As we look ahead to the 2026 baseball season, fantasy enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, even though it might seem a bit premature. The upcoming Spring Training starts in three months, and the official season begins in five months. Plus, free agency is still unfolding, which leaves many unknowns for 2026.

However, the eager fantasy players are already diving into preparations. At the National Fantasy Baseball Championships, 2026 drafts are underway, with real stakes in play. Recently, I attended the First Pitch Arizona event, where I participated in a panel on hitters and recorded a live episode of Fantasy Baseball Today.

Despite being the minority among committed fantasy baseball managers, the preliminary drafting activity holds weight as it sets expectations for player values moving forward.

This article reviews the most intriguing selections from our very first mock draft for 2026, shedding light on picks that stand out both positively and negatively, influencing how their value might fluctuate moving ahead.

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The 15 Most Interesting Picks from Our First Mock Draft

1.10 - Tarik Skubal, SP, Tigers

Skubal emerges as a first-round pitcher, currently holding a remarkable ADP of 8.3 in the early drafts. His performance holds strong, cementing him as a top choice.

2.2 - Paul Skenes, SP, Pirates

Following closely behind, Skenes also solidifies his status as a top-pitching prospect, likely leading to multiple early selections.

[…additional picks and analysis…]