2026 Fantasy Baseball FYPD Mock Draft

Image credit: Tatsuya Imai (Photo by Houston Astros/Getty Images)

For many dynasty owners each offseason, the annual First-Year Player Draft is one of the most fun and exciting events of the fantasy calendar. So, after presenting our updated FYPD top 100 rankings, Baseball America’s staff is back to conduct a full-on FYPD mock draft heading into 2026.

Geoff Pontes and Dylan White are joined by an experienced collection of other BA writers for the exercise, which runs five non-snaking rounds deep for a total of 50 player picks.

Here’s the draft order:

Ben Badler
Mark Chiarelli
J.J. Cooper
Dylan White
Matt Eddy
Carlos Collazo
Geoff Pontes
Ian Cundall
Jacob Rudner
Matt Pajak

Read on below for the full mock with player analysis provided for each selection.

2026 FYPD Mock Draft Picks

1. Tatsuya Imai, RHP, Astros

Ben’s Analysis: Give me the immediate major league starter here with the first pick. There are other plays here with greater upside if you want to take that risk, but you’re getting immediate value and less risk here with Imai.

2. Kade Anderson, LHP, Mariners

Mark’s Analysis: Of the top college arms, Anderson has the best combination of landing spot with the Mariners’ pitching development program and likelihood to impact the 2026 season. He could settle into a productive midrotation-type role pretty quickly, which works for me at No. 2 overall.

3. Liam Doyle, LHP, Cardinals

J.J.’s Analysis: Doyle’s upside and his ability to miss bats stood out to me. There’s a bit of risk here, but Doyle could be a fast-moving starter whose fastball allows him to dominate at his best.

4. Kazuma Okamoto, 3B, Blue Jays

Dylan’s Analysis: We called him the best hitter for FYPD drafts, and I think a .250 batting average with 20-plus home runs (in 600 plate appearances) is the lower end of his outcomes. If I’m competing, other than Imai, he might be my first pick.

5. JoJo Parker, SS, Blue Jays

Matt Eddy’s Analysis: For years, scouting convention held that Alabama and Mississippi preps tended to be too raw for pro ball. No more! Not after the success of Gunnar Henderson and top prospects Konnor Griffin and Cooper Pratt. Now, Parker and Reds first-rounder Steele Hall are next in the queue. The lefthanded-hitting Parker, who is from Mississippi, has the potential to deliver above-average offensive production while holding down a spot on the left side of the infield.

6. Seth Hernandez, RHP, Pirates

Carlos’ Analysis: No player in this draft has more upside than Hernandez. If I had the first-overall pick, I would have taken him there, as well.

7. Munetaka Murakami, 1B/3B, White Sox

Geoff’s Analysis: While the hit tool risk is well established with Murakami, there’s also the safety of guaranteed MLB playing time for him in 2026. It’s 80 raw power, and Murakami’s struggles against velocity have been overstated. While there’s some batting average drain, he’ll get a boost in OBP and points formats due to his walks. Not many players have the potential for 25-30 home runs per season over the next two years in this draft.

8. Dax Kilby, SS, Yankees

Ian’s Analysis: Kilby is one of the biggest up-arrow prospects in the 2025 draft class after his impressive pro debut. He has a chance to contribute in all categories, and his combination of tools and performance stood out among the glut of shortstops remaining. With the top tier of arms and MLB-ready bats off the board, Kilby was an easy pick in this spot given his upside.

9. Xavier Neyens, SS, Astros

Jacob’s Analysis: Neyens stood out among his peers in the 2025 draft class thanks to the potential for double-plus power. He also has a good eye and the arm and defensive chops to project neatly on the left side of the infield. His upside excited me at pick No. 9.

10. Aiva Arquette, SS, Marlins

Matt Pajak’s Analysis: I’ve recently become impatient with early FYPD picks in an era when many prospects move fast. I was between Arquette, a higher floor, lower-ceiling-type, and Steele Hall, who has a much more exciting toolset, but should also have a much longer path to the show. Arquette is a big body, he’ll hit and he’ll get to power. There also isn’t an incumbent or competing prospect standing in his way en route to Miami. He’s a safe bet for offensive value with proximity in a position player-light class.

