2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Sleepers, breakouts, busts from computer that predicted Raleigh's big season
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
SportsLine’sProjection Model has a proven track record of identifying Fantasy baseball sleepers, breakouts, and busts. Last season, the model accurately predicted Cal Raleigh’s breakout year, where he hit 60 home runs and provided exceptional value as a catcher. With MLB Spring Training underway and the Fantasy draft season approaching, SportsLine is releasing its 2026 rankings to help fantasy players build strong rosters by finding hidden gems and avoiding potential busts.
One of the top sleepers identified is Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe. Despite being picked around No. 153 in Fantasy ADP, SportsLine projects him as the No. 6 second baseman in 2026. Lowe’s 31 home runs and 83 RBI in 2025 marked his best performance since 2021, and he is expected to be a key player for the Pirates in 2026.
For breakouts, SportsLine highlights Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. After struggling early in his career, Goodman had a strong 2025 season with a .278 average, .843 OPS, and 31 home runs, trailing only Raleigh among catchers. Despite his success, Goodman is still being picked around No. 100, but SportsLine ranks him as the No. 2 catcher, advising fantasy players to prioritize him over other top-100 picks like Will Smith.
On the flip side, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is labeled a potential bust. While Betts has been a high-profile player, his performance and injury history raise concerns about his Fantasy value in 2026.
SportsLine’s model provides valuable insights for fantasy players looking to gain an edge in their drafts. By leveraging these projections, which are updated regularly with the latest MLB news, fantasy fans can make informed decisions long before their draft day arrives. With
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026