The 2026 season is already delivering a surprise wave of breakout performances that are reverberating through fantasy baseball drafts.
Mets prospect A.J. Ewing has burst onto the scene with a .294/.500/.588 slash line in his first few games, a combination that translates to a .882 OPS and a .294 batting average that is already drawing attention in keeper leagues.
Prospects making noise
Colt Emerson, the Mariners’ top‑10 prospect, has been installed as the team’s everyday third baseman, posting a .816 OPS at Triple‑A that blends speed and power in a way that could reshape the club’s lineup.
Another name on the rise is Cole Carrigg, who has already amassed 26 stolen bases in Triple‑A and is being flagged as a must‑add for any roster that needs a jolt of speed.
The broader strategic shift toward zero‑SP drafting is paying dividends, as mid‑and late‑round pitchers are outperforming expectations and providing reliable streaming options throughout the season.
Among the most compelling streaming arms are Max Meyer, who has shown double‑digit strikeout potential, Christian Scott, who has fanned 20 batters in just 15.2 innings, Noah Schultz, whose high strikeout ceiling makes him a sleeper, and Seth Lugo, a veteran who can reliably deliver both 10 strikeouts and a win.