2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Sleepers, breakouts, busts by model that predicted Cal Raleigh's huge season
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
2026 Fantasy baseball rankings are heating up as MLB Spring Training kicks off, with fantasy draft season beginning in earnest. SportsLine’s Projection Model has already simulated the entire MLB season 10,000 times, uncovering top sleepers, breakouts, and busts to help fantasy players build championship-level rosters. Last year, the model accurately predicted Cal Raleigh’s breakout season, making it a trusted resource for identifying undervalued gems and potential stars.
Among the top sleepers is Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe, who was recently traded and projected to hit near the top of the order. Despite being picked around 132nd overall in early drafts, SportsLine ranks him as the No. 6 second baseman, ahead of several higher-profile players like Nico Hoerner and Ozzie Albies. Lowe’s power surge in 2025, including 31 home runs and 83 RBI, positions him as a mid-round value pick with upside.
For breakouts, Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman stands out after his strong 2025 season. Hitting .278 with an impressive OPS of .843, Goodman led catchers in homers (31) and showed potential to become a top-tier fantasy asset due to Coors Field’s thin air. Despite his success, he remains undervalued, often picked late in drafts. SportsLine projects him as the No. 2 catcher, advising fantasy players to prioritize him over Will Smith and Shea Langeliers.
When it comes to busts, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is a key player to avoid. While Betts has been a star for years, his performance has been on the decline, and his advanced age (34) raises concerns about his durability and production moving forward. Fantasy players should be cautious of his high price tag in drafts.
These insights from SportsLine’s model are crucial for fantasy players looking to gain an edge in their drafts. By identifying und
Verticals
sports
Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026