2026 Fantasy Baseball: Top Draft Picks & Strategy Insights
Craig Mish
Host · Writer
Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From NewsWire Live
Fantasy Baseball Draft Trends and Top Picks
The current fantasy baseball draft mirrors last year's quite closely, particularly with several top players reclaiming their positions in the first round. Players like Shohei Otani, Aaron Judge, Bobby Witt, Juan Soto, and José Ramirez are among those highlighting the round, underlining their consistent performance from the previous year. Otani, celebrated for his dual role as a designated hitter and pitcher, remains a focal point in discussions about the number one pick.
Otani's unique position in fantasy baseball as both a pitcher and hitter makes him arguably the most valuable asset in the draft. If he continues to perform well in both roles, he justifies his top pick status because of the double value he brings to a fantasy team. His reduced risk of injury from not playing the field, combined with his pitching contributions, add to his allure.
Aaron Judge also remains a significant figure in fantasy baseball, thanks to another excellent season with the New York Yankees. His impressive stats include 53 home runs, 114 RBIs, and a batting average of .330, along with a handful of stolen bases. His performance makes him a strong candidate for the second overall pick.
Other noteworthy players discussed include Bobby Witt and Juan Soto. Witt, a premium shortstop known for his power and speed, continues to rise in value. Soto, despite a slow start with the Mets, finished strong, recording a career-high in home runs, RBIs, and unexpectedly high stolen bases. With the Mets enhancing their lineup to provide better on-base skills and protection for Soto, he could potentially offer more value than Judge in the next season.
The discussion also touched upon players like Cody Bellinger and Jazz Chisholm, noting Bellinger's success at Yankee Stadium and questioning Chisholm's reliability. The segment highlights the importance of stability and performance in assessing players' value for fantasy drafts, indicating that those who had a robust previous season are likely to be top picks again.
