Preseason Prep - March 15, 2026

Salvador Perez (C-KC) hit just .236 with 30 HR, 100 RBI, and 54 R across 641 PA in 2025, but his wRC+ came in at a subpar 96. Surprisingly, that was somehow just the second time the vet hit 30 or more HR in a season as he regularly sits in the 20s. Although Father Time will eventually come for Perez, his low average in 2025 seems to be more a product of poor luck than anything else as his BABIP was just .251 (.286 career) and he fanned at a 19.5% clip that was his lowest since 2017. His overall (75%) and in-zone (85.5%) contact rates were his highest since 2020 while his Statcast profile was as healthy as ever with a 46.5% hard-hit rate, 14.5% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 90 mph. Perez - who signed a two-year deal to bypass free agency and remain with the Royals during this past offseason - is projected to hit about .260 with 30ish homers in 2026 and is therefore a top 5ish backstop option in fantasy.

Tyler Soderstrom (1B/OF-ATH) broke out in his age-23 campaign, compiling a .276 average, 25 HR, 93 RBI, and 75 R across 624 PA while adding 8 SB. In doing so, Soderstrom recorded a palatable 22.5% strikeout rate while drawing some walks (9%). Compared to his smaller samples of work in the majors in 2023 and 2024, he slashed his swinging-strike rate to 11% (16% and 13.5% in 2023 and 2024, respectively) while raising his overall contact rate to 78% (68% and 71.5%) and in-zone contact rate to 88.5% (83% and 84%). Meanwhile, Soderstrom made a lot of loud contact, with Statcast showing a 50% hard-hit rate, 11.5% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 91.5 mph. An average launch angle of 7.9 did, however, limit his power output as he generated groundballs at a 48.5% clip. His .276 average rode on a .327 BABIP that was probably a bit on the high side, so an average more in the .260 range is more likely in 2026. But especially given his plus-plus raw power, there is significant fantasy potential here. We have him projected for .268 and 28 HR in 2026.

Brandon Lowe (2B-PIT) joins the Pirates for the 2026 campaign. In 2025, he registered more than 500 PA for just the second time after making his MLB debut back in 2018. In doing so, he put together a quality stat line at the shallow keystone position, compiling a .256 average, 31 HR, 83 RBI, and 79 R across 553 PA. It's worth noting that Lowe has recorded a wRC+ north of 100 in every season while in the majors, but staying healthy has been the problem. In his age-30 campaign, Lowe registered his usual subpar overall (69%) and in-zone (80.5%) contact rates while his 17% swinging-strike rate was par for the course. But also as usual, his Statcast profile was strong as it included a 46.5% hard-hit rate, average exit velocity of 91 mph, and a 13% swinging-strike rate, with an average launch angle of 15.2 generating plenty of liners (23%) and flyballs (38.5%). If he can again log 550+ PA in 2026, he should have his third 30-homer campaign, but that's a big if. We have Lowe projected for .246 and 26 HR.

Dansby Swanson (SS-CHC) was solid if unspectacular in his age-31 campaign, recording a .244 average, 24 HR, 77 RBI, 84 R, and 20 SB across 645 PA, with a 99 wRC+. While his 26% strikeout rate was right about his career norm, Swanson's 14.5% swinging-strike rate was a career high while his 71.5% overall contact rate was one of the lowest of his career and his 81% in-zone contact rate was par for the course. Encouragingly, his Statcast profile was among the strongest of his career as he posted a career-high 47.5% hard-hit rate, 11.5% swinging-strike rate, and career-best 90.5 mph average exit velo. The 20 SB were a career high, so fantasy owners should not expect him to surpass that as he pushes into his 30s. In 2026, we have him projected for .254-25-20. That makes him a top-15 SS at that deep position.

Addison Barger (3B/OF-TOR) has enjoyed a productive spring, hitting .269 with 2 HR, 10 RBI, and 4 R over 31 PA while fanning at a 22.5% clip and drawing walks at a 16% rate in that small sample size. He will reportedly see most of his playing time in RF during the 2026 campaign. As a 25 year-old, Barger put together a productive 2025 season in the majors, posting a .243 average to go with 21 HR, 74 RBI, and 61 R while chipping in 4 SB across 502 PA; a 107 wRC+ indicates that he was a little more productive than the average MLB hitter. He trimmed his strikeout rate from 26.5% in 2024 to 24% last season while raising his overall (76.5%) and in-zone (85.5%) contact rates a little (up from 76% and 84.5%, respectively). Quality of contact was where Barger really shined, as he registered a robust 51% hard-hit rate, 11.5% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 91 mph, although his average launch angle of 11.8 generated 42.5% grounders, 39.5% flyballs, and 18% liners. We project a .246 average and 26 HR in 2026 as he does possess plus power.