11. Eli Willits, SS, Nationals

Ben’s Analysis: I’m getting the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft here outside the top 10. I debated Venezuelan shortstop Luis Hernandez and Dominican shortstop Johenssy Colome here, and I do have some questions about how much power Willits will eventually deliver, but Willits has elite contact skills and his instincts will help the speed play up to translate into stolen bases.

12. Johenssy Colome, SS, Athletics

Mark’s Analysis: I do our A’s list, so I’m acutely aware of their struggles developing hitters on the international market. But I can’t remember an international bat who engendered as much excitement within their organization before he even turned pro. He’s trending in the right direction with an enviable hit-power combination for his age.

13. Steele Hall, SS, Reds

J.J.’s Analysis: Hall’s speed and athleticism stand out. He could steal bushels of bases if everything clicks. He likely won’t be a particularly fast mover, as the Reds promote their prospects a bit slower than others, but his developing power and elite speed are intriguing.

14. Luis Hernandez, SS, Giants

Dylan’s Analysis: A solid player all-around, Hernandez is poised to get the biggest international bonus this year. And the Giants know what they’re doing in the international market (this is a Josuar Gonzalez comment).

15. Josh Hammond, SS, Royals

Matt Eddy’s Analysis: Players with two-way backgrounds, including Paul Skenes, Cade Horton and Nolan McLean, are having a moment on the mound. Others, such as Austin Riley, Zach Neto and Masyn Winn, have made noise as MLB hitters. Hammond is a two-way North Carolina prep looking to join the latter group as a powerful righthanded hitter with prototype third base tools.

16. Jamie Arnold, LHP, Athletics

Carlos’ Analysis: The separation of any of the top college arms in this class is marginal at best. This feels like great value for an arm with the release traits and polish Arnold has.

17. Gavin Fien, SS, Rangers

Geoff’s Analysis: Landing Fien at pick No. 17 was a thrill, as I have Fien ranked a few spots higher, and he offers similar value to JoJo Parker potentially. It’s a bat-first prospect with a strong hit tool/power combination. That’s a profile I like to target in my FYPD.

18. Ethan Conrad, 1B/OF, Cubs

Ian’s Analysis: If Conrad finished 2025 healthy, he probably wouldn’t have been available here given his combination of tools. Like Kilby, he has the chance to contribute in every category, and his baseline bat-to-ball skills provide a safer floor. Conrad’s injury did give me pause, but ultimately, his upside was too much to pass up, even with Kyson Witherspoon still on the board.

19. Kyson Witherspoon, RHP, Red Sox

Jacob’s Analysis: I was surprised that Witherspoon was still available at pick 19 after an outstanding draft season at Oklahoma, which led to the No. 7 ranking in the 2025 class. He could eventually have three plus pitches, and he maintains his stuff deep into outings with at least average control. This pick was made with Witherspoon’s potential proximity to the majors in mind. He could move fast.

20. Ethan Frey, OF, Astros

Matt Pajak’s Analysis: Big tools, track record in the SEC and a strong pro debut—didn’t really think too hard on this one.

21. Angeibel Gomez, OF, Royals

Ben’s Analysis: There aren’t many holes in Gomez’s game—aside from the obvious of being a first-year international signing—and there’s big upside for a power/speed threat from a player who has a good offensive track record as an amateur.

22. Ethan Holliday, SS, Rockies

Mark’s Analysis: I’ll stop the slide. Look, no one’s happy about the pro debut, but at this point in the draft, I’m plenty willing to take Holliday and hope his combination of pedigree, track record and power potential—plus a refreshed Rockies player development pipeline—leads to brighter days in 2026.

23. Ike Irish, C/OF, Orioles

J.J.’s Analysis: I don’t know if Irish will ever catch a game in the majors, but the chance that he might makes his bat even more interesting. Even if he’s just an outfielder as a big leaguer, his offensive potential fits in this spot.

24. Jace LaViolette, OF, Guardians

Dylan’s Analysis: Coming into the 2025 season, LaViolette was many people’s favorite to be the first pick in the draft. Unfortunately, a down year had him drop down to the Guardians at 27th overall. I’m betting that the Guardians’ hitting development can unlock the fantasy-friendly upside of 60 power and 60 run.

