8 Fantasy Baseball Players to Avoid in 2026 Drafts

The fantasy baseball draft season is always a time of excitement and strategy, but it also comes with its share of caution. Just as players are identified as targets or sleepers, there are those who are best avoided based on various factors, including their average draft position (ADP) and surrounding circumstances. Here, we highlight eight players that might not be worth the investment this season, despite their past performances or potential.

José Ramírez has proven to be a consistent performer as he enters his 30s, particularly excelling in stolen bases over the last couple of seasons. Despite his talent, one critical aspect raises concerns: the Guardians’ lineup. With Cleveland ranking 28th in runs per game last year, Ramírez stands alone as the only top-150 player in the batting order. Early picks need the support of a robust lineup, and Ramírez may not have that.

Then there’s Junior Caminero, whose home run production last season was evenly split between home and away games. However, his numbers reveal a stark contrast: he slashed .313/.358/.595 at Steinbrenner Field versus a disappointing .218/.266/.477 at home. With the Rays returning to their revamped dome in 2026, an environment generally unfavorable for offensive output, and an underwhelming lineup surrounding Caminero, regression seems inevitable despite his high ADP.

Cade Carroll was a sought-after first-round pick until a broken bone in his right hand sidelined him for a month. While there’s hope he could be ready for Opening Day, questions linger about his power and ability to steal bases post-injury. The uncertainty surrounding his recovery has kept his price elevated, but I prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to injuries.

On the other hand, Pete Crow-Armstrong had a stellar first half last season, boasting an .847 OPS with 25 homers and 27 steals. However, his second-half performance was a stark contrast, with a .216 batting average and only six home runs. Struggles against left-handed pitching also plagued him throughout the year. While his strong defense secures him a spot in the lineup, his poor plate discipline metrics raise concerns about his ability to maintain a high batting average moving forward.

Mookie Betts, a proven Hall of Famer, benefits from a deep Dodgers lineup that should enhance his run production. Yet, after a lackluster offensive season where he posted a 104 OPS+—just above league average—and his lowest stolen-base rate in 11 years, there are signs of decline as he approaches his age-33 season. I prefer to focus early picks on players entering their prime rather than those on the downside of their careers.

Yordan Álvarez possesses an exceptional batting eye, but persistent knee issues have hampered his availability over the past five years. The current Houston lineup appears to be the weakest it’s been in a decade, compounded by Jeremy Peña’s injury, making Álvarez a risky investment.

Chris Sale has managed to revive his career since joining Atlanta, but as he approaches his age-37 season, there are valid concerns. While starting pitchers are generally expected to work less, Sale’s history of durability is troubling, as he has qualified for the ERA title only once in the last seven years. For an early-round pitcher, I seek more assurance in workload.

Finally, Dylan Cease’s recent performance has been eerily consistent: a high strikeout rate paired with an ERA that significantly exceeds what ERA estimators suggest. While one season of bad luck can be explained away, three years of similar results may indicate a troubling trend in his profile. With rising walk and homer rates last year, and no longer having Petco Park to mitigate his mistakes, the outlook for Cease seems less favorable as he heads into the new season.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.