Kyle Stowers (OF-MIA) was enjoying a breakout season in 2025 before an oblique injury cut it short. After missing some time during spring training because of a hamstring strain, he returned to action on Saturday. Last season, the then-27 year-old posted a .288 average to go with 25 HR, 73 RBI, and 61 RBI while chipping in 5 SB across 457 PA. To be sure, the average benefited from a .356 BABIP and some regression should be expected in that department. After all, Stowers fanned at a 27.5% clip with a 16% swinging-strike rate and his overall (70%) and in-zone (78.5%) contact rates were not good. But he shined in making quality contact as Statcast shows an excellent 52% hard-hit rate, 19% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 91 mph while an average launch angle of 14 generated a 22.5% liner rate and 39% flyball rate. 30+ dingers is a very real possibility if he can put together his first full MLB campaign in 2026, but an average north of .260 is questionable. At Fantistics, we have him projected for .259 and 26 HR in 2026.

George Springer (OF-TOR) put together one of his strongest seasons in his age-35 campaign a year ago, batting a career-best .309 with 32 HR, 84 RBI, 106 R, and 18 SB across 586 PA; his 166 wRC+ was a career best. Springer did not fan often (19%) while drawing some walks (12%) and recording overall (76.5%) and in-zone (83.5%) contact rates north of his career averages of 75% and 82%, respectively. A career-best Statcast profile that featured a 46.5% hard-hit rate, 16% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 90 mph fueled his highly productive campaign, with an average launch angle of 17.3 up significantly from 2024 (9.4) and well north of his 11.8 career average; that generated a 41% flyball rate and 21.5% liner rate. It's tough to project another big season for Springer in 2026 since he's now 36 and his .340 BABIP was one of the highest of his career (.298 average). We have him projected for a .260-26-12 season in 2026.

Lawrence Butler (OF-ATH) has yet to appear in a spring training game but has seen extensive work in batting practice, simulated games, and other activities after he underwent offseason surgery to repair a right patellar tendon, which had troubled him throughout the season; he also had issues with his left knee. He's expected to be ready for Opening Day and should come at a discount in fantasy drafts. Butler underwhelmed in 2025 as he registered a .234 average, 21 HR, 63 RBI, 83 R, and 22 SB across 630 PA in his age-24 campaign. In 2025, his strikeout rate climbed to 28.5% (24% in 2024) as his swinging-strike rate climbed from 12% to 14% while both his overall (69.5% in 2025, 75% in 2024) and in-zone (down to 81% from 83%) contact rates dipped. Butler's quality of contact also suffered a bit as his hard-hit rate dipped from 47.5% to 44.5%, his barrel rate slumped from 11% to 9%, and his average exit velocity slipped from 91 mph to 90.5; a decline in his average launch angle from 11.3 to 9.2, meanwhile, meant fewer flyballs (down to 33% from 37.5%). A bit of a rebound seems possible with the knee issue behind him. We have Butler projected for a .236-23-22 line in 2026.

Dylan Cease (SP-TOR) has reportedly been working to add a change-up to his repertoire while altering the shape of his fastball. While the righty's 4.55 ERA and 3.8 BB/9 were not optimal last season, he did record an 11.5 K/9 while his 3.56 xFIP indicates that a .320 BABIP (.295 career) and 69% strand rate (71% career) inflated his ERA. Underneath the hood, there are some encouraging numbers, such as a career-best 15.5% swinging-strike rate as well as 68% overall and 78.5% in-zone contact rates that rank among the lowest of his career. Meanwhile, his Statcast metrics in 2025 reflected his career norms, with a 37.5% hard-hit rate, 8.5% barrel rate, and average exit velo of 89 mph. Although his subpar control is a concern, we at Fantistics have him projected for a 3.60 ERA and 10.8 K/9, which makes him a top-20ish SP.

Matthew Boyd (SP-CHC) has been named the Cubs Opening Day starter against the Nationals on March 26th. The lefty was a pleasant surprise in 2025 as he threw 179.2 IP - his most since 2019 - in which he recorded a 3.21 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 2.1 BB/9 in 31 starts. In his age-34 campaign, Boyd registered his highest average fastball velocity (93.5 mph) and career-low walk rate. The gap between his ERA and 4.22 xFIP does, however, point to a bit of good luck in a .273 BABIP (.292 career), 76% stand rate (71.5% career), and 8.5% HR/FB. Meanwhile, Boyd's 10.5% swinging-strike rate wasn't exactly impressive while the opposition's 79% overall and 85% in-zone contact rates were among the highest of his career. He also yielded Statcast metrics above his career norms, including 38% hard-hit rate (34.5% career), 9% barrel rate (8%), and average exit velocity of 88.5 mph (88). Draft the southpaw as a back-end SP and you should be satisfied as we have him projected for a 3.83 ERA with a K/9 about 8.

