You are a handful of rounds into your latest fantasy draft. You have yourself an ace pitcher and a great position player or two. The player in front of you has taken an outfielder, and you are on the clock! Given your roster build so far, you feel like you can wait one more round for a starting pitcher, and it is time to work on the very difficult middle infielder.
2025 Performance Recap
Mookie Betts’ Season
Mookie Betts’ name is towards the top of the draft list, but is he the best choice for shortstop, or might a younger player with more upside be the right call? Who do you draft between Mookie Betts and C.J. Abrams?
Mookie Betts has had a very long and very productive MLB career. At age 33, he has already announced his intention to retire at the end of his contract, but that is still about six years away, so nothing to worry about there.
Betts is two years removed from a 39-home run, 107 RBI season with 14 stolen bases and a .307 average. The problem with hearkening back to that season is that his home runs have been cut in half over the past two years, he has averaged just under 80 RBI over the past two seasons, and his batting average last year was only .258.
Mookie Betts flashes his signature smile after a home run, capturing the veteran poise and multi-category production that make him a safe, high-floor pick despite recent power dips. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Another concerning development is that his stolen bases were in single digits for the first time since his rookie season. The Dodgers have so many dangerous hitters, it doesn’t make any sense to take chances on the basepaths, plus Betts isn’t as effective as he used to be running the bases.
His plate discipline remains elite, and he will hit in a very advantageous spot in the most powerful lineup in baseball. The Mookie Betts in 2026 might not hold up to the Mookie Betts from three or four seasons ago, but it is still very good.
Looking for more help with your 2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft? Check these top 20 positional rankings:
Top 20 Starting Pitchers
Top 20 Relief Pitchers
Top 20 Catchers
Top 20 First Basemen
Top 20 Second Basemen
Top 20 Third Basemen
Top 20 Shortstops
Top 20 Outfielders
Top 20 Designated Hitters
C.J. Abrams’ Year
Drafted by the San Diego Padres, C.J. Abrams was traded to the Nationals in the Juan Soto deal. He has flourished in the nation’s capital, as he has at least 18 home runs and 31 steals in each of the last three seasons.
He struggles against left-handed pitching, but overall, Abrams hit chart is strong. He is never going to win you a batting title, but even with his batting average hovering in the .255 to .245 range, he won’t kill you in the category.
Abrams celebrates after a big extra-base hit, reflecting his dynamic athleticism and first-half consistency that could push him toward elite 20/40 territory in 2026. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Abrams has been pretty consistent over the past few years, with nearly a 20/30 season each time out. At just 25 years old, he is just about to enter the prime of his career, and Abrams has already proved to be impressive, and the best might be yet to come. He has been a first-half performer to this point in his career, but 2026 gives him another chance to put it all together.
Team Context, Risks, and Draft Fit
Key Factors
The elites are off the board at the shortstop position when your turn comes up in this turn at the draft. While Mookie Betts has been a very reliable option in the past, his advancing age and declining production over the past two seasons are definitely a concern. The Dodgers don’t need him to be a huge star because they have so many stars.
The Washington Nationals are sure to finish last again in 2026. In a way that helps C.J. Abrams, as opposing pitchers won’t hesitate to give him something to hit, as there might be fewer high-leverage situations against Washington. He has been very consistent over the last three years and has shown the upside to be a 20/40 guy, even if he might fall slightly short of both plateaus.
Final Recommendation
To me, there isn’t much choice between a 33-year-old who has shown declining production and a 25-year-old who shows consistent numbers. Given the choice of the two, I am going to hit “draft” on C.J. Abrams first.
People Also Ask:
Q: Who has higher fantasy value in 2026: Betts or Abrams?
A: Betts edges with consistency; Abrams has the steals upside.
Q: Mookie Betts 2026 outlook at 33?
A: Reliable multi-category scorer with Dodgers lineup boost.
Q: Betts vs Abrams projections?
A: Betts wins AVG/R categories vs Abrams SB/HR strengths.
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