Fantasy baseball managers are closely monitoring the spring training performances of several players who may be ready to make a significant impact in 2026. Among them, Luke Keaschall, Sal Stewart, and a handful of other late-round prospects are showing signs of potential that could make them valuable additions to fantasy rosters.
Keaschall’s Power and Speed Potential
Luke Keaschall has been a standout performer this spring, showcasing his ability to contribute both power and speed at second base. His 464 plate appearances in 2024 marked a career high, and this spring he has been working on increasing his power by improving his pull, fly-ball, and hard-hit rates. If Keaschall can reach 600 plate appearances this season, he could potentially hit 15 home runs and steal 40 bases with a batting average of .270 or higher.
Keaschall’s performance this spring suggests he is healthy and ready to contribute. His ability to hit for power and speed makes him an attractive option for fantasy managers looking for a flexible second baseman. However, his success will depend on his ability to stay on the field and maintain his performance level throughout the season.
Stewart’s Speed and Power Combination
Sal Stewart is another player who has caught the attention of fantasy baseball managers this spring. Known for his speed, Stewart has stolen double-digit bases in each of the past three seasons in the minors. His sprint speed, which was in the 14th percentile last year, suggests he has the tools to be a significant contributor in the steals category.
Stewart’s potential lies in his ability to combine his speed with power, patience, and contact ability. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could become a real difference-maker in fantasy leagues. His spring training performance has only reinforced the belief that he could be a valuable asset for managers looking for a player with a high ceiling.
Varsho’s Late Power Surge
Another player who has shown promise this spring is Kyle Varsho. After a difficult 2024 season, Varsho has been scorching the ball with a 55.6% hard-hit rate. His swing change at the All-Star break last season led to a significant improvement in his performance, and this spring he has continued to show that he can hit for power.
Varsho’s ability to hit for power is a major plus, even though he is not known for his speed or batting average. His performance this spring suggests that he could be a valuable late-season power source for fantasy managers. However, his batting average may be a concern, and he is unlikely to be a major contributor in the steals category.
Stott’s Consistency and Swing Change
Andrew Stott has been another player who has caught the attention of fantasy baseball managers this spring. Last season, Stott had a 100 wRC+, which was a significant improvement from his first-half performance of 78 wRC+. His second-half surge was due to a swing change he made at the All-Star break, which has continued to benefit him this spring.
Stott’s ability to consistently steal bases makes him a valuable asset in daily fantasy leagues. His swing change has made him more productive across the board, and he is expected to platoon with Edmundo Sosa. This platoon situation could make him more valuable in daily leagues, where consistency is key.
McGonigle and Wetherholt’s Major League Aspirations
Two top shortstop prospects, Josh McGonigle and Nick Wetherholt, have shown they can handle major league pitching during spring training. Both players have demonstrated their ability to hit and field at the professional level, which could lead to them being to the majors on opening day.
McGonigle has shown more power, while Wetherholt has demonstrated more speed. If both players are given regular playing time, McGonigle may be the more valuable option, but Wetherholt seems more likely to be given every-day playing time. Both players are considered high-ceiling options for fantasy managers looking for late-round picks.
Stolen Base Attempts and Spring Training
Stolen base attempts have proven to be a significant factor in spring training, as they are influenced by both player and team decisions. While the top leaders in steals this spring may not have a role on their MLB teams, they could still be useful in fantasy leagues if they are given opportunities to play.
Braiden Ward and Jared Oliva are two players who have stolen bases in spring training, but they are unlikely to be given significant playing time in the majors. However, they could be useful as pinch-runners in certain situations. Fantasy managers may want to keep these names in mind for potential late-season contributions.
McCarthy and Shaw’s Speed Potential
Christian McCarthy has been a name that fantasy managers are watching closely this spring. He is expected to get close to full playing time in Colorado and could be a cheap source of average and steals. McCarthy has stolen over 20 bases in the past three seasons, and if he can maintain a .270 average, he could reach 30+ steals this season.
Andrew Shaw, on the other hand, does not have a starting job at the moment but has shown speed that could make him a valuable asset if an injury opens up playing time. His ability to steal bases and contribute in other categories makes him an attractive option for fantasy managers looking for a player with speed and versatility.
Harris and Stewart: Late-Round Picks with Potential
Justin Harris is currently going around pick No. 102, and he has been a low-value pick relative to the market. However, he is having a good spring and showing that he will still steal plenty of bases. His performance this spring has only reinforced the belief that he could be a valuable addition to fantasy rosters.
Sal Stewart’s performance this spring has only increased the excitement around him. His ability to combine speed with power, patience, and contact ability makes him a real difference-maker. If he can maintain this level of performance, he could become a significant contributor in fantasy leagues.
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