As teams finalize rosters and roles, warning signs like declining velocity, dwindling opportunities, and lackluster production can have real implications for fantasy value. These 10 players have seen their stock trend downward this March, creating tough decisions for fantasy managers heading into 2026 drafts.
Spring Training helium gets most of the attention, but just as important are the players trending in the opposite direction. Whether it’s diminished velocity, lost playing time, poor performance, or lingering health concerns, March can expose cracks that carry real fantasy consequences. As Opening Day nears, these players have seen their stock fall and now come with more risk than reward in 2026 drafts.
Dylan Crews, OF, Washington Nationals
The second overall pick in the 2024 draft, Crews’ pro career has not gone according to plan. He reached the majors quickly, debuting in the same year he was drafted, but struggled to a .631 OPS in 85 games last season while also missing significant time due to injury. Things have only worsened this spring. After going just 3-for-29 with no extra-base hits, Crews was demoted to Triple-A to begin the year. Washington’s new front office could ultimately benefit his long-term development, but for 2026 fantasy purposes, his stock has taken a significant hit.
Carlos Estevez, RP, Kansas City Royals
It’s normal for relievers to gradually build velocity in the spring, but Estevez’s drop is difficult to ignore. His fastball has been down more than five mph, sitting around 90 mph as of March 20. The diminished stuff has shown in his results: no strikeouts, three walks, and three home runs allowed in just four innings. With Lucas Erceg and Matt Strahm both capable of closing, Estevez could be on a very short leash if these struggles continue into the regular season.
Sean Manaea, P, New York Mets
Manaea’s results this spring have been respectable—four runs allowed in 9.2 innings with a 9/2 K/BB—but there are still reasons for concern. His fastball velocity has dipped, and he’s slated to open the season in a bulk relief role rather than the rotation. That shift, combined with his decision to rehab rather than undergo surgery for elbow bone chips last year, raises questions about both his health and his fantasy ceiling in 2026.
Zebby Matthews, SP, Minnesota Twins
Matthews has dominated in the minors, but that success hasn’t translated to the majors. Even with improved velocity last season, he posted a 5.56 ERA in 16 starts and dealt with injuries. This spring didn’t help his case, as he was outpitched by Mick Abel and ultimately lost out on a roster spot. A 5.73 ERA with a 9/4 K/BB in 11 innings underscores the continued inconsistency, though he should still factor into Minnesota’s plans at some point.
Jake Meyers, OF, Houston Astros
Meyers is still the favorite to open as Houston’s starting center fielder, but the margin for error is shrinking. He’s hit just .133 this spring with a 1/12 BB/K ratio in 31 plate appearances, opening the door for Brice Matthews—who has impressed after transitioning to center field—to push for playing time. Meyers’ defense should keep him in the lineup early, but a slow start could quickly change that.
Christian Moore, 2B, Los Angeles Angels
Moore reached the majors quickly after being drafted eighth overall in 2024, but hasn’t yet established himself. The Angels hoped he would seize the starting second base job this spring, but he was outplayed by veteran Adam Frazier, hitting just .175 in 43 plate appearances. With limited minor league experience (93 games), Moore will likely benefit from more development time, but his path back to the majors is now less certain.
Bailey Ober, SP, Minnesota Twins
Ober’s 2025 season was derailed by physical issues that impacted his velocity, and the hope was that a healthy spring would reverse that trend. Instead, the velocity remains down, with Ober struggling to reach 90 mph and recording just three strikeouts in 8.2 innings. His strong control still offers a floor, but expectations for a rebound season should be tempered.
Victor Robles, OF, Seattle Mariners
Robles briefly revived his career after joining Seattle in 2024, but injuries and poor performance returned last season. That trend has continued this spring, as he’s hitting just .171 in 13 games. Meanwhile, Dominic Canzone has outperformed him and could force a platoon situation. Robles’ inability to stay healthy or produce consistently makes him a risky fantasy option once again.
Grayson Rodriguez, SP, Los Angeles
Once viewed as the top pitching prospect in baseball, Rodriguez’s trajectory has been derailed by injuries. He didn’t pitch in the majors last season due to multiple arm issues and struggled this spring before being shut down with a dead arm. While the upside remains if he can get healthy, it’s notable that Baltimore moved on from him this offseason, dealing him for Taylor Ward. For now, his fantasy outlook is clouded by uncertainty.
Jordan Walker, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Walker’s struggles are becoming a troubling pattern. After a promising rookie season in 2023, he has yet to regain that form, and could have a short leash to start the year. Despite offseason adjustments and renewed optimism, the results haven’t followed. At this point, Walker is more of a long-term reclamation project than a viable fantasy asset, and he can safely be left off most rosters until he shows meaningful improvement.
--Seth Trachtman
