These 8 hitters have a chance to prop up the batting average category in 2026.

It’s never too early to prepare for your draft, and some of us draft fiends are already setting draft dates for 2026—or even drafting now.

For nearly a decade, I contributed a series of offseason features at Rotoworld breaking down category sleepers across each of the 5×5 roto categories. Over the next 10 weeks, I’ll once again be providing a list of sleepers for each category (BA, HR, RBI, R, SB, W, ERA, WHIP, K, SV). Since the hot stove hasn’t heated up yet, the early installments will focus on categories that are driven more by skill than opportunity. Categories that rely heavily on lineup spot, supporting cast, or managerial usage (R, RBI, SB, W, SV) will be covered later in the series.

Before going any further, it’s important to define what a “sleeper” means here. In this context, a sleeper is a player who can outperform both their draft-day ADP and preseason projections in a specific category. Players are divided into mixed-league and single-league options.

Mixed League Players

Moises Ballesteros, DH, Cubs

Ballesteros received extended run at DH down the stretch while Kyle Tucker was sidelined, and the bat clearly belonged. The 21-year-old hit .298-2-11 in 66 MLB plate appearances after slashing .316-13-76 at Triple-A Iowa. He’s consistently been young for his level and continues to show advanced contact skills, striking out just 13% of the time in Iowa and 18% in the majors.

Playing time and positional eligibility are the two key questions. While Ballesteros is a natural catcher, his defense has never been highly regarded, and baserunners exploited him in the minors. Still, the bat may force the Cubs’ hand, and at an ADP of 542, the risk is minimal for a potential batting average contributor.

Justin Crawford, OF, Phillies

Even if you’re not familiar with Crawford yet, you likely remember his father, Carl. The 17th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Crawford is on the cusp of the majors after moving swiftly through the Phillies’ system. Now nearly 22, he profiles as a potential batting average standout, hitting .322 for his minor-league career while stealing more than 40 bases in three straight seasons. Power remains the question—his groundball rate has hovered near 60%—but he’s far from a slap hitter, collecting 34 extra-base hits in 506 Triple-A plate appearances last year.

Opportunity is knocking. Crawford has primarily played center field but can handle left, and with Harrison Bader entering free agency, a regular role in 2026 is within reach. Dave Dombrowski has already stated Crawford will be given a real shot in Spring Training, and after hitting .334-7-47 with 46 steals last season, he has little left to prove at Triple-A. An NFBC ADP of 465 leaves plenty of upside.

Gabriel Moreno, C, Diamondbacks

Moreno’s stock has dipped due to declining games played in recent seasons, but last year offered subtle signs of growth. He posted career bests in exit velocity (90.4), hard-hit rate (43.4%), and launch angle, resulting in an above-average 61% air rate. While his all-fields approach caps his power ceiling, the batting average remains a strength, highlighted by a career-high .280 xBA and a steady 17% strikeout rate.

Currently going around pick 183, Moreno sits in a tier with Kyle Teel and Francisco Alvarez, but may offer the safest floor of the group.

JJ Wetherholt, SS, Cardinals

With the Cardinals clearly entering a rebuild, Wetherholt’s arrival could come quickly—possibly as soon as Opening Day. The 2024 first-round pick split last season between Double-A and Triple-A, hitting .306-17-59 with 23 steals while posting an elite 72/73 BB/K ratio. A career .370 hitter at West Virginia, Wetherholt’s plate discipline and hit tool are ready-made for the majors. His ADP of 312 still leaves room for profit, and he should gain position eligibility shortly after his debut.

Single-League Players

Luis Campusano, DH, Padres

Campusano has quietly fallen off the fantasy radar, but the skills remain. After breaking out in 2023, he struggled for playing time, yet rebounded in a big way at Triple-A El Paso last season, hitting .336-25-95. A 16% career strikeout rate and strong xBA history suggest batting average upside if he earns another opportunity.

Dominic Canzone, OF, Mariners

Canzone was a difference-maker late last season, finishing with a .300-11-32 line in 269 plate appearances and an OPS north of 1.000 in September. His quality of contact improved markedly, highlighted by a 92.3 mph average exit velocity and a 50% hard-hit rate. Playing time isn’t guaranteed, but injuries ahead of him could open the door.

Cody Freeman, 2B, Rangers

Not previously a top prospect, Freeman made significant strides last season, cutting his strikeout rate to 9% at Triple-A and hitting .336. He carried a manageable 16% strikeout rate in his MLB debut and offers modest power, speed, and defensive versatility. With opportunity potentially opening in Texas, Freeman is worth monitoring in AL-only formats.

Tirso Ornelas, OF, Padres

Ornelas has been a steady producer at Triple-A El Paso, hitting .291 across three seasons with solid power. He debuted briefly last year and will compete for a roster spot this spring. While playing time isn’t assured, his offensive consistency makes him a reasonable NL-only flier depending on how the Padres’ roster shakes out.

–Seth Trachtman