👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

6 Late-Round Fantasy Baseball Sleepers, Values: Cheap Upside Picks

Parker Messick - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Kipp looks at 6 late-round fantasy baseball sleepers, cheap value picks with upside for 2026 drafts. His favorite undervalued picks to target late in drafts.

Spring training is officially underway, and that means that fantasy baseball draft season is in full effect. We here at RotoBaller could not be more excited to bring you some of the best preseason fantasy baseball material out there, and we are here to get you ready for your drafts.

This article will take a look at six different hitters who are currently undervalued based on their ADP. These are guys that can provide immense value to your fantasy rosters, yet are being drafted much later than that value would suggest. These types of hitters are crucial to building a roster that can sustain the rigors of a long fantasy season.

ADP is taken from NFBC drafts as of February 15. All updated ADP from various platforms can be found here. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:

 

Lenyn Sosa, 1B/2B, Chicago White Sox

NFBC ADP: 343

Lenyn Sosa was largely unknown heading into 2025, but he quietly put together a solid season, which saw him slash .264/.293/.434 with 22 HR, 75 RBI, and 57 R. The 22 home runs were what really stood out across his 518 at-bats, as he had previously never hit more than eight home runs across his first two-plus seasons.

The power metrics behind these home runs also stood out. Most notably, he posted an average exit velocity of 90.7 mph, ranking him in the top 26% of the league. Additionally, he posted a 7.5% Barrels/PA mark, ranking him in the top 23% of the league. These metrics are nothing to turn your nose up at, and could certainly be repeated in 2026, making him a very valuable late draft target.

He also posted an OPS north of .700 against both left-handed pitching and right-handed pitching, so you would not necessarily need to platoon him if he is on your roster. His home and away splits also looked solid, as noted by his .700+ OPS in both arenas.

With his current ADP near 350, you could do a lot worse than Sosa on your bench this season, and he makes for a solid depth selection.

 

Ernie Clement, 2B/3B/SS, Toronto Blue Jays

NFBC ADP: 306

Ernie Clement burst onto the scene last postseason, but he also put together a solid regular season in which he slashed .277/.313/.398 with nine HRs, 50 RBI, 83 R, and six SB. He is not truly known for his power; however, his bat-to-ball skills and ability to get on base will immensely help his value to fantasy managers.

In 2025, Clement posted a K rate of just 10.4%, which ranked him in the 97th percentile among qualified hitters. He also posted a very respectable .55 B/K mark, ranking him in the top 39% of the league. This ability to get on base will serve him well in 2026, in what should be a rather potent Blue Jays lineup.

Clement is also especially dominant against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he posted an OPS of .900 against southpaws and managed to hit six of his nine home runs against them. This also came across 187 PA, so he could certainly work well as a platoon on your roster if you chose to go that route this season.

Overall, he has an ADP of 312, which puts him near the end of the 26th round in 12-team leagues. He makes for a great selection at the end of drafts and could provide a ton of upside to fantasy managers, again, especially if used in a platoon role. His eligibility at multiple positions is also enticing and worth noting, especially in daily lineup formats.

 

Carson Kelly, C, Chicago Cubs

NFBC ADP: 446

Carson Kelly plays a premium position within the catcher role, which is why he finds himself on this list. In 2025, he slashed a very respectable .249/.333/.428 with 17 HR, 50 RBI, and 48 R. The 17 home runs were especially impressive and are the second-most he has hit in any season.

While the power metrics in totality did not jump off the page, he did manage to post a 6.7% Barrels/PA mark, which ranked him in the top 35% of the league. Additionally, he posted an OPS north of .740 versus both left-handed and right-handed pitching. He was especially strong against lefties, as noted by his .809 OPS.

While he is not a premier hitter, the catcher position is often one that is difficult to fill unless you grab a stud early, especially in two-catcher leagues. Kelly is someone you can wait on until late in your draft and still find meaningful at-bats. The 31-year-old is a prime sleeper target in deeper two-catcher formats.

 

Parker Messick, SP, Cleveland Guardians

NFBC ADP: 315

Parker Messick is drastically undervalued here. He made his debut with the Guardians last season and promptly posted a 2.72 ERA with 38 strikeouts across 39 2/3 innings pitched over his seven starts. He is someone that the Guardians are looking at to make a big impact in 2026, and that is saying a lot given their pedigree for developing pitchers.

