase Meidroth, Romy Gonzalez, Andres Gimenez, Nolan Gorman, Jonathan India, Willi Castro, Christian Moore, Luisangel Acuna, Sung-Mun Song

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Matt McLain, Reds

I used to be proper to be out on McLain as a top-100 decide this time final yr, however I’m a bit extra optimistic about his probabilities for a bounce again than most appeared to be coming into spring. I feel too many Fantasy gamers discounted the influence that lacking a whole yr coming off shoulder surgical procedure would have on McLain, who merely did not make sufficient contact for his comparatively restricted uncooked energy. A full yr off will do this, and he nonetheless has some purpose to be optimistic – he does not swing and miss as a lot as you’d suppose for a 29% strikeout charge man, and if he can reduce that Ok charge to round 24-25%, I feel there is a fairly dynamic talent set right here. 

Breakout: Luke Keaschall, Twins

Here’s the bullish case for Keaschall: For most of his minor-league profession, transient although it was, he was extra like a high-.100s ISO man, together with when he hit 15 homers in simply 102 video games in 2024. If there’s really 20-homer potential right here – if his poor outcomes and middling underlying numbers in 2025 have been the results of getting back from the forearm fracture – then you definitely’re speaking about some critical upside. He ought to make loads of contact, and he ought to steal loads of bases (50-steal tempo throughout all ranges in 2025), and if we’re speaking about precise contributions in homers, nicely, that is a reasonably thrilling profile. I’m anticipating 10 homers and hoping for 15, however I do not suppose that is the ceiling right here.

Bust: Ceddanne Rafaela, Red Sox

I’m having hassle making sense of Rafaela’s value. His remaining numbers in 2025 would justify his present ADP, but it surely appears like his skillset kinda calls for much more of a margin for error than we’re getting right here. Yeah, you will take 16 homers and 20 steals for a tenth spherical decide, however the fact is, Rafaela was actually solely helpful in Fantasy for 2 months in 2025, from June via July, when he had 11 of his homers and 7 of his steals. Outside of these two months, Rafaela was just about ineffective, and his poor plate self-discipline and middling batted ball abilities do not precisely again up the concept the 2 good months usually tend to be the norm shifting ahead. –Chris Towers

“We may have a problem here.

There are times when third base is loaded. It tends to invite larger gentlemen with stronger arms, after all, and with that comes powerful swings, generally speaking. But in those times when defense is more in vogue, third base will end up losing some of its best bats to other, less premium positions.

That’s the state the position is in now, and judging by the third base picture in the minors, it’s not improving anytime soon. Surely, some of the current shortstop class will end up migrating, for the same reason some third basemen migrate to first base, but when sizing up the true third basemen in the minors right now, only one stands out: Jacob Reimer. And he is blocked about 3 times over for the Mets …” –Scott White

3B Tiers

The First-Rounders: Jose Ramirez
The Elite: Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm
The Near-Elite: Manny Machado, Austin Riley, Eugenio Suarez, Maikel Garcia
The Next-Best Things: Alex Bregman†, Max Muncy†
The Fallback Options: Matt Chapman, Kazuma Okamoto, Isaac Paredes
The Last Resorts: Noelvi Marte, Royce Lewis, Alec Bohm, Jordan Westburg^
The Leftovers: Addison Barger, Jordan Lawlar, Carlos Correa, Brett Baty, Josh Jung, Caleb Durbin, Mark Vientos, Matt Shaw, Zach McKinstry, Colt Keith, Miguel Vargas, Jose Caballero, Brooks Lee, Ernie Clement, Josh Smith, Connor Norby, Marcelo Mayer, Ryan McMahon, Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Jonathan India, Willi Castro

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Jordan Lawlar, Diamondbacks

Lawlar has his flaws, for certain. He’s struggled mightily to remain wholesome within the higher minors, and he has struggled mightily to hit non-fastballs, which is a reasonably large crimson flag that MLB pitchers usually tend to benefit from than these within the minors. But at this level, the Diamondbacks want to simply give him an opportunity to sink or swim, as a result of there’s nothing left to be realized for a man with an OPS close to 1.000 in his profession at Triple-A. It seems to be like Lawlar is at the least going to get an opportunity to play within the outfield for the Diamondbacks, and if he can hack it on the market defensively, I nonetheless suppose he is a man with 20-20 upside within the majors – although my expectations for his batting common proceed to say no within the brief and long run.

