As March begins to set in, a hint of optimism surrounds baseball fans across the United States, with the first pitchers and catchers slated to report to Spring Training in about four weeks. Although winter’s chill persists, particularly with temperatures recently dipping into the 50s in cities like New York, the buzz in the baseball community is palpable. The Fantasy Baseball Today team is ramping up its 2026 Draft Prep coverage, marking the official start of what fans hope will be an exciting season ahead.
This week kicks off the release of comprehensive player rankings from analysts Scott White, Frank Stampfl, and contributors on CBSSports.com, alongside the launch of a brand-new “On The Beat” series featuring insights from beat writers across all 30 MLB teams. As the team prepares for an in-depth analysis, they are also set to unveil their initial picks for sleepers, breakouts, and busts throughout March and into April.
Fans can expect the first round of sleeper picks to be released this week, providing potential value opportunities for eager fantasy managers looking to bolster their rosters. Notably, players with lower Average Draft Positions (ADPs) outside of the top 200 will be spotlighted, offering an array of affordable yet potentially impactful options.
Among the players garnering attention is the promising catcher, Alvarez, who impressed during his time back from a Triple-A demotion, racking up 12 homers in 26 games and sustaining a strong second-half batting average despite battling injuries. Alvarez’s past performances suggest that he may be on the verge of breaking out as a top talent in his position.
In the infield, the article notes an intriguing deep sleeper: Harry Ford from the Nationals, whose growth may have slowed due to competition at the position but still has the potential to make an impact. Similarly, Manzardo of the Guardians is highlighted for his power potential despite past struggles against lefties, while McLain’s mixed past seasons leave room for a bounce-back that could benefit fantasy players.
Other emerging talents worth monitoring include Griffin, a highly-touted prospect for the Pirates, who demonstrated tremendous potential as a teenager and is expected to earn a chance in Spring Training. Meanwhile, Jordan Lawlar and Chase DeLauter offer hopeful trajectories laden with talent.
As the countdown to Spring Training continues, fantasy enthusiasts can look forward to analyzing the provided sleeper picks, breakouts, and combining insights from team insiders, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating the upcoming season.
With each new article, the excitement around baseball grows, promising thrills and surprises as teams prepare to embark on another unpredictable season. The time is ripe for hopeful predictions, and as preparation kicks into high gear, there’s plenty to be optimistic about in the world of fantasy baseball.