Messick also excelled at limiting hard contact last season. This was evident in the fact that he allowed just 29.8% of baseballs to be hit at 95+ mph, which would have placed him well above the average marks if he logged enough innings to qualify. He also allowed just a 5.8% barrel rate. These metrics equated to him allowing just four home runs across his seven starts, three of which came in a single game against Detroit on September 25.

His .9 HR/9 mark also ranked him in the top 23% at his position, and his 3.6% BB% was borderline elite. He has immense potential heading into 2026, and the fact that his ADP is hovering around 320 is a bridge too far. It would be worth your while to grab him a full round sooner than he is currently being drafted, if not earlier.

Once Messick officially claims a role in the starting rotation, expect his ADP to skyrocket.

 

Marcell Ozuna, UTIL, Pittsburgh Pirates

NFBC ADP: 331

I know Marcell Ozuna is getting up there in age, but he can still produce for fantasy managers in 2026, and given that he has an ADP around 325, you will not have to risk much, if any, draft capital to acquire him.

In 2025, Ozuna posted a .232/.355/.400 slash line with 21 HRs, 68 RBIs, and 94 BB. He clearly showed a solid power and on-base combination with his home run and walk totals, which is where he derives much of his value to fantasy managers.

The power metrics have started to drop off a bit, but they are still very respectable. In 2025, he posted an average exit velocity of 89.9 mph, which placed him just below the average marks, in the 48th percentile. Additionally, he posted a hard-hit rate of 44.6% and a 11.4% barrel rate, both of which were above the average marks.

While he will not be in as potent a lineup in Pittsburgh, the metrics still tell us he has some raw power left in the tank and will be able to produce at a level that shows he is worth the $12 million the Pirates paid him. This is also a guy who has posted an OPS north of .800 vs. left-handed pitching and right-handed pitching alike in 2023 and 2024, so getting him at this ADP is a great discount.

The main drawback here will be his position eligibility, as he is likely only going to DH for the Pirates, so keep this in mind when constructing your roster.

 

Logan Henderson, SP, Milwaukee Brewers

NFBC ADP: 350

Logan Henderson made his debut for the Brewers last season and promptly delivered to the tune of posting a 1.78 ERA with 33 strikeouts across 25 1/3 innings pitched. He looks to begin the 2026 campaign fully healthy and will be a big part of the Brewers' rotation this season, which is good news for the club.

Henderson was superb at limiting hard contact across his first five MLB starts, as noted by the fact that he posted an 80.6 mph average exit velocity allowed, which ranked him in the top 10% of the league. He also allowed just 20.5% of his pitches to be hit at 95+ mph, ranking him in the top 11% of the league.

Henderson is also solid in terms of strikeouts, as he posted a SwStr% of 13.2%, which ranked him in the top 19% of the league. Additionally, his mark of 4.13 K/BB had him ranked in the top 22% of the league.

Even though Henderson is slated to begin the regular season at Triple-A, he is a top stash target at the pitcher position as he should carry high-end upside as soon as he earns the call. He is worth drifting with your final selection in larger formats with extra bench or "N/A" stash spots. Given Brandon Woodruff's injury history and with Quinn Priester (wrist) opening the year on the IL, Henderson's name will be called sooner, rather than later.

More Fantasy Baseball Advice



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!






POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Christopher Bell

Could Christopher Bell be Considered A Decent DFS Option for Darlington?
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Darlington This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano

May Not Have the Speed to Warrant A Darlington DFS Lineup Spot
Ross Chastain

Should DFS Players Trust Ross Chastain at Darlington?
Kyle Busch

Could Kyle Busch Be A Worthy DFS Option for Darlington?
Brad Keselowski

May be A Contriarian DFS Tournament Option At Darlington
Daniel Suarez

has Little Upside for Darlington DFS Lineups
Bryce Young

a Potential Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
Devaughn Vele

Worth Buying Low on in Dynasty Leagues?
Darnell Washington

Climbs Up the Depth Chart
Adonai Mitchell

Trending Up After Quarterback Change?
Saquon Barkley

to Benefit From New-Look Offense in 2026?
Michael Wilson

On Track to be Cardinals' Top Fantasy Receiver?
Victor Wembanyama

Good to Go Versus Pacers
Seiya Suzuki

Won't be Ready for Opening Day
Kawhi Leonard

Ready to Face Dallas Saturday
Draymond Green

Available Saturday Against Atlanta
De'Anthony Melton

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Johnson

Sidelined Saturday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Will Play Against Heat
Kristaps Porzingis

