Top Fantasy Baseball Rookie Pitchers to Draft in 2026

Our experts highlight five late-round rookie pitchers who could be league winners this season.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Our fantasy baseball experts have identified five rookie pitchers who could be valuable late-round picks in 2026 drafts. The list includes Logan Henderson of the Brewers, Andrew Painter of the Phillies, and two young Marlins prospects - Thomas White and Esteban Espino. While these rookies carry risk, they also have high upside and could emerge as difference-makers for fantasy teams this season.

Why it matters

Rookie pitchers are notoriously difficult to forecast, but finding the right late-round gems can provide a major boost to fantasy teams. These five pitchers all have the potential to break out and become league-winning picks, making them worth targeting in the later rounds of 2026 fantasy baseball drafts.

The details

Logan Henderson made a strong impression in his MLB debut with the Brewers last season, posting a 1.78 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 25 innings. With an opening in the rotation, Henderson could seize a starting job this year. Andrew Painter, a top Phillies prospect, missed 2023-24 due to injuries but returned in 2025 and is poised to make his long-awaited MLB debut in 2026. In Miami, Thomas White and Esteban Espino are two young Marlins hurlers who could earn rotation spots this spring after the team traded away some veteran starters.

  • Logan Henderson made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2025.
  • Andrew Painter missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injuries.
  • Thomas White progressed from High-A to Triple-A in the Marlins' system in 2025.

The players

Logan Henderson

A Brewers pitching prospect who made a strong MLB debut in 2025, posting a 1.78 ERA and 0.99 WHIP in 25 innings.

Andrew Painter

A top Phillies pitching prospect who missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injuries but returned in 2025 and is poised to make his MLB debut in 2026.

Thomas White

A young Marlins pitching prospect who dominated the minors in 2025, striking out 145 batters in 89 innings across three levels.

Esteban Espino

Another Marlins pitching prospect who could earn a rotation spot in 2026 after the team traded away some veteran starters.

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What’s next

These rookie pitchers will look to impress in Spring Training and earn rotation spots on their respective teams to start the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Finding the right late-round rookie pitchers can provide a major boost to fantasy teams, and these five hurlers all have the potential to break out and become league-winning picks in 2026 drafts.