The early weeks of the 2026 campaign have already produced a handful of storylines that go beyond the usual preseason hype. While veteran injuries have opened doors, several younger players are forcing managers and fantasy owners to reconsider their depth charts.
The tools that set them apart
Henry Bolte, a 22‑year‑old outfielder for the Athletics, arrived in spring training with a .348/.400/.632 line that caught the eye of both coaches and statisticians. His blend of speed and contact has translated into a 61‑for‑65 success rate on the bases since last season, making him one of the most efficient thieves in the minors. Though his Triple‑A groundball rate sits at 58 percent, the same speed that fuels his stolen‑base numbers also helps him exploit the short right‑field porch at Sutter Health Park, a venue that traditionally rewards right‑handed hitters.
A.J. Ewing, a 21‑year‑old outfielder with the Mets, has built his reputation on plate discipline and a high stolen‑base success rate. He is 17‑for‑18 in stolen‑base attempts this year and 70‑for‑81 over the previous season, underscoring a rare combination of patience and aggression. Exit‑velocity metrics suggest solid contact, but early projections temper expectations of immediate power surges, positioning him as a high‑floor contributor in categories that value on‑base percentage and speed.
Ben Brown, a pitcher for the Cubs, has taken a notable step forward by integrating a new sinker into his repertoire. His first start of the season featured four hitless innings against the Rangers, a performance that highlighted the pitch’s ability to generate ground contact and keep hitters off balance. While his changeup remains a peripheral offering, the sinker’s emergence appears to be sharpening his four‑seamer and improving overall effectiveness, even as velocity may dip over longer outings.
Beyond the headline names, relievers such as Pierce Johnson of the Reds and starter Caleb Kilian of the Giants are also carving out niches that could translate into valuable fantasy assets. Johnson’s late‑inning presence has already been linked to favorable matchups, while Kilian’s recent struggles have not yet erased the optimism surrounding his long‑term upside.