As fantasy baseball enthusiasts gear up for the 2026 season, ESPN analyst Eric Karabell has released his highly anticipated 'Do Draft' value list, spotlighting undervalued players poised to deliver strong returns in drafts. Leading the pack are San Francisco Giants right-hander Logan Webb and Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, whom Karabell praises for their reliability in an unpredictable landscape of injuries and inconsistencies. 'Webb isn't the best pitcher in baseball, but he remains, despite uncommon consistency and reliability, somehow underrated,' Karabell wrote in his ESPN article published this week.
Webb's case exemplifies the durability that fantasy managers crave. Last season, the 29-year-old led Major League Baseball in starts and innings pitched, a feat he has dominated since 2022. Over that span, he ranks third in wins with a 3.22 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, according to MLB statistics. Despite not topping charts in strikeouts, ERA, or WHIP, Webb's endurance stands out amid a league plagued by arm injuries. Karabell notes, 'In a world in which precious few hurlers escape unscathed from serious arm injuries, Webb is the unicorn.' He compares Webb favorably to high-profile pitchers like Blake Snell, Corbin Burnes, and Gerrit Cole, suggesting that managers who drafted those aces last year might regret not opting for Webb's 200-inning reliability instead.
Karabell emphasizes that while Webb may not warrant a first-round pick, he is a 'staff ace and a building block' worth targeting around the 10th starting pitcher off the board. Coming off his first 200-strikeout campaign, Webb's value lies in his perennially solid performance. The analyst, known for his roto/categories league focus, blends statistical analysis with intuition to curate this list, which contrasts with ESPN's more cautionary 'Do NOT Draft' counterpart. 'You should always use some combination of statistical proof and "your gut" to find the players you want on your teams,' Karabell advises.
Turning to position players, Karabell is selective with catchers, a position he generally avoids until late in drafts due to injury risks and reduced playing time. However, he makes exceptions for Dodgers veteran Will Smith, who offers 'five-category consistency' without costing a top-75 pick. The Los Angeles lineup's depth bolsters Smith's appeal. For deeper leagues, Atlanta Braves rookie Drake Baldwin impressed in his debut year and could see expanded opportunities with the DH spot open. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers, who slugged 21 home runs in 2024, is another walker worth watching, as Karabell cautions against assuming past slumps are permanent.
At first base, Freeman mirrors Webb's dependability. The 36-year-old, a consistent producer, 'may be falling too far in drafts,' according to Karabell. With a chance to claim his first batting title, Freeman's steady numbers make him a cornerstone. Chicago Cubs infielder Michael Busch could emerge as a leadoff threat, potentially scoring 100 runs despite facing more left-handed pitching. Tampa Bay Rays' Jonathan Aranda, who 'destroys right-handed pitching,' is undervalued with 25-homer upside. Houston Astros' Christian Walker, in his second year with the team, is projected to rebound to 35 home runs, as his current average draft position (ADP) disappoints.
Deeper picks include Texas Rangers' Jake Burger, eyed for 35 homers after a rocky adjustment, and Pittsburgh Pirates' Spencer Horwitz, a high on-base percentage option with 15-plus homer potential. Cleveland Guardians' Rhys Hoskins, now the primary DH, poses a 30-homer threat when healthy, with his ADP on the rise. In the infield, Baltimore Orioles' Jackson Holliday, sidelined early by a hand injury, offers 25/25 potential at a depressed ADP. Minnesota Twins' Luke Keaschall could steal 50 bases with a .350 OBP, making him a mid-round gem.
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott has averaged 29 steals over three seasons and posted a .294/.368/.487 line in the second half of 2025. Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement, a postseason standout, qualifies at three infield spots and dreams of 15-plus homers. New York Yankees' Jose Caballero, with 93 steals over two years, provides multi-position eligibility including outfield. Colorado Rockies' Willi Castro, signed this offseason, stole 33 bases two seasons ago and benefits from Coors Field. San Diego Padres' Jake Cronenworth boasts a .367 OBP, with past seasons of 17 homers and 83 RBI, potentially leading off in 2026.
