3 Outfielders to Fade in 2026 Fantasy Baseball

Discover which fantasy baseball players to fade and who to draft instead with similar profiles but with a lower average draft position (ADP).

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Every year, fantasy baseball managers must decide which players to draft and which to avoid. This article highlights three outfielders that may be overvalued and suggests alternative options with similar profiles but lower ADPs that managers could target instead.

Why it matters

Identifying players to fade and finding comparable alternatives with better value can give fantasy managers an edge in their drafts. Avoiding overpriced players and finding hidden gems late in the draft can be the difference between a winning and losing season.

The details

The three outfielders highlighted as potential fades are Kyle Stowers, Steven Kwan, and Chandler Simpson. Stowers has power but a questionable hit tool, and his high ADP of 126 may not justify the risk. Kwan is a solid 'glue' player, but there are similar options like TJ Friedl and Justin Crawford available much later. Simpson has tantalizing speed, but his injury history and defensive issues make him a risky pick at his ADP of 162. The article suggests drafting Owen Caissie, Friedl, and Victor Scott or Jacob Young as potential alternatives to these fades.

  • The article was published on March 5, 2026, ahead of the upcoming fantasy baseball season.

The players

Kyle Stowers

A power-hitting outfielder with a questionable hit tool, playing for a bad team. His high ADP of 126 may not justify the risk.

Steven Kwan

A solid 'glue' player who helps in the batting average category, but there are similar options available later in the draft.

Chandler Simpson

An outfielder with tantalizing speed, but his injury history and defensive issues make him a risky pick at his ADP of 162.

Owen Caissie

A power-first profile outfielder on the same team as Stowers, but going much later in the draft at pick 489.

TJ Friedl

An outfielder who is expected to lead off for the Reds, a team with one of the best home ballparks for hitters. He's going at pick 263.

Justin Crawford

A Phillies prospect with a ton of speed and a history of hitting .300 in the minors. He's going at pick 332.

Victor Scott

A top prospect who will get a full run in St. Louis as the Cardinals rebuild. He's going at pick 361.

Jacob Young

An outfielder with exceptional defense and a ton of speed, going very late at pick 691.

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The takeaway

Identifying potential fantasy baseball busts and finding comparable alternatives with better value can give managers an edge in their drafts. By avoiding overpriced players and targeting hidden gems late in the draft, fantasy managers can build a winning roster and gain an advantage over their league competitors.