Breakout: Kazuma Okamoto, Blue Jays

Okamoto combines at the least above-average uncooked energy with the abilities to place it into play constantly in video games. That does not imply he’ll positively be a plus major-leaguer, but it surely’s a wager I’m prepared to make given his touchdown spot with the Blue Jays. He ended up signing for 4 years and $60 million regardless of turning 30 in June, so the Blue Jays are paying him like they count on him to be a right away contributor. He’ll doubtless primarily play third base, however may see time at first, second, and the outfield relying on how essential it turns into to maintain his bat within the lineup. The likeliest end result for Okamoto might be one thing just like the post-peak model of Nolan Arenado, and his ADP remains to be outdoors of the top-200, making him a really good goal in most leagues.

Bust: Alex Bregman, Cubs

I feel Bregman might be going to be wonderful. He’s much less reliant for energy on pulling the ball proper down the road than Isaac Paredes, and that is the first purpose he was such a foul match for Wrigley Field. I do not suppose Bregman is prone to be held again in the identical manner. But it has been a troublesome park to hit for energy previously few years, and Bregman does not have as a lot of a margin for error as he used to. If that batting common dips to the .250 vary and the homers settle in additional within the 20 vary in Wrigley, he’ll begin wanting fairly fringe-y for Fantasy. His value is cheap sufficient that I’m not actively avoiding Bregman, however I do not suppose the ceiling is excessive sufficient to make him an enormous goal, both. –Chris Towers

“If third base is the position you have to worry about most (and if you’ve read my third base strategies, you know it is), shortstop is the position you have to worry about least. That comes with a caveat, but it won’t apply to 90 percent of you.

Granted, shortstop has had a reputation for being the most star-studded position in Fantasy for darn near a decade now, but it hasn’t always been deep to the point that you can’t really mess it up. That’s how it stacks up now, though. In addition to all the early-round standouts remaining more or less in good standing, Mookie Betts and Geraldo Perdomo have unexpectedly joined the ranks of the elite, Zachary Neto and Jeremy Pena have taken a major step ahead, and Bo Bichette and Trevor Story have shaken off past injuries to regain their place of prominence. By my count, there are 15 shortstops who would be satisfactory starters in any format, along with a handful of others with that same sort of upside.

About that caveat, though: The drop-off thereafter is steep … ” –Scott White

SS Tiers

The First-Rounders: Bobby Witt, Elly De La Cruz^
The Elite: Gunnar Henderson, Trea Turner, Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts†, Geraldo Perdomo†
The Near-Elite: Zachary Neto, Corey Seager, C.J. Abrams, Bo Bichette
The Next-Best Things: Jeremy Pena, Trevor Story^
The Fallback Options: Willy Adames, Dansby Swanson, Konnor Griffin, Jacob Wilson†
The Last Resorts: Colson Montgomery, Xavier Edwards, JJ Wetherholt, Kevin McGonigle, Xander Bogaerts†, Otto Lopez
The Leftovers: Carlos Correa, Ezequiel Tovar, Masyn Winn, Colt Emerson, Anthony Volpe, Zach McKinstry, Jose Caballero, Brooks Lee, J.P. Crawford, Ernie Clement, Josh Smith, Ha-seong Kim, Jett Williams

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: JJ Wetherholt, Cardinals

Wetherholt is prone to be the beginning second baseman for the Cardinals, and he is much more attention-grabbing when he qualifies there. But even when he is solely a shortstop, Wetherholt has sufficient expertise to matter even in 12-team leagues. The No. 7 decide within the 2024 draft, Wetherholt hit .306/.421/.510 with 17 homers and 23 steals in 109 video games throughout the excessive minors, and that included a 91.4 mph common exit velocity at Triple-A – an indication that the ability is extra than simply fringe-y. Wetherholt ought to hit for a strong batting common, and anticipating 15-15 manufacturing appears cheap sufficient, however with a participant this younger and proficient, that actually is not the ceiling. 

