Top-200 Hitters 2026 Fantasy Rankings
Jeff opens up our 2026 positional rankings with his Top 200 Hitters. From there, we will go position-by-position with the first run of our rankings over the remainder of the week. These won't be fully finished at release by design, rather the starting point for living documents as we respond to transactions, injuries, and just further analysis over the winter that will impact the rankings.
Overview
As usual, my rankings have a heavy projection base and, for now, will closely mirror the auction calculator. I suspect more changes as I get feedback and dive into the player pool more (been finalizing The Process).
Two items. The rank is not specific to the tier order. For the tiers, I grouped batters by their skill type (e.g., power, speed, etc). Also, the placement of the catchers in the overall ranks will be league-specific, especially between one and two-catcher leagues. I need to dive into the current market on them. I'll write a full analysis in a future update or separate article.
Changelog
- 12/5/2024 – First Release
Ranking Methodology
- ADP is based on 30-day rolling NFBC Draft Champions Leagues.
- $ Values are based on a standard 5×5 12-team league using the FanGraphs Depth Charts and these Auction Calculator settings. They default to a player's most valuable position, so if the first base list includes a catcher, it will show that player's value at catcher.
- ADP and $ Values are updated as of the last update date on this post.
- 5-game eligibility was used for these lists to cast the widest net.
Five-Category Studs
These hitters provide value in every aspect of the game with speed, power, and batting average. There are no flaws in their game.
Four-Category Studs
Some of these hitters may be better real-life players than those in the above tier, but lack in one roto category, usually steals.
Balanced 2nd Division Bat (Pick Your Poison Tiers)
This tier and the next six tiers comprise the point in the draft where the talent starts to level off, and fantasy managers can focus on category specialists. Some of the unbalanced bats may provide some other category juice, but most of their value is wrapped up in a single category. This is another balanced tier, but in these instances, their trait is not being a drag in any category. They won’t allow a manager to catch up in any category.
Power and Average but zero Speed (Pick Your Poison Tiers)
The major contributions from these hitters are home runs and batting average, but no stolen bases.
Speed and Power but Average Sink (Pick Your Poison Tiers)
These hitters provide a combination of home runs and stolen bases, but are a major drag on batting average.
Speed and Average (Pick Your Poison Tiers)
These hitters provide a combination of speed and batting average.
Acceptable Catchers
The catcher position talent drops off after this tier. Expect to be streaming catchers if waiting after this point.
Platoon Bats
These guys are strong-side platoon bats who will max out around 400 to 500 plate appearances.
Time Shares
These hitters don’t have a set role just yet, but have the skills to be positive fantasy contributors.
Defensive Specialist
The only reason these guys are playing is because of their defense. They should only contribute in Runs and RBI … maybe.
Full Rankings Without Tiers
No tiers. Just the rankings.