Jack Flaherty (SP-DET) disappointed after returning to the Tigers for the 2025 campaign, registering a 4.64 ERA, 10.5 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 3.69 xFIP across 161 IP. As the gap between his ERA and xFIP suggests, a 70.5% strand rate (76% career) and .305 BABIP (.286 career) probably inflated his ERA a bit. But the righty's control was much worse in 2025 after he logged a 2.1 BB/9 in 2024 while the opposition's overall (75%) and in-zone (85.5%) contact rates climbed from 2024 (71% and 83.5%, respectively). Meanwhile, opposing hitters made a lot more loud contact against Flaherty in 2025 than they did the year before, posting a 44% hard-hit rate (35% in 2024), 10.5% barrel rate (7.5%), and average exit velo of 89.5 mph (88.5). One might be tempted to project his 2026 as falling somewhere between his great 2024 and underwhelming 2025, but his track record in the majors shows a lot of variation between good and not so good, with little in between. Draft him expecting mid-rotation production and hope for more. We have him projected for a 3.93 ERA with a K/9 of 10 or so.

Cade Horton (SP-CHC) has endured a rough spring, posting a 9.53 ERA, 6.4 K/9, 4.8 BB/9, and 6.70 xFIP over 5.2 IP while serving up a trio of homers in that small sample size as he shakes off the rust. The righty compiled a 2.67 ERA and 2.5 BB/9 in his first 118 IP in the majors last year, but he also post a subpar 7.4 K/9 and a 4.27 xFIP that pointed to a lucky .258 BABIP, 78% strand rate, and 7.3% HR/FB suppressing his ERA. Horton's swinging-strike rate wasn't bad at 11%, but the opposition's overall (77.5%) and in-zone (88%) contact rates were in the average range while they made some loud contact, with Statcast showing a 41.5% hard-hit rate, 10% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 89.5 mph. His minor-league track record suggests that more strikeouts should be coming, but that cannot be expected. We have him projected for a 3.81 ERA with a K/9 of roughly 8.2 in 2026, which will make him a mid-rotation SP.

Bryan Woo (SP-SEA) was excellent in his age-25 season in 2026, posting a 2.94 ERA, 9.6 K/9, 1.7 BB/9, and 3.33 xFIP over a career-high 186.2 IP. In addition to showing plus-plus control, Woo recorded a quality 12.5% swinging strike rate while the opposition registered modest 76.5% overall and 82.5% in-zone contact rates against him. There was more loud contact against him than in the past, however, as opposing hitters recorded a 42% hard-hit rate, 9% barrel rate, and average exit velocity of 89 mph against him. Encouragingly, he did some of his best work down the stretch, as he logged a 3.25 ERA, 11.1 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, and 2.76 xFIP in 72 IP after the All-Star break. Especially if he is able to pick up where he left off last season, Woo is a likely candidate to be a top-15 SP in fantasy in 2026, especially if he can generate a few more strikeouts. We have him projected for a 3.44 ERA and 9.3 K/9.

Hunter Brown (SP-HOU) looks to pick up where he left off last season as he's registered a 1.04 ERA, 14.5 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, and 2.23 xFIP over 8.2 IP in spring training. He enjoyed quite a breakout in his age-26 campaign as he logged a 2.43 ERA, 19 K/9, and 2.8 BB/9 across 185.1 IP in 2025. The righty's 3.19 xFIP does indicate that a .262 BABIP and 82% strand rate were suppressing his ERA while his 11.5% swinging-strike rate isn't exactly otherworldly and his control is pretty average. But Brown limited contact overall (74.5%) and in the zone (83%) while allowing little loud contact, with Statcast showing a 32% hard-hit rate, 6% barrel rate, and average exit velo of just 86 mph. Don't expect a sub-3 ERA and a K/9 north of 10 seems unlikely given his limited ability to miss bats, but there's solid #2-3 fantasy SP value here. We at Fantistics have him projected for a 3.28 ERA and a K/9 of about 9.5 in 2026.

Logan Webb (SP-SF) put together a quality age-28 campaign in 2025, recording a 3.22 ERA, .7 K/9, 2 BB/9, and 2.78 xFIP across 207 IP. It was the fourth straight season in which he made at least 32 starts while the K/9 was a career high. The righty's 53% groundball rate was his lowest since 2020, but that was offset by a diminished overall (77% in 2025, 81.5% in 2024) and in-zone (88% in 2025, 90% in 2024) contact rates while his 10.5% swinging-strike rate was his highest since 2022 and the second-highest of his career. Meanwhile, Webb did not allow an inordinate volume of loud contact as Statcast shows a 40% hard-hit rate (46% in 2024), 8.5% barrel rate (career high), and average exit velo of 89.5 mph (same as his career average). Ultimately, Webb should again be a top-15 fantasy SP, but whether he can finish in the top 10 will hinge upon whether he sustains last year's strikeouts or whether that regresses toward his 8.4 career K/9. For what it's worth, we project a 3.35 ERA and 8.4 K/9 in 2026.