Are you ready to crush your fantasy baseball league in 2026? Because the competition is fiercer than ever, and only the most prepared managers will rise to the top. Welcome to The Athletic’s 2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit—your all-in-one resource to dominate from draft day to championship Sunday. But here’s where it gets controversial: Do you trust the rankings, or do you trust your gut? We’ve got award-winning rankings, expert projections, and customizable cheat sheets to guide you, but the real question is—how will you use them?
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie stepping into the batter’s box for the first time, this toolkit is designed to give you the edge. From Jake Ciely’s top 600 hitter and pitcher rankings to Derek Van Riper’s breakdown of the best fantasy bats, we’ve got you covered. And this is the part most people miss: The relievers. Greg Jewett’s top-40 reliever rankings are a game-changer in the ever-shifting world of MLB bullpens. Ignore them at your peril.
But that’s not all. Keith Law’s prospect reports dive deep into the farm systems of all 30 MLB teams, spotlighting the next wave of stars. Did you know the Brewers, Mariners, and Dodgers are leading the pack? Or that players like Dax Kilby and Dylan Beavers are knocking on the door of the top 100? This is where dynasties are built—if you’re paying attention.
For the analytically inclined, Eno Sarris and Derek VanRiper’s Rates & Barrels podcast breaks down advanced stats, strategy, and prospects. Available on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, it’s your year-round companion for all things baseball. And don’t forget our positional previews—shortstop, first base, second base, third base, and catcher—each packed with insights to fine-tune your roster.
Insights from The Athletic’s MLB writers add another layer to your prep. From offseason moves to trade predictions, we’re keeping you ahead of the curve. Will the Mets and Braves finally dethrone the Dodgers? Which players are most likely to get traded this spring? These are the questions that separate the contenders from the pretenders.
This is a living document, updated throughout spring training with fresh analysis. If there’s something you need but don’t see, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help you win. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to roll up your sleeves, dive into the data, and play ball!
But here’s the real question: With all this information at your fingertips, will you outsmart your league—or will you overthink it? Let us know in the comments below. The 2026 season is yours to conquer.
