Every spring brings a wave of helium, but not all breakouts are created equal. Whether it’s improved command, renewed velocity, or a clear path to playing time, these 10 players have made tangible gains that fantasy managers should take seriously.
Spring Training stats don’t always tell the full story, but they can shine a light on meaningful changes—velocity jumps, improved command, new roles, or clearer paths to playing time. Every March, a handful of players force their way onto the fantasy radar, either resurrecting their value or accelerating their breakout timeline. In 2026, that group is especially deep, with several former top prospects and post-hype arms showing tangible skill growth that could carry into the regular season. Here’s a look at some of the biggest risers whose fantasy stock is trending up heading into Opening Day.
Mick Abel, SP, Minnesota Twins
A former top prospect in Philadelphia, Abel has generated as much buzz as any pitcher this spring. The raw stuff was never in question, but his control has long held him back. That may finally be changing. Through 18 innings, Abel owns a dominant 23/3 K/BB ratio with a 2.00 ERA, showing the kind of command gains that can unlock his frontline upside. He’s already secured a rotation spot over Zebby Matthews and has the look of an early-season waiver wire difference-maker in the mold of Garrett Crochet’s 2024 breakout.
Taj Bradley, SP, Minnesota Twins
While Abel has grabbed headlines, Bradley’s resurgence shouldn’t be overlooked. After losing bat-missing ability in Tampa Bay last season, he’s rediscovered it this spring with 19 strikeouts in 14 innings. Just as importantly, his velocity has ticked back up, suggesting the dip in 2025 may have been more physical than skill-based. If that’s the case, Bradley could quickly re-emerge as a high-upside fantasy starter.
Nathan Church, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Church has flown under the radar, but opportunity is knocking. A speed-focused prospect with multiple 20-steal seasons in the minors, he’s likely played his way onto the roster by hitting .294 with three steals and an .870 OPS this spring. With Victor Scott II and Jordan Walker struggling, Church could carve out regular at-bats. The ceiling isn’t massive, but his speed and batting average profile make him an intriguing deep-league target.
Didier Fuentes, P, Atlanta Braves
Atlanta’s spring has been riddled with injuries, but Fuentes has emerged as a bright spot. The 20-year-old showcased elite command in the minors, and now the stuff is catching up. He’s fired nine hitless innings with 17 strikeouts and zero walks this spring, an eye-popping combination of dominance and control. While he’s expected to open in the bullpen, Fuentes has the arsenal and performance to force his way into the rotation by May.
Shota Imanaga, SP, Chicago Cubs
After an injury-marred second MLB season, Imanaga looks rejuvenated. His velocity has fully rebounded, and while he’s allowed five home runs in 13 innings, the underlying performance is far more encouraging. A 13/1 K/BB ratio highlights improved sharpness and command, pointing toward a potential bounce-back campaign if he can keep the ball in the yard.
Jordan Lawlar, 3B, Arizona Diamondbacks
Injuries pushed Lawlar down draft boards, but his spring performance is a reminder of his immense upside. Now seeing time in the outfield, he’s hitting .318 with four home runs and a 1.048 OPS, suggesting the positional shift may be unlocking his bat. With a clearer path to playing time and his power-speed combo, Lawlar has legitimate 30/30 upside if everything clicks.
Matthew Liberatore, SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Liberatore’s development has been gradual, but the pieces are starting to come together. After posting a respectable 4.21 ERA last season, he’s taken another step forward this spring with a 19/2 K/BB ratio in 15 innings. Improved command and sharper secondary pitches have him lined up as the Cardinals’ Opening Day starter, and he’s increasingly looking like a viable mid-rotation fantasy option with upside rather than just the answer to the trivia question about the Cardinals’ return for Randy Arozarena.
Coby Mayo, 1B, Baltimore Orioles
Post-hype sleepers often deliver, and Mayo fits the mold. With Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday sidelined, he’s locked into a starting role and making the most of it, hitting .412 with two home runs and just three strikeouts in 37 plate appearances. His strong finish last season combined with elite minor league power suggests a potential 30-homer breakout is within reach.
Jake McCarthy, OF, Colorado Rockies
Now in Colorado, McCarthy could be a sneaky value play. He’s hitting .354 with six stolen bases this spring and has seen time in the leadoff spot, a key detail for fantasy managers. Regular at-bats atop the lineup at Coors Field would significantly boost his value, especially given his speed and ability to get hot in stretches.
Paul Sewald, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Sewald entered the spring as an afterthought, but his stock is climbing quickly. After an injury-shortened 2025, his velocity has returned, and he’s now in the mix for saves. With prior closing experience in Arizona, he could open the year in the role, even if the injured A.J. Puk looms as a midseason threat. For now, Sewald is firmly back on the fantasy radar.
--Seth Trachtman
