Javier Báez

At 33 years old, Báez enters 2026 as a veteran shortstop looking to bounce back after a slow start, evidenced by his early-season struggles with just 2 home runs and a .256 average through limited at-bats. His 2025 campaign showed he still possesses moderate power upside with 12 home runs and the ability to drive in runs, though his stolen base production remains modest at only 5 SB across a full season. Fantasy managers should view him as a complementary contributor rather than a primary source of production, banking on rebounds in batting average and home run total once he finds his rhythm in what could be a transitional final years of his career. The recent AL All-Star selection signals he retains some defensive and offensive value, but age-related decline and inconsistent production make him a risky mid-tier option heading into 2026.