20 Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks You Can't Afford to Miss in 2026
Which players are Tristan H. Cockcroft higher on than most? Here's a list of 20 names to keep in mind when drafting your 2026 rosters.
20 Must-Have Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks for 2026
As fantasy baseball managers begin preparing for the 2026 season, ESPN analyst Tristan H. Cockcroft has identified 20 players he believes are being undervalued heading into draft season. These are the names Cockcroft is higher on than the general consensus, making them potential bargains that could give savvy managers a significant edge in their leagues. Whether you play in redraft, keeper, or dynasty formats, having a target list of undervalued players is one of the most effective strategies for building a championship-caliber roster.
Cockcroft's list spans a variety of positions and includes both established veterans poised for bounce-back seasons and emerging young talents ready to take the next step. The selections are based on a combination of statistical analysis, projected playing time, lineup placement, and overall opportunity. By identifying players whose average draft positions are lower than their projected production warrants, fantasy managers can load up on value in the middle and later rounds while still competing for elite talent early in their drafts.
Among the key themes in Cockcroft's recommendations are pitchers with improved health outlooks, hitters moving into more favorable batting order spots, and young players who showed flashes of brilliance in limited action during the 2025 season. These are the types of players who often outperform their draft cost, providing fantasy managers with production that far exceeds expectations. Cockcroft emphasizes that targeting these players does not mean reaching for them too early but rather being prepared to pull the trigger when they fall to the right value.
Fantasy managers heading into their 2026 drafts would be wise to keep Cockcroft's 20 names close at hand. Building a winning fantasy baseball team is often less about grabbing the biggest names at the top of the draft and more about finding the hidden gems who deliver outsized returns. By studying this list and understanding why each player is positioned to outperform, managers can enter their drafts with a clear plan and the confidence to make bold moves when the right opportunities present themselves.