2026 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Sleepers, breakouts, busts from model that predicted Cal Raleigh's huge season
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Lewis
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article highlights key insights from SportsLine's 2026 Fantasy Baseball rankings, focusing on sleepers, breakouts, and busts identified through advanced simulations of the MLB season. With Spring Training underway and Fantasy drafts beginning, the piece emphasizes the importance of finding value in mid-to-late rounds to build a championship roster. The model, which accurately predicted Cal Raleigh's breakout 2025 season, provides actionable insights for fantasy players looking to gain an edge.
SportsLine's Projection Model simulates the MLB season 10,000 times and identifies undervalued players who could provide significant value in Fantasy leagues. One such sleeper is Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe, projected as a top-six second baseman despite being picked around pick No. 132 in early drafts. The model also highlights Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman as a breakout player, expecting him to build on his strong 2025 performance and become one of the top catchers in Fantasy baseball.
On the flip side, the article warns against overvaluing certain players who may not meet expectations. Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts is identified as a potential bust due to declining performance and age-related factors. These rankings, updated regularly with MLB news, injuries, and trades, serve as a valuable resource for Fantasy players aiming to stay ahead of the competition.
The article underscores the importance of leveraging advanced analytics and projections when building a Fantasy roster. By focusing on sleepers like Brandon Lowe and Hunter Goodman, who are undervalued but projected for strong performances, Fantasy players can maximize their chances of success in 2026. Meanwhile, avoiding potential busts like Mookie Betts helps minimize risk and build a more sustainable team.
Overall, the article provides readers with actionable insights to enhance their Fantasy baseball strategies, offering a blend of data-driven analysis and practical advice for draft day preparation.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026