The Atlanta Braves’ impressive streak of seven consecutive playoff appearances came to an unexpected halt last year, largely due to the underperformance of several key players. Stars such as Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Michael Harris II, and Jurickson Profar—who faces a suspension for the entire upcoming season after missing half of the previous one—failed to meet expectations in fantasy baseball leagues. Their downturns were attributed to a mix of injuries, suspensions, and general ineffectiveness, making them significant busts for fantasy managers. This development underscores an important lesson for those preparing for the 2026 fantasy baseball drafts: success will hinge not only on selecting top-performing players but also on steering clear of potential busts.
The challenge for fantasy managers in 2026 extends beyond just the Braves’ roster. Other notable players who disappointed last season include Mookie Betts, J.T. Realmuto, Zac Gallen, and Devin Williams. All of these athletes fell short of their average draft position (ADP) expectations, leaving fantasy owners to question whether these struggles represent a temporary slump or the beginning of a troubling trend. Determining which players will bounce back and which will continue to disappoint is a critical part of draft preparation. To help with this, fantasy baseball enthusiasts are advised to consult the 2026 fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets compiled by a proven projection model available at SportsLine.
SportsLine’s Projection Model has a strong track record of identifying sleepers, breakouts, and busts well before the draft season begins. Last year, for example, the model accurately predicted the struggles of Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider. In 2023, Strider was a dominant force, leading Major League Baseball with 20 wins and 281 strikeouts. However, he missed most of the 2024 season due to injury, and while he returned last year, the model forecasted that he would struggle to regain his previous form. Strider’s ADP was approximately 97.81, making him the 30th starting pitcher taken on average, but SportsLine ranked him much lower—around the 75th spot among starting pitchers.
The model’s prediction proved accurate. Strider struggled through the season, finishing with a disappointing 7-14 record and a 4.45 ERA. His strikeout total dropped drastically to 131, less than half of what he had achieved in 2023, and he missed over a month due to another injury. Ultimately, Strider ranked outside the top 100 starting pitchers in fantasy points, aligning much more closely with SportsLine’s projection than his ADP. Fantasy owners who heeded the model’s advice and avoided drafting Strider likely saved themselves from a significant headache and potential league disappointment.
The team behind SportsLine’s model is comprised of experts who have powered projections for all three major fantasy platforms. They offer updated 2026 fantasy baseball rankings and cheat sheets that cover every position, giving fantasy managers a competitive edge. These cheat sheets are refreshed multiple times daily, factoring in the latest MLB news, including free agency moves and injury updates. For those serious about gaining an advantage in their fantasy leagues, accessing these continuously updated projections at SportsLine is highly recommended.
Looking ahead to 2026, the model is already identifying potential busts to avoid. One such player is Milwaukee Brewers’ starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. The rookie sensation made headlines in 2025 by becoming the first pitcher in over 60 years to begin his career with 11 no-hit innings. He also earned an All-Star nod after only five starts and boasted the fifth-highest average fastball velocity in the majors at 99.3 mph during the regular season. In the postseason, he continued to impress, posting a tiny 1.50 ERA across 12 innings.
Despite this hot start, Misiorowski’s performance declined sharply in the latter half of the season. Between the All-Star break and the playoffs, he posted a 6.03 ERA over his final eight starts, indicating that hitters had adjusted to his pitching style while he failed to make necessary counter-adjustments. Fantasy managers appear to be overly influenced by his early dominance, as his ADP places him among the top 30 starting pitchers, yet SportsLine’s model ranks him barely inside the top 100. This disconnect suggests that Misiorowski may be a risky draft pick in 2026, and fantasy owners should approach him with caution.
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