The Rotoworld Baseball staff has released its list of undervalued players poised to outperform their draft positions in 2026 fantasy leagues. Highlighted sleepers include Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds and Bubba Chandler of the Pittsburgh Pirates, among others with strong potential in various categories. The selections focus on breakout arms and post-hype hitters entering the new season.
Fantasy baseball draft preparations are underway, with the Rotoworld staff identifying key sleepers who could provide significant value by exceeding their average draft positions (ADP). Published on February 25, 2026, the article emphasizes players with proven skills in deeper leagues or those overlooked due to injuries or limited opportunities.
Sal Stewart, first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, impressed in a late 2025 call-up, hitting .309/.383/.524 with 20 homers and 17 steals in the minors, then adding five homers in 55 major-league at-bats with a .545 slugging percentage. Staff writer Matthew Pouliot notes Stewart's hard-hit rate and projects him as a top-10 fantasy first baseman, potentially eligible at second base.
Bubba Chandler, starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, showed promise in seven 2025 starts, striking out 31 in 31 1/3 innings with a 0.93 WHIP, despite a 4.02 ERA inflated by one poor outing. James Schiano highlights Chandler's 100 mph fastball and slider, predicting top-30 starter status at an ADP of 154.
Other notable picks include Cade Horton of the Chicago Cubs, a 2025 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up with a 2.67 second-half ERA; Kazuma Okamoto, the Toronto Blue Jays' power-hitting import from Japan projected for 25 homers; Francisco Alvarez of the New York Mets, a catcher with 30-homer upside post-injury; Jordan Lawlar of the Arizona Diamondbacks, eyeing a 20/25 season after minor-league success; Quinn Priester of the Milwaukee Brewers, who posted a 3.32 ERA over 157 1/3 innings; and Luís García Jr. of the Washington Nationals, offering multi-category contributions at an ADP after pick 225.
The staff stresses that sleepers vary by league depth but share the trait of untapped potential.
