Fantasy Baseball Today: Biggest Spring Training questions for every AL team ahead of Opening Day
CBS Sports
by
Chris Towers
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Fantasy baseball managers are gearing up for the AL teams' biggest spring training questions as Opening Day approaches. With just over a month until the season starts, teams are cautiously integrating their star players into lineups, limiting innings for key pitchers and position players. While this year's Spring Training lacks the high-stakes implications of regular-season games, it offers fantasy enthusiasts two major excitements: the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and complete Statcast data coverage.
The WBC promises to showcase top talent, with teams like the USA featuring Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal, Japan's formidable lineup, and Venezuela's deep roster despite recent losses. Meanwhile, this year's Spring Training benefits from full Statcast data, eliminating concerns about incomplete or park-affected metrics. This will provide fantasy players with reliable insights into player performance, particularly for pitchers like Spencer Strider and George Kirby.
For the Chicago White Sox, the primary concern revolves around Munetaka Murakami's ability to make consistent contact in MLB. Despite his 64% contact rate in Japan and likely decline in the majors, Murakami brings elite power with a max exit velocity of 116.5 mph in 2023. His swing decisions are sound, with a low chase rate leading to a potential high walk rate, which could offset strikeout issues.
Other AL teams face their own challenges. The New York Yankees must assess whether Aaron Judge's surgically repaired elbow will limit his power or durability. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros need clarity on how their star pitchers like Justin Verlander and Shohei Ohtani will navigate innings limits while maintaining effectiveness. The Los Angeles Angels are evaluating if Mike Trout can stay healthy enough to meet expectations after a career-altering injury.
The Texas Rangers must determine if their bullpen can hold up without reliable strikeout pitcher Ken Giles, who missed most of last season due to Tommy John surgery. Additionally, the Seattle Mariners' rebuild hinges on whether Julio Rodríguez can avoid injuries and maintain his All-Star potential.
For fantasy managers, these questions directly impact player value projections and draft strategies. The WBC adds an extra layer of excitement as players compete in high-stakes games, potentially influencing their performance expectations for the upcoming season. With full Statcast data, fantasy enthusiasts can make more informed decisions based on reliable metrics, ultimately enhancing their chances of success in their leagues.
This Spring Training offers a unique blend of anticipation and analysis for fantasy baseball fans. As teams address critical questions and players prove their mettle, the combination of WBC excitement and comprehensive data coverage makes this
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/20/2026