Paul's 20th Round Gems

(Sheep note: this is written by Paul Dika)

With the launch of the Dinger, the MLB best ball season is underway. Spring Training is still a few weeks out, and there are plenty of rotation battles and roster spots to be won.

That uncertainty comes with potential late-round values. Last year, players like Nick Kurtz, Zach Neto, and Tyler Soderstrom had ADPs of 200 or later, providing teams with production from their final picks.

Who might have that kind of impact in 2026?

IF

Sal Stewart - 233.2 ADP

The Cincinnati Reds returned to the postseason in 2025 and called up their 2022 1st round draft pick, Sal Stewart, to help with their playoff push.

In 18 regular-season games, Stewart flashed the power that fueled his ascension to the bigs, hitting 5 homers and slugging .545 in a small sample.

With Gavin Lux sent packing for Tampa Bay, the Reds’ DH spot appears to be Stewart’s for the taking. Most projection systems have him playing around 120 games, with 20 homers and a slugging percentage over .440. If he manages to be productive early and earn an everyday role, he could surpass those numbers in his first full season.

Bryce Eldridge - 238.4 ADP

The Giants’ 1st-round pick from 2023 spent his age-20 season destroying minor league pitching and making his major league debut in September.

In 100 games, Eldridge (6’7, 240 lbs) hit 25 homers and put up a .250 ISO, following a similar output from 2024 as a 19-year-old. The strikeouts have been a concern, but with plenty of room to develop and a decent shot at everyday ABs, Eldridge presents a high upside, low-floor option to add to your Giants stacks at the end of drafts.

OF

Jesus Sanchez - 239.5 ADP

Based on his xSLG and wOBA, Sanchez ran into some bad luck in 2025. As things currently stand, he’ll be the Astros’ starting right fielder and should benefit from a healthier lineup and improved hitting environment for the entire year.

His barrel rates have been 11% or better in each of his last 3 seasons, and he figures to slot in the middle of the Astros order behind established vets like Yordan Alvarez, Christian Walker and Carlos Correa, potentially giving his counting stats a boost yet to experience in his career.

Jordan Walker - 234.7 ADP

Based on his ADP, many have given up on Jordan Walker after being burned by him in the last two seasons. At the end of drafts, I’m still willing to take a flier on a former 1st round pick who has yet to turn 24, and has spent his offseason in the Driveline lab trying to unlock his potential.

With all of the veterans jettisoned out of town, the Cardinals are poised to give their young talent extended looks, including Walker. I’m optimistic he can cut down on the strikeouts and return to his rookie year production with more reps under his belt.

P

Luis Gil - 239.5 ADP

The control has always been a concern for Gil, but his strikeout potential can’t be ignored. He’s sitting at the end of drafts following a season derailed by a lat strain, and if he bounces back to his 2024 form, he’ll be relevant in best ball.

Steamer projections expect Gil to return to rates more in line with previous years (13.6 K-BB%) over 100 innings. The innings projection reflects the injury risk, but if Gil manages to stay healthy, he could be a key cog in the Yankees’ rotation.

Reynaldo Lopez - 239.7 ADP

Lopez is another pitcher coming off an injury who was able to return to the mound towards the end of the year. The Braves have indicated they’re looking to stretch him out as a starter, making him an intriguing final round option.

There’s some risk the team uses him as a swing-man, but based on the health history of other rotation options, he should run into some starts one way or another.

Atlanta looks poised to win a lot of games in 2026, and if Lopez can reestablish himself, he has the opportunity to beat his P126 ADP.