Unlocking Fantasy Potential Through Incremental Gains
In the world of fantasy baseball, the path to a league-winning roster often comes down to identifying players who are primed for a breakout. The key is isolating a single performance metric that, if improved, could drastically alter a player's statistical output. While easier said than done, these subtle adjustments—whether in launch angle, control, or bat speed—can elevate overlooked players into elite fantasy assets.
Hitters on the Verge of a Breakthrough
Michael Harris II: Elevating the Launch Angle
Despite a promising 2022 campaign, Michael Harris II has struggled to consistently match his draft-day expectations. While he reliably delivers 20-plus stolen bases and double-digit home runs, his aggressive plate approach—characterized by a high chase rate—often hinders his overall efficiency. The primary bottleneck is his consistent groundball rate of over 50%. With an average attack angle of just 7 degrees, Harris rarely finds the air. While expecting a dramatic shift in his swing profile is ambitious, any increase in his launch angle would likely unlock significant power potential.
Nolan Schanuel: Finding More Power
Nolan Schanuel is the definition of a steady, high-floor player, known for exceptional plate discipline and a high contact rate. However, his lack of power has made him an unexciting option in many formats. The silver lining lies in his recent trends: Schanuel has begun pulling the ball more frequently, and his average exit velocity on these pulled balls has shown steady growth over the last three seasons. If he can maintain this pulled-ball approach and continue to make harder contact, he has the potential to move from a light-hitting specialist to a consistent 15–20 home run producer.
Otto Lopez: Harnessing Increased Bat Speed
Otto Lopez saw a notable power spike between 2024 and 2025, largely fueled by a slight increase in bat speed. By optimizing his approach and focusing on elevating the ball, Lopez has successfully decreased his groundball rate and improved his contact quality. Although his home ballpark in Miami presents a challenge for right-handed power hitters, the measurable gains in his bat speed suggest that his growth is sustainable. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on whether he can maintain these gains throughout the 2026 season.
Pitchers Targeting Refinement
Gavin Williams: Seeking Better Command
Gavin Williams has been a polarizing figure due to concerns over his control and inability to generate high whiff totals. However, his 2025 transition to a "sweeper" showed promise, providing better movement and generating weaker contact against right-handed hitters. While he has clearly prioritized "stuff" over command—evidenced by high Stuff+ scores—a minor improvement in his ability to throw strikes would make him a much more formidable fantasy starter.
Jacob Misiorowski: The High-Stakes Prospect
Unlike many prospects, Jacob Misiorowski boasts elite, high-octane stuff that already misses bats at a high clip. The challenge is his command; high walk rates are a constant shadow over his immense potential. His 99 mph fastball and deceptive arm slot make him incredibly difficult to hit, but his long-term viability depends on finding the strike zone more consistently. Given his impressive strikeout rates, he remains an attractive target for managers willing to embrace the volatility.
Jack Leiter: Mastering Pitch Location
Jack Leiter’s advanced metrics suggest he has the raw tools to be a successful big-league starter. He combines an elite arm extension with high-quality movement on his four-seamer and a revamped changeup. Yet, he continues to struggle with pitch location across his entire arsenal. Despite these command issues, the high quality of his pitches—backed by strong Stuff+ grades—makes him a classic "sleeper" candidate. If Leiter can tighten his command, his ceiling remains significantly higher than his current draft price would indicate.