Out Saturday Against Hawks
Jaylon Tyson

Ruled Out Versus Pelicans
Donovan Mitchell

Available Saturday Against New Orleans
Dylan Larkin

Remains Out Saturday
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jake Sanderson

Could Return in 7-10 Days
Morgan Rielly

Unavailable Saturday
Urho Vaakanainen

Considered Week-to-Week
Noah Laba

Out Week-to-Week
Tyler Toffoli

Questionable for Road Trip
Victor Hedman

Won't Play Against Oilers
Gleyber Torres

Clear to Return on Monday
Konnor Griffin

Assigned to Minor-League Camp
Jake Ferguson

Tails Off Late in 2025
Shedeur Sanders

Set to Face Competition Ahead of 2026
Tyreek Hill

Remains a Free Agent
Brock Bowers

Set for a Major Quarterback Upgrade?
Mack Hollins

Still Trending Up in New England?
Malik Washington

a Breakout Candidate Going into Year 3?
Mike Gesicki

a Bounce-Back Candidate in Third Year in Cincy
Xavier Legette

the Panthers' WR3 Heading into 2026?
Rashod Bateman

Dynasty Stock is on Life Support
Gleyber Torres

Scratched From Lineup on Saturday With Lower-Back Tightness
DJ Giddens

an Intriguing Handcuff Despite Minimal Standalone Value
Hunter Henry

Set to Collect Some Vacated Targets?
AJ Barner

Firmly Positioned Atop Depth Chart
Cedric Tillman

Dynasty Managers Losing Patience?
Josh Jacobs

Remains a Strong RB1 Option
Devon Witherspoon

Seahawks Pick Up Devon Witherspoon's Fifth-Year Option
Aaron Nesmith

Could Miss Saturday's Game
Andrew Nembhard

Could Miss Fourth Straight Game
Brice Sensabaugh

Remains Out Saturday
Grayson Allen

Could Miss Third Straight Game
Royce O'Neale

Unlikely to Play Saturday
Kristaps Porzingis

Exits Early, Likely Out Saturday
Landry Shamet

Leaves Friday's Game with Knee Issue
Jake Allen

has Excellent Performance in Defeat
Logan Thompson

Nearly Perfect In Victory
Pascal Siakam

Uncertain for Saturday Against Spurs
Stephon Castle

Questionable for Saturday Versus Pacers
Donovan Mitchell

Questionable as Cavaliers Visit New Orleans
Kevin Porter Jr.

Listed as Questionable Against Phoenix
Tanner Bibee

to Take the Ball on Opening Day
Logan Webb

to Start on Opening Day for Giants
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez to Start on Opening Day for Phillies
Chris Sale

Braves Name Chris Sale as Their Opening Day Starter
Kyle Stowers

Leaves Friday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Jasson Domínguez

Jasson Dominguez Optioned to Triple-A
Tyler Toffoli

Won't Play Saturday
Joel Armia

Ready to Return From Back Injury
Joel Eriksson Ek

Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson Ek to Remain Out Saturday
Ross Colton

Still Out Friday
Yan Kuznetsov

Remains Sidelined Friday
Shayne Gostisbehere

Misses Seventh Straight Contest
Jacob Misiorowski

Named Opening Day Starter
Morgan Rielly

Cleared to Play Friday
Mike Trout

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Mike Trout's Hand
Dylan Crews

Optioned to Triple-A Rochester
Lerone Murphy

Set For UFC London Main Event
Movsar Evloev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Michael Aswell

Jr. An Underdog At UFC London
Luke Riley

Set For UFC London Co-Main Event
Joe Ryan

Named Opening Day Starter for Twins
Sam Patterson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Michael Page

Set For Welterweight Bout
Austen Lane

In Dire Need Of Victory
Iwo Baraniewski

A Favorite At UFC London
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Oilers with 21 Saves
Trent Frederic

Exits Early Against Panthers
Mason Appleton

Hurt Thursday Night
Tyler Toffoli

Suffers Lower-Body Injury in Thursday's Loss
Victor Hedman

Makes Early Exit Due to Illness
Francisco Alvarez

Pulled Early Thursday With Back Tightness
Luis Severino

to Start for A's on Opening Day
Logan Gilbert

Named Mariners Opening Day Starter
José Ramírez

Jose Ramirez Back in Cactus League Lineup on Thursday
Hayden Birdsong

to Have Tommy John Surgery, Miss Entire 2026 Season
Zack Wheeler

to Pitch in Minor-League Game on Monday
Paul Skenes

Pirates Officially Name Paul Skenes Their Opening Day Starter
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF