Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2026: Sleepers from prediction model that called Randy Arozarena's amazing year
CBS Sports
by
Ross Kelly
March 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Fantasy baseball enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2026 season as draft prep intensifies, with a focus on identifying undervalued sleepers who could deliver significant returns in mid-to-late rounds. The article highlights how players like Mookie Betts, Yordan Alvarez, Oneil Cruz, and Sandy Alcantara, who underperformed last year due to various factors, are now slipping under the radar in fantasy baseball rankings. This presents an opportunity for savvy drafters to scoop up these potential bounce-back candidates at favorable prices.
The piece draws attention to SportsLine's Projection Model, which accurately predicted Randy Arozarena's career-best 2023 season after his trade to the Mariners. Despite initial struggles following the move, Arozarena rebounded with a standout year, showcasing his ability to thrive in new surroundings. This model's track record underscores its reliability in pinpointing sleepers, breakouts, and busts, offering fantasy players a valuable edge during draft prep.
Among the 2026 fantasy baseball sleepers, Luis Robert Jr. stands out as a prime candidate. The Mets outfielder boasts elite speed and power potential, with his move from Chicago's homer-friendly park to New York's Citi Field expected to amplify his production. Despite being ranked outside the top 10 centerfielders in fantasy drafts, SportsLine projects him as one of the most productive outfielders, making him a hidden gem worth targeting.
Another key sleeper is Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, who defied expectations last season with a career year that included 14 wins and an All-Star nod. Despite his strong performance, Boyd remains undervalued in fantasy circles, offering a potential steal for teams looking to bolster their pitching rotations at a reasonable cost
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/2/2026