Critical Late-Round Stolen-Base Targets for 2026 Fantasy Baseball
Finding speed on draft day can be a challenge, making late-round players with stolen-base potential essential for a well-rounded fantasy baseball roster in 2026. These undervalued players, available well beyond the 200th pick, can significantly impact team standings in just a few weeks.
2B14 – Jose Caballero, New York Yankees
Jose Caballero has logged 265 games over the past two seasons, starting 212. He averages 2.8 at-bats per game, and his primary asset has been his ability to steal bases, accumulating 74 in that timeframe. While his strikeout rate is a notable 26.5%, he has improved his walk rate to 12.7%.
Performance Insights for Caballero
In 2025, Caballero received fewer than 70 at-bats in five separate months, complicating his timing. He stole 22 of 47 bases in May and June but struggled with a .219 batting average over his first 210 at-bats, accumulating 30 runs, two home runs, 24 RBIs, and 31 stolen bases. His power was notably better against left-handed pitchers, posting a line of .250/.250/19/4/16/11 across 104 at-bats.
2026 Fantasy Outlook for Jose Caballero
Caballero’s exit velocity increased to 86.0, up from 83.7 in 2024. While he exhibited growth in his hard-hit and barrel rates, at 30.6% and 5.9% respectively, he also showed a decline in his HR/FB rate at 5.7%. Currently, he is expected to start only until Anthony Volpe returns from injury, after which he will take on the role of utility player, providing intermittent value this season.
SS23 – JJ Wetherholt, St. Louis Cardinals
After a remarkable tenure at West Virginia, where he batted .370 with 16 home runs in 557 at-bats, JJ Wetherholt was drafted seventh overall in 2024. His college career was marred by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months during his final year.
Minor League Performance of Wetherholt
Wetherholt debuted with 29 games in A Ball (.295 average) before performing decisively at both AA and AAA, with averages of .300 and .314 respectively. Notably, he walked as often as he struck out, reflecting his balanced approach at the plate.
2026 Fantasy Outlook for JJ Wetherholt
With the Cardinals aiming to place Wetherholt in a starting role, potentially as their lead-off hitter, he holds promise for a breakout season. Projections suggest he could achieve numbers around .275/80/15/65/25. As he secures a roster spot, expect his average draft position (ADP) to rise, making him a compelling pick compared to other shortstops.
OF70 – Victor Scott, St. Louis Cardinals
Victor Scott had a promising start in 2023 but struggled in subsequent years. He recorded subpar averages with both the Cardinals and in the minors, leading to increased scrutiny of his performance going forward.
2026 Fantasy Outlook for Victor Scott
Scott, known for his speed, has the potential to enhance his performance next season, especially after receiving inadequate batting opportunities primarily in lower slots of the order. With more experience, expectations for his batting stats—projecting around .250/65/10/50/50—could prove fruitful.
Maximizing Late-Round Roster Potential
Waiting on speed during drafts doesn’t necessitate forgoing it altogether. Targeting players like José Caballero, JJ Wetherholt, and Victor Scott II, who possess elite speed and identifiable paths to playing time, can elevate your roster’s stolen-base capabilities beyond their average draft positions.
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