12 fantasy baseball sleepers to target in 2026 drafts
It's fantasy baseball SZN, and we've got you covered in 2026. We've given you some great, funny fantasy baseball team names and we've got some other preview stuff coming as Opening Day gets closer.
Now? It's time for sleepers. And as we did in previous years , we're giving you some names you need to target ahead of your 2026 fantasy drafts who could be underrated and undervalued. That's right, it's sleeper time! So, no, you won't see Shohei Ohtani or Bobby Witt Jr. here, but you will find some hidden gems.
Let's dive in with 12 sleepers to mark down on your cheat sheet:
OF Adolis Garcia , Philadelphia Phillies
Yes, he's not the same player he was in 2023, which is a concern. But even with a lower batting average, I can see the pop coming back thanks to playing at Citizens Bank Park. Plus, you get a smattering of steals.
SS JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals
A fairly simple equation: Big-name prospect plus opportunity equals fantasy baseball sleeper gold.
1B Sal Stewart , Cincinnati Reds
Clubbing five dingers in 18 games last year put him on the map for 2026. And playing in that park, in a lineup with plenty of pop, means he could be in store for a lot more.
SS Kevin McGonigle, Detroit Tigers
All the attention this spring has been on that OTHER shortstop prospect, Konnor Griffin. But it's McGonigle who could end up being a rookie sensation on a solid Tigers team.
SP Ryan Weathers , New York Yankees
Remember, he's shown flashes of talent on the mound with the Marlins (a sub-4.00 ERA the past two years). The questions have been about health. But the change in area codes might help him bounce back... as long as he stays healthy.
SP Max Meyer , Miami Marlins
Speaking of Marlins pitchers who need to stay healthy: He's looked every bit like a top pitcher when he's been on the mound. He's worth a late-round flier to find out if he actually is an ace.
OF Chase DeLauter , Cleveland Guardians
The question isn't talent or opportunity. Health is, but that's built in to where he's being projected in fantasy drafts. With how he's hitting this spring, he's absolutely worth rolling the dice on.
OF Mickey Moniak , Colorado Rockies
Let's see: Former No. 1 overall pick who is well traveled... but then he lands in Coors Field and hits .270 with 24 homers last year. Why are we underrating him even with platoon concerns? Feels like he could have more in the tank.
DH Ivan Herrera , St. Louis Cardinals
I'm highlighting a player who could end up with catcher eligibility at some point in 2026, and if that's the case, the mostly-DH could end up being top-five at his position.
3B Addison Barger , Toronto Blue Jays
He can hit the ball hard and he's surrounded by so much talent in that lineup. I like him to continue to show the pop he showed with 21 homers last year.
2B/3B Caleb Durbin , Boston Red Sox
He looked every bit like a dual-threat with the Brewers last year, and now he's going to play at Fenway. You'll get some batting average, steals and enough homers to be happy with at a low price.
OF Carson Benge, New York Mets
Everyone thinks he's like Brandon Nimmo , who the Mets traded this offseason. That means he could hit around 20 taters, drive in some runs, hit for decent average and steal a few bases. Despite the Mets' crowded outfield, there's serious opportunity here.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy baseball sleepers to target in 2026 drafts