Breakout: Elly De La Cruz, Reds

Remember in Toy Story 2 when Woody’s arm will get frayed, and Andy very heartlessly tells him, “I don’t wanna play with you anymore?” Sure, you’ve got seen the meme! That’s Fantasy Baseball gamers with Elly De La Cruz. For years, you needed to speak Fantasy gamers down from getting too enthusiastic about De La Cruz, rating him as a top-five decide earlier than he ever earned that proper. In 2025, he appeared like he was lastly making that leap, slicing his strikeout charge to 24% within the first half and placing up a .284/.359/.495 line. The pace wasn’t the place it had been in earlier years, however a 30-40 tempo with elite run and RBI numbers was greater than sufficient to beat that. Then he suffered a torn quad in July, by no means missed a recreation, collapsed within the second half, and now he is a late-first-rounder who typically slips to the second in a Roto league? 

Bust: Trevor Story, Red Sox

Story’s manufacturing, even throughout his injury-plagued first few seasons in Boston, was robust sufficient that it is exhausting to see the underside actually falling out. And even when he struggled in 2025 – corresponding to when he put up a .194 xwOBA in May – he promptly bounced again, ending up with a wOBA north of .340 in every of the ultimate 4 months after a sluggish begin to the season. But man, this profile feels tremendous dangerous regardless. It comes with some fairly rotten plate self-discipline (27% strikeout charge, 5% stroll charge), and his anticipated stats (.249 anticipated batting common, .421 anticipated slugging share) do not depart a ton of margin for error. It would all be simple sufficient to miss if we weren’t speaking a few 32-year-old who went three straight seasons with out taking part in even 95 video games earlier than 2025. –Chris Towers

“More than at any other hitter position, your approach to the outfield will depend on your format. Standard Head-to-Head lineups require only three. Standard Rotisserie lineups require five. Four would be the sweet spot that best accounts for the distribution of talent at the position, but alas, this isn’t slow-pitch softball.

Let’s tackle three first because it’s easier. I don’t just mean more straightforward but easier, like a piece of cake. As with catcher and shortstop, you can hardly mess it up when playing on the shallower end of the pool. I count about 40 outfielders that would be satisfactory starters in such a format, along with a few other pure upside plays, so if you just do the math — 12 teams needing three outfielders each — you’re covered.

Chances are you’ll come out of the first round with one of your three outfield spots filled already, given that one-third of the players selected there are outfielders. I’d be reluctant to invest both of those picks in outfielders, but again, I’m speaking for three-outfielder leagues here.

In five-outfielder leagues, there isn’t much harm in using your first two picks on outfielders, if that’s the way the draft shakes out …” –Scott White

OF Tiers

The First-Rounders: Aaron Judge, (Shohei Ohtani), Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker, Ronald Acuna Jr., Julio Rodriguez^, (Kyle Schwarber)†
The Elite: Fernando Tatis Jr., Jackson Chourio, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, James Wood, (Yordan Alvarez)
The Near-Elite: Cody Bellinger, Wyatt Langford, Byron Buxton, (Christian Yelich), George Springer, Brent Rooker, Randy Arozarena, Riley Greene, Seiya Suzuki, Jarren Duran, Roman Anthony
The Next-Best Things: Jose Altuve, Michael Harris^, Jackson Merrill, Tyler Soderstrom, Oneil Cruz^
The Fallback Options: Kyle Stowers, Brandon Nimmo, Jo Adell, Luis Robert, Lawrence Butler, Teoscar Hernandez, Jakob Marsee, Taylor Ward, Jurickson Profar, Ian Happ, Mike Trout, Daulton Varsho, Andy Pages, Chandler Simpson^
The Last Resorts: Noelvi Marte, Ramon Laureano, Bryan Reynolds, Ceddanne Rafaela, Brenton Doyle, Steven Kwan, Sal Frelick, Dylan Crews, Alec Burleson, Jac Caglianone, Daylen Lile, Trent Grisham, Wilyer Abreu, Heliot Ramos, Justin Crawford
The Leftovers: Kerry Carpenter, Addison Barger, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Dominguez, Adolis Garcia, Joshua Lowe, Carson Benge, Chase DeLauter, Mickey Moniak, Owen Caissie, (Marcell Ozuna), Cedric Mullins, Dominic Canzone, Dylan Beavers, TJ Friedl, Isaac Collins, Zach McKinstry, Colton Cowser, Jose Caballero, Zach Cole, Evan Carter, Jordan Beck, Andrew Benintendi, Jake Mangum, Victor Robles, Nick Castellanos, Jung Hoo Lee, Jorge Soler, Matt Wallner, Austin Hays, Tyler O’Neill, Cam Smith, Jordan Walker, Victor Scott II, Harrison Bader, Lars Nootbaar, Jeff McNeil, Ryan O’Hearn, Trevor Larnach, Tommy Edman, Spencer Jones, Tyler Freeman, Wenceel Perez, Parker Meadows, Jonathan India, Willi Castro, Gavin Lux, Troy Johnston

