2026 Fantasy Baseball Do Draft Values: Webb, Freeman Lead Picks

Eric Karabell’s 2026 Do Draft list gives fantasy baseball managers a roadmap if they care more about durability and steady playing time than chasing risky, high-variance stars. He leans hard into dependable innings, multi-position eligibility, and players who don’t cost a fortune in early rounds.

This post pulls together his recommendations. It’s all about building a value-driven, low-risk roster for roto formats.

Karabell’s philosophy is pretty simple: go after reliable arms who eat innings and stay on the field, batters who chip in everywhere (even if their ADP isn’t sexy), and prospects with real upside in strong lineups.

The aim? Consistent production, with an eye for guys who could easily outdo their draft price as the season rolls along.

Do Draft 2026: Value-First Targets for a Durable Fantasy Baseball Lineup

Karabell puts durability and playing time at the center of his approach. He’s always looking for sneaky power or speed upside where the market just isn’t paying attention.

Here are the main pillars and players that hold up his Do Draft strategy.

Durability and High-Inning Arms

Pitchers who actually go deep into games and pile up innings are rare these days. Karabell loves these arms because they can steady your rotation all season.

• Logan Webb — He’s been a rock, leading the league in starts and innings since 2022. Not the flashiest, but he’s a mid-round ace you can trust.
• Zack Wheeler — Delivers high volume and has a track record that makes him a reliable rotation anchor.
• Luis Castillo — Another guy who just keeps showing up and throwing innings. He can keep your staff afloat.
• Spencer Strider — If he’s healthy, he’s elite. That’s the only real question mark.

Catcher Strategy and Rookie Upside

Most catchers just aren’t worth reaching for, but Will Smith is different. There’s also some rookie intrigue with Drake Baldwin and Daniel Susac if you want to roll the dice.

• Will Smith — One of the few catchers who actually provides steady value everywhere.
• Drake Baldwin — Braves prospect with upside as he moves up the ranks.
• Daniel Susac — Has breakout potential if he gets the playing time and develops as hoped.

Undervalued Bats with Power or Speed Upside

There are always bats slipping down the draft board who can add sneaky power or speed. Karabell points out some names worth scooping up.

• Freddie Freeman — Reliable as ever, and if his ADP drops, he’s a steal.
• Christian Walker — Brings power and steady counting stats at first base.
• Jake Burger — Big pop, plays multiple spots, and you can usually get him cheap.
• Rhys Hoskins — Coming off injury, but the power potential is still there.
• Jackson Holliday — Top prospect with both speed and contact skills.
• Luke Keaschall — Versatile with a nice power/speed blend as he develops.

Speed and Multi-Position Eligibility

Being able to move pieces around your lineup and snag extra steals is underrated. These guys bring flexibility and speed to the table.

• Jose Caballero — Offers speed and can slot in all over the lineup.
• Bryson Stott — Multi-position eligible and a threat on the bases.
• Harry Ford — Catcher who runs and could see more playing time soon.
• Konnor Griffin — Middle infielder with real stolen-base upside.
• JJ Wetherholt — Prospect with tools and plenty of speed for fantasy.

Injured or Down, Rebound Candidates

Sometimes it pays to wait on guys coming off injuries or down years. If they bounce back, you get late-round power and run production for cheap.

• Manny Machado — Still has elite talent and could return to his top power form.
• Yordan Alvarez — If he’s healthy, he’s a true power anchor and a classic buy-low.
• Trent Grisham — Had a rough year, but better plate discipline and more at-bats could turn things around.
• Zach Neto — Versatile infielder with both power and speed if he stays on the field.

Young Breakout Candidates and Deep-League Targets

If you’re in a deep league or just want to take a shot, these young guys and prospects could pay off big if things break right.

• Jordan Lawlar — Young hitter on a good development path.
• Nolan Gorman — Shows power and can play multiple spots.
• Justin Crawford — Still developing but brings multi-position flexibility.
• Chase DeLauter — Toolsy prospect with upside, especially in hitter-friendly parks.
• Ryan Waldschmidt
• Joshua Baez — Has raw tools and could take off with the right coaching.

Saves and Holds: A Practical Closer-Strategy

Do Draft skips the most expensive closers. Instead, it looks for affordable saves and late-round holds to squeeze out more value.

• Raisel Iglesias — a steady late-round closer with real save chances.
• Emilio Pagán — works in save-adjacent spots and eats up multi-inning relief for holds.
• Daniel Palencia — a cheap bullpen pick with some upside if things break right.
• Kenley Jansen — old-school closer who still brings value in plenty of leagues, especially late in drafts.
• Bryan Abreu — worth a late-round shot for holds, and maybe a few saves as bullpen roles settle out.

Karabell’s Do Draft 2026 approach focuses on guys who actually play, stay healthy, and come at a discount. If you’re putting together a balanced roster, this strategy leans on steady contributors and sneaky upside, not risky stars who could disappear when you need them most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Fantasy baseball: Webb, Freeman headline 2026’s ‘Do Draft’ value list