Get ready for some thrilling Fantasy Baseball action in 2026! As MLB Spring Training enters its second week and the World Baseball Classic kicks off, it's time to dive into the world of Fantasy drafts. But here's where it gets controversial: finding those hidden gems and making the right picks can be the difference between a championship-level roster and a season of disappointment.
Let's talk about the top Fantasy Baseball sleepers, breakouts, and busts for the upcoming season. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the early rounds; the mid-to-late picks can truly make or break your team.
SportsLine's Projection Model: Unveiling the Secrets of Fantasy Baseball
Last season, SportsLine's Projection Model proved its mettle by accurately predicting several top Fantasy Baseball sleepers and breakouts, including the incredible performance of Cal Raleigh. The model's team had Raleigh pegged as a breakout star from the get-go, ranking him as one of the top catchers, even ahead of established names like Adley Rutschman and William Contreras. The result? Raleigh smashed 60 home runs, providing unprecedented value at a position known for its scarcity of offensive firepower.
The SportsLine model is powered by the same experts who provide projections for three major Fantasy sites. This group is now sharing their 2026 Fantasy Baseball rankings and cheat sheets on SportsLine, giving you an edge by identifying sleepers, breakouts, and busts before your competition even blinks. Their cheat sheets, compatible with various major league sites, are updated multiple times daily, ensuring you always have the latest insights.
Sleeper Alert: Brandon Lowe
One player the model is excited about is Brandon Lowe, the Pittsburgh Pirates' second baseman. Lowe, a longtime Rays infielder, was traded to Pittsburgh during the offseason and is projected to be a key piece for the Pirates, likely batting near the top of the order. Lowe experienced a power surge in 2025, with 31 home runs and 83 RBI, his best numbers since 2021. Despite this, the latest Fantasy Baseball ADP shows Lowe going relatively late, at pick No. 153. However, SportsLine's model ranks him as the No. 6 second baseman, ahead of highly-drafted players like Nico Hoerner, Marcus Semien, and Ozzie Albies.
Breakout Candidate: Hunter Goodman
Another player poised for a breakout season is Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. Goodman struggled at the plate in his brief Major League appearances in 2023 and 2024, batting below .200. However, as the primary catcher for the rebuilding Rockies in 2025, Goodman took a massive leap forward, hitting .278 with an impressive .843 OPS, 31 home runs, and 91 RBI. Only Cal Raleigh had more home runs among catchers. Yet, Fantasy players are still hesitant, waiting until around pick No. 100 to select the 26-year-old. SportsLine's model projects Goodman as the No. 2 catcher in 2026, suggesting Fantasy players take him ahead of top-100 picks like Will Smith and Shea Langeliers.
Bust Watch: Mookie Betts
Now, let's talk about a player to avoid: Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts. While the Dodgers continue to stockpile talent, Betts' numbers have been on a downward trend. Last year, he hit a career-low average of .258 and OPS of .732. He struggled mightily in the 2025 postseason, with an OPS of .648, continuing a season-long trend of underperformance at the plate compared to his career norms. Entering his age-33 season, the model believes Betts, currently going off the board at pick No. 40, is overvalued from a Fantasy perspective. Instead, the model projects players like Jeremy Pena, Corey Seager, and Willy Adames, who are drafted several rounds later, to provide more production.
Unveiling the Starting Pitcher Surprise
SportsLine's model has some surprising rankings for starting pitchers. It projects a player who is barely making it into the top 200 to outperform big names like Max Fried, Chris Sale, and Logan Webb. This pick could be the key to winning your league. To find out who this mystery pitcher is, you'll have to visit SportsLine.
So, are you ready to dominate your Fantasy Baseball drafts in 2026? Visit SportsLine now to access their 2026 Fantasy Baseball rankings for every position and uncover the secrets to a successful season. Remember, it's not just about the big names; it's about making the right moves and thinking outside the box.
