Fantasy baseball: The final mock draft before the 2026 season

"Default rosters include 16 starters: seven pitchers of any kind along with a C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, three outfielders and a utility player (can be any position, and is also the only slot to allow a DH-only player). There are also three bench spots."

"Hitters score one point for every base reached via hits (total bases), as well as each walk, run, RBI and stolen base, and lose one point when they strike out. Pitchers earn a point for every out they record (three per inning) and an extra point for a strikeout, as well as two points for a win or a hold."

"While you're probably going to have to draft Bobby Witt Jr. in Round 1 if you want him, the next tier of five shortstops are likely to all be snatched up between Rounds 3-4."

ESPN's fantasy baseball team conducted a final mock draft before Opening Day using standard head-to-head points league scoring. The draft featured 16 starters including seven pitchers, position players, and three bench spots. Hitters earn points for total bases, walks, runs, RBIs, and stolen bases while losing points for strikeouts. Pitchers gain points for outs, strikeouts, wins, holds, and saves while losing points for runs allowed, baserunners, and losses. The mock draft included ESPN fantasy writers, editors, and MLB personnel. Key findings indicate that elite shortstops will be drafted early, with Bobby Witt Jr. expected in Round 1 and the next tier of five shortstops likely taken in Rounds 3-4.

Read at ESPN.com