2026 MLB Draft: Top Fantasy Prospects

The 2026 MLB Draft has wrapped up, and fantasy managers are already mapping out how these new talent pools will reshape their rosters. Some of the newcomers could help right away, while others may need years to develop—only a fortunate few will ever reach the majors. This guide breaks down the ten most intriguing signs from the weekend, highlighting the categories they could dominate and the risks each carries. Keep reading to find the players worth loading up on in your next fantasy draft.

Grady Emerson – Tampa Bay Rays Shortstop

Grady Emerson landed as the second overall pick and sits atop many fantasy big boards. The left‑handed hitter boasts a potential 70 on the 20‑80 scouting scale, thanks to plus bat speed and a smooth stroke that can turn into double‑plus production. Beyond his power credentials, Emerson offers a steal potential that few shortstops can match. While his profile includes more risk than some peers, the ceiling makes him a tempting first‑round choice for any contender.

Roch Cholowsky – Chicago White Sox Shortstop

Roch Cholowsky, also a shortstop, projects as a safer bet with elite tools. The right‑handed batter already shows an above‑average ability to hit for average and add pop, having dominated at the college level. Statheads note his .275‑plus average and 30‑home‑run ceilings, which could translate directly to fantasy value. Cholowsky’s defensive reliability and consistent production make him a solid second‑round stash if you prefer steady returns over volatility.

Jacob Lombard – Miami Marlins Shortstop

Jacob Lombard embraces the high‑risk, high‑reward archetype that many fantasy owners love. The prep bat struggles with contact but possesses easy power and a 65‑grade running speed that could fuel 50‑steal seasons alongside 30‑home‑run campaigns. His upside is enough to imagine him joining the ranks of the league’s best shortstops, provided his swing ironed out. Expect volatility in his stats, but also the chance for him to become a bona‑fide star.

Vahn Lackey – Minnesota Twins Catcher

Vahn Lackey’s stock climbed higher than any other college bat this year, earning a spot behind the plate for the Twins. The right‑handed catcher shows a plus hit tool and respectable power, traits rarely seen in a backstop. Lackey’s solid athleticism and occasional steal attempts add extra utility, while his defensive framework suggests he’ll stay in the Majors longer than most prospects. Even if his ceiling isn’t the highest, his floor is among the strongest on this list.

Drew Burress – Athletics Outfielder

Drew Burress slipped to the eighth overall pick but remains a standout outfielder for fantasy purposes. All of his tools sit above average, delivering projections near .280 batting average with around 25 home runs and a similar count of steals each season. Proximity to Oakland could spark an early call‑up, giving owners immediate impact. Burress is an underrated option who contributes across hitting, running, and scoring categories without the flashy risk of the elite prospects.

Jackson Flora – San Francisco Giants Right‑Handed Pitcher

Jackson Flora breaks into the pitching ranks as the first true fantasy arm on this list. The UCSB product flaunts a century‑mark fastball with solid command, complemented by a swing‑and‑miss slider and a developing changeup. His ability to locate strikes suggests he could lock down a rotation spot sooner rather than later. While he isn’t on the level of Paul Skenes, his arsenal and control make him a viable streamer in rotisserie leagues early in the season.

Eric Booth Jr – Baltimore Orioles Outfielder

Speed defines Eric Booth Jr, who could lead the league in steals if given the chance. The unorthodox swing still produces hard contact, and he demonstrates a solid feel for the strike zone that keeps him on base. Power concerns linger, though his Home Run Derby victory hints at hidden pop, making him a three‑category threat. Fantasy owners seeking a high‑octane runner with consistent on‑base work will find a compelling option in Booth.

Justin Lebron – Cincinnati Reds Shortstop

Justin Lebron brings elite speed and a right‑handed bat that packs more punch than most shortstops. He stole 42 bases in college with only one catch, and his power numbers rank among the best of the draft class. The flip side is a high strikeout rate that could limit his hit tool, leaving his fantasy value uncertain. If his swing improves, he could become a cornerstone; if not, he remains a high‑stakes gamble for deep‑league managers.

Trevor Condon – St. Louis Cardinals Outfielder

Trevor Condon impressed scouts with his baseball IQ and defensive acumen, earning a spot for the Cardinals. The 70‑grade runner combines speed with a plus hit tool and just enough power to be average in the home‑run column. His defensive range and ability to read balls off the bat make him a valued asset beyond the stats sheet. While he may sit a few spots lower on draft boards, Condon’s all‑around profile makes him a target for any roster looking to fill multiple categories.

Ryder Helfrick – Arizona Diamondbacks Catcher

Ryder Helfrick cracks the list largely because of his catching background rather than pure stats. The right‑handed backstop is projected to post 25‑plus home runs and produce at a high on‑base rate, a rare combination for a catcher. His strong arm and improving receiving skills suggest he’ll stay behind the plate for the long haul. Though a future superstar is uncertain, Helfrick’s potential to be a top‑dozen fantasy catcher over the next decade cannot be ignored.

These ten prospects span the spectrum from sure‑fire contributors to high‑risk, high‑reward gems, giving fantasy owners options for every draft strategy. The just‑missed names—Derek Curiel, Jared Grindlinger, Ace Reese, and Zion Rose—also merit a second look if you find yourself reaching in later rounds. As the season approaches, keep an eye on how quickly these players progress; the next few months could reveal which of these prospects become the backbone of your championship team.