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Daylen Lile, Nationals

Lile’s breakout got here out of nowhere, which is why he is being met with such skepticism. But he was additionally simply 22 final yr, so I feel some are underestimating the opportunity of the breakout simply being authentic. He has actual plus contact abilities and athleticism, and sufficient uncooked energy that he most likely is not only a slap hitter. It’s most likely asking an excessive amount of to count on him to be a .300 hitter ceaselessly, however his xBA was really the most effective amongst all qualifying hitters in 2025, so it is actually not inconceivable. If you count on one thing like a .280 common with double-digit homers and 20-plus steals, you will be proud of Lile, and I do not suppose that is the ceiling right here.

Breakout: Roman Anthony, Red Sox

The case sort of makes itself: Anthony was the highest prospect in baseball a yr in the past, he dominated the minors, after which he got here as much as the majors as a 21-year-old and greater than held his personal whereas exhibiting plus-plus uncooked energy. He most likely will not steal many bases, and his house park may make hitting his high-end outcomes for energy tougher. But Anthony has the abilities to be the uncommon early-round hitter who does not steal many bases. I may see some Bryce Harper-esque outcomes right here on the excessive finish.

Bust: Oneil Cruz, Pirates

The bodily instruments are ridiculous. So are the shortcomings. He cannot hit lefties. He does not elevate the ball constantly. He strikes out greater than anybody in baseball. He’s not even an particularly good defensive participant, which does not matter instantly for Fantasy, however would at the least insulate him from some taking part in time danger. If he fixes a few of these flaws, yeah, Cruz might be a fully dominant Fantasy choice. But he is additionally 27, so sooner or later, we most likely simply must take him for what he’s. The ceiling is excessive, however there’s additionally an actual probability we get a repeat of final season, the place he was an enormous contributor in steals and a below-average one in all places else. Except, with the Pirates really seemingly attempting to win video games this season, the taking part in time in opposition to lefties may be in danger. –Chris Towers

“While starting pitcher is only one position, it’s basically half the game, so your approach there requires greater care than everywhere else.

And yet … I couldn’t be less stressed about it this year.

That’s not my default setting. Longtime followers will remember my early-round insistence in 2020 and 2021 and fixation with The Glob in 2024. Yes, my approach at starting pitcher, while adapting to the latest trends, is usually crystal clear.

But this year, I’m having a hard time caring. It feels like yet another position where there are more than enough similar options to satisfy me. It’s deep at the top. It’s deep in the middle. It’s deep at the bottom. And when I say deep, I don’t just mean similar. The middle ranks, especially, are so packed with upside that the draft is likely to end before my enthusiasm does. Even as someone who prefers not to invest heavily at the position, I can’t tell you how many times in a Rotisserie draft I’ve found myself saying, “I want I nonetheless had a spot for that man” …” –Scott White

