Fantasy baseball 2026 draft season is just about over, but many 12-team leagues left talented players like Moisés Ballesteros, Coby Mayo, Cole Young, Mick Abel, Logan O’Hoppe (especially in 2-catcher formats), and Matthew Liberatore undrafted.
After a strong spring, these overlooked fantasy baseball players' prospects show clear paths to playing time and can provide your fantasy baseball team’s roster with the kind of depth needed to win a championship. Consider adding these undervalued fantasy baseball sleepers during your fantasy baseball league’s first waiver wire runs.
Why These Players Were Left Undrafted
The fantasy baseball players discussed in this article had consensus ADPs between 266 and 640 and it’s not surprising that they were left off of many fantasy baseball drafts.
12-Team League Blind Spots
Only 336 players are drafted in a typical 12-team 28 round fantasy baseball draft and fantasy baseball managers in those league logically only focused on rostering proven MLB veterans and top 150 prospects. Fantasy baseball managers who were in leagues that completed their drafts early (mid-March…) might have missed out on some of this spring’s rising stars who had upside but hadn’t yet secured a guaranteed Opening Day roster spot.
The Overlooked Players You Must Add Now
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Moisés Ballesteros and Coby Mayo: Power Bats Ready to Break Out
Ballesteros will likely open the season as UT eligible only in most leagues but has a chance to eventually earn catcher or first base eligibility. Ballesteros has a high contact, low strikeout hit tool that helped him compile a .289 BA and .829 OPS in five minor league seasons. In 57 big league at bats last season, Ballesteros continued to show above average plate discipline, posting a 13.6% walk rate and 18.2% strikeout rate. He batted .298 and posted an .868 OPS in limited playing time. Ballesteros has developing power, and if he gets enough at bats, could slug 20 HR in 2026.
Mayo is a post hype sleeper who has a path to regular playing time at third base due to Jordan Westburg’s elbow injury. He has struggled in parts of two big league seasons, batting just .201 and striking out 31.2% of the time during that time. However, Mayo has only struck out five times in his first 37 spring at bats and has compiled a robust .378 BA and 1.026 OPS. Mayo is still only 24 years old and with a career .277/.374/.531 career triple slash, he has a good minor league pedigree.
Cole Young and Logan O’Hoppe: Young and Restless for Opening Day
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Young should see the majority of playing time at second base for the Mariners in 2026 as the strong side of an expected platoon. Young slumped in his first 77 MLB games in 2025. However, he’s had a solid spring and has displayed good power and speed and the type of plate discipline that helped him compile a .388 OBP in four minor league seasons. Young has hit six HR and stolen three bases in his first 57 spring at bats and could potentially contribute 15 HR and 15 stolen bases to your fantasy baseball team.
O’Hoppe is coming off an injury plagued 2025 season that he’d rather forget but even though the fantasy baseball catcher position is the deepest it’s been in years, he provides value in two catcher leagues. He’ll probably be a bit of a BA drain with a ceiling in the .240 range, but he should be a good source of HR power. There are only 12 catchers that ATC Projections predicts will hit at least 19 HR this season. O’Hoppe has hit at least 19 in each of the past two seasons and ATC expects that he’ll hit another 19 in 2026.
Matthew Liberatore and Mick Abel: Sleeper Fantasy Baseball Starting Pitchers
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Liberatore is coming off a strong spring in which he struck out 19 batters and walked just two in 15 IP, and he will be the Cardinals’ Opening Day starter. His spring strikeout rate may be a bit of an outlier but with his walk rate decreasing in each of the last three seasons he has developed into a good control pitcher. Ride him as long as he’s hot and cut him when he’s not.
Abel beat out Zebby Matthews for the final spot in the Twins’ rotation on the strength of his dominant spring that saw him strike out 27 batters and walk just four in 22 IP. The former first rounder has had a rocky start to his big-league career and is bit of a risk but also has upside.
Fantasy Strategies for Managers to Find Overlooked Players to Roster Now
The time right after draft season has concluded is perfect for checking your league’s waiver wire for fantasy baseball players who were overlooked in early preseason drafts. If the players featured in this article fit your fantasy baseball team’s needs, pick them up off the wire but be mindful of who you drop. You don’t want to address one need and leave your fantasy baseball team vulnerable at another position.
The players mentioned in this article come with upside, but they also come with risk. If you eventually roster any of them, be sure to closely monitor their production once the season starts and be ready to quickly cut bait if they begin to slump.
People Want To Know About The Best Undrafted Fantasy Baseball Players for 2026
Who are the most overlooked players in fantasy baseball 2026 drafts?
Moisés Ballesteros, Coby Mayo, Cole Young, Mick Abel, Logan O’Hoppe, and Matthew Liberatore top the list.
Should I roster Moisés Ballesteros in fantasy baseball 2026?
Yes, he is forcing his way into the Cubs lineup with strong spring power.
Is Coby Mayo a fantasy baseball sleeper in 2026?
Yes, he is the top power bat in Baltimore and ready for everyday at-bats.
Why was Logan O’Hoppe left undrafted in many leagues?
He is a must-add in 2-catcher leagues with proven power and on-base skills.
What is Mick Abel’s fantasy outlook for 2026?
He is dominating as a top Phillies pitching prospect with strikeout upside.
When should I add overlooked players in fantasy baseball 2026?
Immediately via waivers or trades before they rise in value.
