MLB’s Top Players in 2026: A Team-by-Team Breakdown

As Spring Training games begin, anticipation builds for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Determining each team’s most valuable player requires a gaze at projections from FanGraphs Depth Charts, combining the Steamer and ZiPS projection systems with playing time assessments by FanGraphs staff. Here’s a breakdown of the top projected player for each club, measured by Wins Above Replacement (WAR).

American League

Baltimore Orioles: Gunnar Henderson (6.0 WAR)

The Orioles face a key question regarding Gunnar Henderson’s performance following a stellar 2024 and a less impactful 2025. However, considering his age (24 as of Opening Day) and recovery from a shoulder injury, projections suggest a rebound, forecasting 29 home runs and a .490 slugging percentage. Other key Orioles projected within the 3.5-4.0 WAR range include Adley Rutschman (4.0), Jordan Westburg (3.9), and Pete Alonso (3.6).

Tampa Bay Rays: Junior Caminero (4.8 WAR)

Junior Caminero’s impressive 45 home runs at age 21 raise questions about sustainability, but FanGraphs remains optimistic. He’s projected to be one of five hitters to reach 40 home runs, alongside Shohei Ohtani, Kyle Schwarber, Aaron Judge, and Cal Raleigh, tying Jose Ramirez for the highest WAR among third basemen (4.8). Shane McClanahan (3.0) is the only other Ray projected above 3 WAR.

Boston Red Sox: Garrett Crochet (5.8 WAR)

Following a 2025 season where he finished second in the AL and fourth in MLB with 5.8 WAR, a 2.59 ERA, and a league-leading 255 strikeouts, Garrett Crochet is projected to deliver similar results in 2026. Expect a slightly elevated ERA (2.91) but continued dominance with approximately 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings. New additions Sonny Gray (3.7 WAR) and Ranger Suarez (3.4) trail Crochet, while Roman Anthony leads Boston’s position players with a projected 3.5 WAR.

New York Yankees: Aaron Judge (7.3 WAR)

Aaron Judge has been exceptional since 2024, boasting a .326 average with a 1.152 OPS, 58 home runs in 2024 and 53 in 2025. Projection models may underestimate his potential, with a projected 43-homer, 7.8-WAR season potentially falling short of his capabilities. Other Yankees projected over 3.0 WAR include Max Fried (3.9), Cody Bellinger (3.3), Austin Wells (3.2), and Jazz Chisholm Jr. (3.1).

Toronto Blue Jays: Alejandro Kirk and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (4.9 WAR)

Alejandro Kirk’s value behind the plate led to a 4.7 fWAR in 2025, exceeding Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s 3.9. However, Guerrero’s offensive ceiling remains significant. Kirk is projected for the second-highest WAR among catchers (trailing only Cal Raleigh at 6.4), while Guerrero’s output is expected to split the difference between his last two seasons (.295 AVG, 34 HR, 95 RBIs).

Kansas City Royals: Bobby Witt Jr. (6.7 WAR)

Bobby Witt Jr.’s 8.0 WAR in 2025 was second only to Aaron Judge (10.1) and Cal Raleigh (9.1) among hitters. Still only 25 years vintage, Witt finished in the top five in AL MVP voting for the second consecutive season, batting .295 with 23 home runs, 38 steals, and an .852 OPS. Cole Ragans (4.1 WAR) is his nearest teammate in WAR projections.

Detroit Tigers: Tarik Skubal (6.3 WAR)

Coming off back-to-back Cy Young seasons, Tarik Skubal posted a 2.21 ERA in 2025 with 241 strikeouts. His 2026 projection places him between his stellar 2024 (6.0 WAR) and 2025 (6.6 WAR) seasons. Skubal anchors a talented rotation featuring Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Framber Valdez, and Justin Verlander.

Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton (3.6 WAR)

Byron Buxton’s 2025 season was his best to date, with a .264/.327/.551 slash line, 35 home runs, 24 stolen bases, and a career-high 5.0 WAR. Staying healthy, with 126 games played, was key to his success. Continued health will be crucial for Buxton to lead a young Minnesota squad.