SP Tiers

The First-Rounders: Tarik Skubal, Garrett Crochet, Paul Skenes
The Elite: Chris Sale, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Logan Gilbert, Cristopher Sanchez, Bryan Woo, Max Fried, Hunter Brown, Cole Ragans, Hunter Greene, Jacob deGrom^, Logan Webb†, Framber Valdez†
The Near-Elite: Jesus Luzardo, Freddy Peralta, George Kirby, Kyle Bradish, Joe Ryan, Shohei Ohtani^, Tyler Glasnow^, Eury Perez, Dylan Cease, Nick Pivetta
The Next-Best Things: Brandon Woodruff, Trevor Rogers, Spencer Strider, Chase Burns, Blake Snell, Kevin Gausman, Nick Lodolo, Gavin Williams, Nolan McLean, Trey Yesavage, Cameron Schlittler
The Fallback Options: Nathan Eovaldi, Bubba Chandler, Jacob Misiorowski, Emmet Sheehan, Tatsuya Imai, Robbie Ray, Michael King, Ranger Suarez, Kris Bubic, Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Sandy Alcantara, Joe Musgrove, Cade Horton, Shota Imanaga, Zack Wheeler, Carlos Rodon, Drew Rasmussen^, Tanner Bibee, Ryan Pepiot
The Last Resorts: Edward Cabrera, Andrew Abbott, Matthew Boyd, Gerrit Cole, Shane Bieber, MacKenzie Gore, Grayson Rodriguez, Roki Sasaki, Shane McClanahan, Aaron Nola, Zac Gallen, Andrew Painter, Merrill Kelly, Ryne Nelson*, Quinn Priester, Shane Baz, Shane Smith, Noah Cameron, Jacob Lopez, Sean Manaea, Michael Burrows, Jack Leiter, Ryan Weathers
The Leftovers: Connelly Early, Parker Messick, Bryce Miller, Jack Flaherty, Kodai Senga, Zebby Matthews, Jared Jones, Reid Detmers*, Tyler Mahle, Bailey Ober, Reynaldo Lopez, Grant Holmes, Robby Snelling, Cody Ponce*, Braxton Ashcraft*, Joey Cantillo*, Logan Henderson, Jameson Taillon, Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, Seth Lugo, Casey Mize, Brady Singer, David Peterson, Michael Wacha, Jose Soriano, Mitch Keller, Chris Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Luis Morales, Taj Bradley, Luis Gil, Justin Steele, Zack Littell, Jonah Tong, Steven Matz*, Ian Seymour*, Tyler Wells, Justin Verlander, Max Meyer, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Sproat, Joe Boyle, Cade Cavalli, Clay Holmes, Zach Eflin, Cristian Javier, German Marquez

One sleeper, one breakout, and one bust

Sleeper: Kris Bubic, Royals

That Bubic is getting back from a rotator cuff pressure that ended his breakout season early is probably going what’s conserving his value down, and that is a reasonably large crimson flag … if he prices a lot in any respect to draft. However, together with his value sitting outdoors of the highest 200, a lot of the draw back danger right here is mitigated, and what we’re left with is a pitcher who confirmed authentic front-of-rotation upside final season. Bubic threw 116.1 innings with a 2.55 ERA, and whereas the peripherals do not fairly again it up, they do not recommend it was some fluke both – you’d nonetheless take his 3.16 anticipated ERA, would not you? 

Breakout: Chase Burns, Reds

It’s a 70-grade fastball and a 70-grade slider. The changeup is a piece in progress, the command might be a problem, and there are actual questions on his skill to remain wholesome given how exhausting he throws (and final yr’s IL stint with a Grade 1 flexor tendon pressure). It’s not exhausting to see how issues go mistaken, and Burns is not even assured a spot within the rotation as of now, although it appears extraordinarily unlikely he will not be ultimately! But it is a 70-grade fastball and a 70-grade slider. At the danger of oversimplifying, gamers with this type of stuff often work out. It’s a restricted arsenal (he is engaged on the changeup and has a curveball, however neither is prone to be rather more than show-me pitches), but it surely’s the sort of restricted arsenal that has made stars out of Hunter Greene and Spencer Strider. Turns out, when you possibly can throw like these dudes, nuance issues rather a lot much less.

Bust: Spencer Strider, Braves

I’m on the level the place I must see an actual purpose to get enthusiastic about Strider, and the final time I noticed that was roughly in September of 2023. His fastball went from an exemplary weapon to an outright legal responsibility in 2025 after his return from the Internal Brace process on his proper elbow, and nothing we have seen up to now this spring makes me suppose he is solved that problem. Yes, he isn’t specializing in velocity this spring, however I can not give him credit score for being the 2023 model of himself with out seeing indicators of it, and proper now, he is maxing out across the identical velocity he used to common. The slider remains to be a particular pitch, however proper now, it does not appear to be he has something to go along with it. Maybe I’ll find yourself mistaken. I hope so – I’m rooting in opposition to myself on this one! But Strider seems to be like somebody you possibly can roll the cube on across the Forty fifth-Fiftieth pitcher off the board, not a top-30 one. –Chris Towers