25. Kane Kepley, OF, Cubs

Matt Eddy’s Analysis: Kepley will likely return more value than his draft position suggests. The Cubs drafted the UNC junior 56th overall and watched as he turned in one of the best pro debuts by any 2025 pick. Kepley hit for average, drew walks, stole bases and played a strong center field for Low-A Myrtle Beach.

26. Tyler Bremner, RHP, Angels

Carlos’ Analysis: I have no idea how Bremner fell this far. Oh well. It’s my gain. This is the FYPD draft I’ve had the least feel for since we’ve started the exercise. Player values seem to be all over the place.

27. Gage Wood, RHP, Phillies

Geoff’s Analysis: Wood is blessed with one of the best fastballs in the draft and shows the ability to spin a plus curveball and an average slider. An undersized bulldog, Wood has been forged in the SEC, and if he’s able to maintain health, he could be the type of high-strikeout arm who ascends in his first season following his draft.

28. Kruz Schoolcraft, LHP, Padres

Ian’s Analysis: I was between Schoolcraft and Fischer for this pick but decided to swing for the fences with Schoolcraft’s upside, as 6-foot-8 lefthanders who are up to 99 mph and have the potential for two above-average secondaries aren’t easy to find. Even though the track record of high school arms is mixed, at this point in the draft, I thought he represented good value.

29. Andrew Fischer, 1B/3B, Brewers

Jacob’s Analysis: Laviolette, Bremner and Wood were my targets with this pick. They came off the board painfully close. Fischer performed very well in the SEC and has an average hit tool with plus game power. His strong pro debut helped, too.

30. Aidan West, SS, Dodgers

Matt Pajak’s Analysis: Maybe a bit early for West here, but he was the only name on my list that I would’ve been bummed if he wasn’t there at 40. So, I’ll take the mystery box. The Dodgers did well in the 2024 draft with the likes of Chase Harlan and Brendan Tunink. West has tools, and if he hits in his debut next year, he’ll quickly ascend the ladder for this class.

31. Fabricio Blanco, SS, Rays

Ben’s Analysis: Make sure you get Blanco in your league. A true switch-hitting shortstop who runs well with a sweet swing and high-end bat speed for his age to drive the ball with impact, Blanco is one of the best international prospects in the 2026 class.

32. Kayson Cunningham, SS, Diamondbacks

Mark’s Analysis: He may not contribute a ton of homers, but I’m plenty content with Cunningham’s potential to hit for high averages, get on base and steal some bags. The D-backs know how to maximize hitters of his ilk.

33. Quentin Young, SS, Twins

J.J.’s Analysis: I’m willing to roll the dice here. Young has significant risk and bust potential, but he also could end up as a power-speed star.

34. Mitch Voit, 2B, Mets

Dylan’s Analysis: Under the hood, Voit had above-average swing decisions, contact and quality of contact metrics. More of a floor pick than a ceiling pick, but if the Statcast data is any indication, it’s a higher floor than we might think.

35. Billy Carlson, SS, White Sox

Matt Eddy’s Analysis: Carlson has a golden glove at shortstop but faces enough skepticism about his bat to introduce risk. This pick could go in several directions, but patience will be required to see how Carlson’s bat-to-ball skills and feel to hit look in three years, in what would have been his college junior season. Like Josh Hammond, he has two-way pedigree, which is something I value.

36. Marek Houston, SS, Twins

Carlos’ Analysis: At this stage in the draft, hitting on a big leaguer feels like a win, and Houston’s package of defensive excellence at shortstop and contact skills gives him as good a shot as anyone available. I’m the high guy on Houston in the BA office.

37. Francisco Renteria, OF, Phillies

Geoff’s Analysis: We have Renteria ranked fifth among the upcoming IFA signees on our FYPD list, but he will receive the second-largest bonus in the class. There’s 30-homer power upside that will come with some swing-and0miss. However, his plus run grades provide the type of power and speed upside that is hard to come by in fantasy.

38. Riley Quick, RHP, Twins

Ian’s Analysis: After a few riskier picks, I decided to play it safe here with a college arm. Quick didn’t throw many innings in college after having Tommy John surgery as a sophomore, but he brings an exciting combination of size, athleticism and stuff.

