As the Major League Baseball season approaches, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are turning their attention to draft strategies, with two standout players clearly leading the pack: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.
For those with the first overall pick, the choice is straightforward: select between the dynamic two-way talent of Ohtani or the prolific home-run hitter Judge. If you find yourself in the second spot, the decision is equally simple—pick whichever superstar remains.
Fred Zinkie, a fantasy contributor for Yahoo, emphasized that both players have distinguished themselves in the current preseason rankings, with the conversation around the top draft pick revolving primarily around these two athletes. Ohtani has gained some momentum recently, particularly after his grand slam in the opening match of the World Baseball Classic, where Japan triumphed over Chinese Taipei in a commanding 13-0 victory.
While Ohtani and Judge dominate the headlines, Zinkie highlights alternative options for those drafting third or later. For instance, Bobby Witt Jr. from the Kansas City Royals and Juan Soto, now with the New York Mets, are positioned as strong alternatives. On the pitching front, Zinkie identifies Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers as the likely top pitcher to target in drafts for 2026.
For drafters seeking a higher ceiling among pitchers, Boston Red Sox’s Garrett Crochet emerges as a noteworthy candidate. Rated as the third-best pitcher, Crochet’s potential is underscored by his impressive strikeout rate and the strong supporting cast of the Red Sox’s offense and bullpen compared to others in the league.
Additionally, if you are scouting for a high-upside hitter, Nick Kurtz from the Athletics could present a valuable pick. Even in his sophomore season, his remarkable hitting potential could translate to a significant number of home runs and RBIs, provided he performs consistently.
In dynasty leagues, the draft strategy shifts slightly, with Zinkie citing Witt and Soto as safer picks compared to Judge. However, the unpredictability of the season—such as injuries or suspensions—can dramatically impact player performances and draft outcomes. Fantasy players will need a bit of luck alongside their strategy as they gear up for the upcoming season, hoping for a fruitful draft experience.