MLB Spring Training and the World Baseball Classic are ongoing, marking less than two weeks until the 2026 Fantasy baseball drafts.
Identifying likely breakout talents for 2026 should be paramount as you prepare for your drafts. Notable rookies and rising stars are capable of enhancing your team, potentially providing valuable advantages in your league.
The St. Louis Cardinals have traded Brendan Donovan, creating an opportunity for J.J. Wetherholt, who has an ADP of 215 and is expected to be a sought-after rookie this drafting season.
What kind of performance can be anticipated from Wetherholt? What other notable breakout players should you pay attention to prior to finalizing your 2026 Fantasy baseball draft strategy? Make sure to view the 2026 Fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets on SportsLine.
The previous year saw SportsLine’s Projection Model highlight critical Fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts, and busts, including the Athletics’ Jacob Wilson.
The runner-up for AL Rookie of the Year made a significant impact with a slashing line of .311/.355/.444, hitting 13 home runs and 63 RBIs. He was also selected for the All-Star team in his inaugural season, following the model’s prediction that he would secure a top-25 finish.
SportsLine’s forecasting model has been engineered by the same experts who devised projections for all major Fantasy platforms. They share their 2026 Fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets on SportsLine to help you spot sleepers, breakouts, and busts ahead of your competition. Their cheat sheets are routinely updated multiple times each day based on the latest MLB news, including trades, acquisitions, and injuries.
Top 2026 Fantasy Baseball Breakouts
One standout breakout anticipated to make waves in 2026 is Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo, a top-10 prospect expected to enhance his value in the designated hitter role. Basallo has been known for his power, recording 73 home runs in 1,460 minor league at-bats, illustrating significant potential as a rookie.
Also on the model’s radar is Reds first baseman Sal Stewart, who comes highly recommended following successful stints in double-A and triple-A baseball last season, marking 25 home runs across all levels. His ADP stands at 201.
A surprising recommendation from the model includes a third baseman projected to rebound positively, outperforming players selected over a hundred spots earlier, making this pick pivotal for draft success. For further details, consult our rankings, which may offer the edge needed to win your league.