Chicago White Sox: Colson Montgomery (2.5 WAR)

Colson Montgomery impressed after his call-up in July, hitting 21 home runs in 71 games and displaying strong defensive ability. He’s projected for a similar 2.7 WAR in 2026, leading a young squad also featuring Chase Meidroth, Miguel Vargas, Kyle Teel, and Munetaka Murakami (2.2).

National League

Los Angeles Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani (8.4 WAR)

Shohei Ohtani’s successful return as a two-way star in 2025, with 7.5 WAR as a hitter and 1.9 WAR as a pitcher, positions him for another exceptional season. A full season of this performance could lead to a fourth MVP award and the fifth of his career.

San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr. (5.4 WAR)

Entering his age-27 season, Fernando Tatis Jr. Has already established himself as a star, with 152 home runs and 124 stolen bases in his first six seasons. His versatility and all-around skill set suggest further potential.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Corbin Carroll (4.8 WAR)

Corbin Carroll had a breakout season in 2025, earning 6.5 WAR and becoming the first 30-30 player in franchise history. Despite a recent hamate bone fracture, he’s expected to be a key player for the Diamondbacks in 2026.

Philadelphia Phillies: Christopher Sanchez (4.8 WAR)

Following a stellar 2025 season (2.50 ERA, 1.06 WHIP), Christopher Sanchez is projected to step into the ace role with Zack Wheeler’s recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome. Wheeler is projected at 3.3 WAR in 24 starts.

Milwaukee Brewers: William Contreras (4.5 WAR)

Despite a fractured finger requiring surgery, William Contreras is expected to be ready for Opening Day and contribute significantly to the Brewers, who had the best record in MLB in 2025. He’s a key part of their lineup, having been an NL Silver Slugger honoree in both 2023 and 2024.

St. Louis Cardinals: Masyn Winn (3.6 WAR)

Masyn Winn’s excellent defense at shortstop, with +21 Outs Above Average, compensates for his offensive value. He leads a Cardinals team that has undergone significant changes this offseason.

Chicago Cubs: Pete Crow-Armstrong (4.7 WAR)

Pete Crow-Armstrong showed immense potential in 2025, with 25 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and fantastic defensive ability. A strong second half will be key for him to lead a talented Cubs team.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Paul Skenes (5.4 WAR)

Paul Skenes has been dominant since his debut, winning Rookie of the Year and an NL Cy Young award. His continued success is crucial for the Pirates’ pitching staff.

Cincinnati Reds: Elly De La Cruz (4.7 WAR)

Elly De La Cruz’s potential remains high, despite a slight regression in 2025. His power-speed combination and strong arm make him a key player for the Reds.

Miami Marlins: Xavier Edwards (2.8 WAR)

Xavier Edwards leads a Marlins team with limited established stars, offering potential at shortstop with a .283 average and 27 stolen bases.

New York Mets: Juan Soto (6.1 WAR)

Juan Soto’s consistent performance and surprising base-stealing ability make him the Mets’ top projected player. He’s projected for 38 home runs and 23 stolen bases, leading a lineup that also includes Bo Bichette (4.3) and Marcus Semien (3.1).

Washington Nationals: James Wood (3.1 WAR)

James Wood is projected to lead the Nationals for the second consecutive year, following a solid 2025 season with 31 home runs and 3.3 WAR.

Colorado Rockies: Ezequiel Tovar (3.0 WAR)

Ezequiel Tovar’s excellent defense at shortstop provides a solid foundation, despite some offensive inconsistencies. His ability to stay healthy will be crucial for the Rockies.

Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr. (5.4 WAR)

Despite injury setbacks, Ronald Acuña Jr. Remains a key player for the Braves. Projections suggest 31 home runs and 26 stolen bases, contributing to a potent lineup that also includes Austin Riley (3.6), Michael Harris II (3.5), Matt Olson (3.1), and Drake Baldwin (3.1).

Houston Astros: Jordan Alvarez (4.4 WAR)

Despite a limited 2025 due to injury, Jordan Alvarez is expected to return to form as the Astros’ designated hitter, leveraging his excellent quality of contact.

Oakland Athletics: Nick Kurtz (3.6 WAR)

Nick Kurtz quickly established himself as a star, winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2025 with 36 home runs. He’s projected to remain a key power threat for the A’s.