Los Angeles Angels' Zach Neto nearly achieved 30/30 last year despite a late start from shoulder surgery, and at his price, overpaying might pay off. Giants' Willy Adames and Cubs' Dansby Swanson offer power, speed, and durability in the middle rounds. Pittsburgh's rookie Konnor Griffin may rise quickly in ADP, though shortstop depth allows alternatives like St. Louis Cardinals' JJ Wetherholt or Detroit Tigers' Kevin McGonigle, both low-ADP prospects with Opening Day potential. Yankees' Anthony Volpe, starting on the IL, averages 17 homers and 23 steals across three years.
For third basemen, Padres' Manny Machado and Giants' Matt Chapman are reliable anchors, with Chapman a mid-round bargain thanks to 27 homers in three of five seasons and strong walk rates. Astros' Isaac Paredes averages 26 homers per 162 games, too potent to bench. Phillies' Alec Bohm, despite past criticisms, drove in 97 runs twice from 2023-24 with safe averages and cleanup duties. Deeper options like Arizona Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar in center field promise long-awaited power and speed, while Cardinals' Nolan Gorman eyes 30 homers unblocked.
In the outfield, Astros' Yordan Alvarez is expected to hit 30 homers again after four straight seasons, despite dipping below last year. Boston Red Sox's Roman Anthony could shift to the No. 3 spot with 35-homer power. Oakland Athletics' Brent Rooker targets 40 homers, and Padres' Jackson Merrill should rebound from injury to contribute solidly. Toronto's George Springer might repeat his stellar 2025 if he plays 140 games. Colorado's Brenton Doyle and Jordan Beck harbor top-20 potential, while Detroit's Kerry Carpenter could reach 35 homers with his walk rate intact.
New York Yankees' Trent Grisham's 34 homers and 82 walks last season suggest repeatability, per Karabell. Deeper fliers include Los Angeles Angels' Josh Lowe (20 HR/32 SB in 2023), Texas' Evan Carter (fast and walk-prone at 23), and Cleveland's Chase DeLauter, if healthy. Philadelphia's Justin Crawford may play often but faces questions on average and steals. Prospects like Houston's Cam Smith, Cincinnati's Ryan Waldschmidt, and Tampa Bay's Jonny DeLuca round out deep-league considerations.
Shifting to pitching, Karabell advocates anchoring rotations with dependable arms like Phillies' Zack Wheeler, expected for over 25 starts despite shoulder concerns. Twins' Joe Ryan's strikeout rates and 1.06 career WHIP shine, even on a struggling team—only five pitchers match his WHIP since debut. Detroit's new addition Framber Valdez has fallen in ADP undeservedly, as has San Diego's Nick Pivetta. Atlanta's Spencer Strider, if healthy, could reclaim his 2023 form with a sub-3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 200 strikeouts.
Boston's Sonny Gray offers safe, repeatable stats overlooked by drafters. Texas' Nathan Eovaldi may not exceed 25 starts, but his quality mirrors pricier Jacob deGrom. Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen excels in non-quality-start formats, while Seattle's Luis Castillo remains a bargain. Baltimore's Trevor Rogers could deliver 'Luis Castillo numbers,' and Chicago Cubs' Matthew Boyd's 2026 performance is buyable, per Karabell. Philadelphia's Aaron Nola's pre-2026 form warrants faith.
Deeper starters include Arizona's Merrill Kelly (top-50 potential if healthy), San Diego's Joe Musgrove (back to form), and Chicago White Sox's Shane Smith (rookie repeat). Even half a season from Yankees' Gerrit Cole justifies a pick, and Twins' Zebby Matthews earns analytical hype. Cleveland's lefties Joey Cantillo and Parker Messick could each log 20-plus starts. Others like Houston's Mike Burrows, Toronto's Jose Berrios, and New York's Clay Holmes add depth.
For relievers, focusing on saves, Atlanta's Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati's Emilio Pagan, Chicago's Daniel Palencia, and Detroit's Kenley Jansen are comfortable early targets. Later, Milwaukee's Abner Uribe, Minnesota's Griffin Jax, and Oakland's Justin Sterner promise value. Houston's Bryan Abreu combines saves and holds effectively. Deeper options span Toronto's Louis Varland, Arizona's Paul Sewald, and St. Louis' Matt Svanson.
Karabell's list underscores a strategy of value over hype in 2026 drafts, blending proven performers with breakout candidates amid MLB's injury trends. As average draft positions evolve, fantasy managers can leverage these insights for competitive edges in leagues of varying depths. With the season approaching, debates over sleepers like Webb and Freeman are already heating up online forums and mock drafts, setting the stage for another exciting fantasy campaign.