15 Players Trending Up (2026 Fantasy Baseball)

A comprehensive list of American League MLB players trending up for every team. Find out who to avoid in 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:21am

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In this installment of my fantasy baseball player breakdown series, we spotlight a range of fantasy assets worth targeting or fading across all positions and price points in the American League. From a Yankees corner bat whose expected stats put him in elite company, to a Red Sox teenager already playing like a franchise cornerstone, to a reliever one surgery away from locking down a full-time closing role, there is no shortage of studs in this group.

Why it matters

Whether you are drafting in a standard 5x5 league, an on-base percentage (OBP) format or a points league, the names below deserve a spot on your radar and draft boards.

The details

Ben Rice evolved into a near-elite hitter in 2025, but he could be even better in 2026. The sophomore campaign for the Yankees' backup backstop entering the season was a revelation. He was a negative player as a rookie, slashing .171/.264/.349 through 50 games. However, he was due for regression entering 2025, as his .269 wOBA trailed his .340 expected wOBA. Rice proceeded to slash .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs and 133 wRC+ in 138 games last season. Furthermore, the regression he experienced in 2025 was followed by even more potential future regression. Rice posted a .358 wOBA with a .394 xwOBA. Rice ranked in the top 10 in expected metrics alongside perennial All-Star batters like Ronald Acuna Jr., Ketel Marte, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Pete Alonso. The discrepancy between his actual stats and expected stats was the eighth-most among qualified hitters. Rice may not fully catch up to his expected stats in any given season due to his pull-heavy approach and lack of speed, but he does hit the ball very hard, and he has improved his plate discipline significantly. The jump for Rice was very real, making him a worthwhile fantasy asset in 2026, despite the inflated cost.

  • In 2025, Rice slashed .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs and 133 wRC+ in 138 games.
  • Rice posted a .358 wOBA with a .394 xwOBA in 2025.

The players

Ben Rice

The Yankees' backup backstop entering the season, who evolved into a near-elite hitter in 2025.

Roman Anthony

The former top-five prospect for the Boston Red Sox, who posted a .376 wOBA, 140 wRC+ and 2.7 fWAR as a 21-year-old rookie in 303 plate appearances.

Addison Barger

The breakout player for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, who hit 21 home runs in 135 games.

Ryan Pepiot

The Tampa Bay Rays' starting pitcher, who had a 3.86 ERA in 2025 and should benefit from pitching at Tropicana Field.

Kyle Bradish

The Orioles' starting pitcher, who maintained elite metrics after returning from elbow surgery in the second half of 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.