Fantasy Baseball: 14 Players to Believe In - From Austin Riley to Trea Turner (2026)

In the ever-shifting landscape of fantasy baseball, where fortunes can change in the blink of an eye, it's crucial to discern the players who are merely experiencing a temporary slump from those who are on the cusp of a remarkable turnaround. This article delves into the stories of 14 players who, despite their current struggles, possess the ingredients for a resurgence that could make them fantasy champions. From the early-season noise to the potential for a midseason surge, these players offer a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable nature of baseball.

One of the most intriguing cases is that of Ketel Marte, who has gone from a struggling .209 batter with a .619 OPS to a .275 hitter with a .797 OPS in just 11 days. This rapid turnaround serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in baseball, and how the early-season noise can often mask the underlying talent. Marte's strong track record and data set make him a prime candidate for a midseason surge, and his story is a testament to the power of perseverance.

Another player who has caught my eye is Acuna, who is dealing with a hamstring injury that has limited his playing time. Despite this setback, Acuna's history of midseason surges and his strong data set make him a player to watch. His ability to hit for power and average, as evidenced by his .935 OPS last year, makes him a potential fantasy champion if he can get back on track.

Alonso, on the other hand, has been a consistent performer, and his .284/.337/.545 slash line in May is a strong indicator of his talent. His strong data set and track record make him a top-five first baseman, and his average exit velocity and plate discipline readings are a testament to his ability to perform at a high level.

Bichette, who is still recovering from a PCL sprain, has also shown signs of a turnaround. His five home runs and .275 xBA suggest that he is due for a hot streak, and his history of standout production makes him a player to watch.

Chisholm, who has seen significant improvement from a miserable April, is another player who has caught my eye. His pull-air rate and skill set remain intact, and I believe he is due for a hot streak. His ability to hit for power and average, as evidenced by his .713 OPS, makes him a potential fantasy champion.

Crow-Armstrong, who has been volatile throughout his career, is another player who could turn things around. His ability to run extremely hot and cold makes him a player to watch, and I believe better days are ahead for him on the hitting side.

Guerrero, who has been struggling with power, is another player who could turn things around. His suboptimal spray angle and history of power droughts make him a player to watch, but his ability to hit the ball with authority makes me believe he will deliver his usual 25-30 homers.

Henderson, who has been on a power surge this year, is another player who has caught my eye. His nearly doubled pull-air rate and increased willingness to chase pitches out of the zone make him a player to watch, and I believe he is capable of dialing back once frustration begins to set in.

Machado, who has been struggling, is another player who could turn things around. His robust track record and data set make him a prime candidate for a midseason surge, and I believe his struggles would have to persist through the All-star break for me to shift my expectations.

Naylor, who has answered the question of whether he can remain a prolific base-stealer, is another player who has caught my eye. His hitting stats are lagging, but his .282 xBA and .426 xSLG make him one of the biggest underachievers so far.

Riley, who has been on a decline trend, is another player who could turn things around. His history of midseason surges and strong data set make him a player to watch, and I believe better days are ahead for him.

Soderstrom, who has made obvious changes this season, is another player who could turn things around. His improved pull-air rate and career-best strikeout and walk rates make him a player to watch, and I believe his slow start is due to regression.

Tucker, who has had a bumpy finish with the Cubs, is another player who could turn things around. His underlying data set looks about the same as it always has, and I believe his upside in the Dodgers lineup remains enormously high.

Turner, who is turning 33 this year, is another player who has caught my eye. His sprint speed and average bat speed remain in line with career norms, and I believe better days are ahead for him.

Valdez, who has been volatile throughout his career, is another player who could turn things around. His historical trends and normal indicators make me believe you should trust in his ability to perform at a high level.

Fantasy Baseball: 14 Players to Believe In - From Austin Riley to Trea Turner (2026)
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