39. Tanner Franklin, RHP, Cardinals

Jacob’s Analysis: Felt good about grabbing someone I felt has the potential to at least be a fast-moving, quality reliever at this point in the draft. Franklin performed reasonably well in a six-inning pro debut, albeit with scattershot control.

40. Nicky Becker, SS, Mariners

Matt Pajak’s Analysis: A few factors made me feel pretty good about this one. Becker is long, lean and athletic and has a track record with the bat on the circuit. The Mariners have done well with preps who hit, and they also went overslot on this one. Feels like he has slipped through the cracks a little bit, and I’m happy to scoop him up at 40.

41. Brendan Summerhill, OF, Rays

Ben’s Analysis: I’m a believer in Summerhill’s bat. It’s high-end contact skills, and there’s more raw power in there that I think he will be able to unlock in games with an approach adjustment.

42. Ryan Mitchell, SS/OF, Cardinals

Mark’s Analysis: Mitchell’s well-rounded skill set gives him a chance to contribute in a lot of categories, which is great this late in the draft. It may take some time to come together, but Mitchell is our top breakout pick in one of baseball’s best farm systems. That’s good enough for me,

43. Daniel Pierce, SS, Rays

J.J.’s Analysis: Pierce’s defense was his biggest standout tool in high school, but his improvements at the plate in 2025 are equally notable. His quieter setup at the plate gives him a chance to be a productive slugger (for a shortstop) with a solid hit tool.

44. Gavin Kilen, 2B, Giants

Dylan’s Analysis: From a Statcast point of view, Kilen was better than NCAA average in swing decisions, hit tool and damage (measured by exit velocities and xwOBAcon). The same goes when measured against fastballs, breaking stuff or off-speed. San Francisco is not the greatest landing spot for a hitter, but I’m betting the step forward he took in 2025 will stick.

45. Slater de Brun, OF, Rays

Matt Eddy’s Analysis: De Brun is a line-drive-hitting, shorter-statured lefthanded batter who can steal bases and go get the ball in center field. Power potential is to be determined. The Orioles drafted him 37th overall out of high school—and signed him for $4 million—but then traded him to the Rays in the Shane Baz deal.

46. Wehiwa Aloy, SS, Orioles

Carlos’ Analysis: Aloy fell to pick 31 in the MLB Draft, but he was ranked as the No. 16 prospect in the class between Steele Hall and Xavier Neyens, both of whom went off the board in this draft in the top 15 picks. He’s a potential shortstop with pop, solid SEC production and a solid pro debut.

47. Sung-Mun Song, 2B/3B, Padres

Geoff’s Analysis: At each end of the draft, I run to the safety of a surefire MLB player in 2026. While it’s hard to gauge what type of upside Song possesses, he is capable of filling in at multiple positions while providing some power and hitting ability.

48. Marcus Phillips, RHP, Red Sox

Ian’s Analysis: Phillips is one of my favorite later-round FYPD targets given the Red Sox success developing pitchers with similar traits over the last few years. He has reliever risk due to questions with his command and control, but few pitchers available this late can match his raw stuff.

49. Landyn Vidourek, OF, Dodgers

Jacob’s Analysis: Vidourek punished the ball in his draft year at Cincinnati, producing a 93 mph average exit velocity and 110 mph 90th percentile EV with excellent batted-ball angles. He’s passive, which could obviously be a significant hindrance, but I figured I’d trust the Dodgers on this one and invest in the upside.

50. Landon Harmon, RHP, Nationals

Matt Pajak’s Analysis: I had to balance out my first pick (Arquette) with some pure, unfiltered nitro. Harmon has a long way to go, but he has some serious ingredients, notably big velo and elite spin traits. I considered Cam Leiter or AJ Russell here, as well. If I flop with my fifth pick, I’m not losing sleep, but if I shoot for the moon and hit, this is a front-of-the-rotation arm. In the Nationals’ pitching development I trust.

Team-By-Team FYPD Mock Results

Key to abbreviations. HS and 4YR are draft picks from high school or college. IFA is international free agent. NPB and KBO are foreign professionals from Japan or Korea.