Rising hitters like Miguel Vargas and Sal Stewart are among the hitters who could be huge RBI bargains in 2026.
Fantasy managers sometimes overlook one of the simplest concepts when projecting RBI hitters and identifying potential sleepers for the category. Analyzing past production by batting order is a useful exercise for projecting both category leaders and breakout candidates.
Data consistently shows that batting order spots 3-5 are the most productive for RBI. However, RBI production isn’t solely about the talent occupying those spots. The Book: Playing the Percentages in Baseball by Tango, Lichtman, and Dolphin provides an excellent breakdown of RBI opportunities by lineup position, albeit using data from the 2000s hitting era.
Batting order spots 3-5 see a significant increase in plate appearances with men on base, as well as a higher average number of runners on during those opportunities. This is particularly important to remember during the season when you’re looking to boost RBI totals via trades or waiver-wire pickups.
With all of these factors in mind, the list of RBI sleepers below is dependent on both hitting ability and the opportunity to bat in the 3-5 range of the order.
Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies
There’s been rampant speculation that Bohm could be traded this offseason, but Bo Bichette’s decision to sign with the Mets may make a deal less likely. Bohm has been a major RBI contributor in the past, tallying back-to-back 97 RBI seasons in 2023 and 2024. However, he took a step back last year, missing time with injury and producing just 59 RBI in 120 games.
After opening the season in the middle of the order, Bohm was demoted to Nos. 7-8 in the lineup for roughly a month. Even so, he still started 71 of his 120 games in spots 3-5, though that represented a notable decline after starting all but two games in those spots the previous season. The presumed trade of Nick Castellanos helps Bohm’s outlook, and while top shortstop prospect Aidan Miller could eventually impact the infield picture, there’s no reason to believe Bohm’s role is in jeopardy in the immediate future.
Daylen Lile, OF, Washington Nationals
Lile wasn’t widely discussed in prospect circles prior to last season, but he broke out in a big way in 2025. He forced his way to the majors after hitting .328-4-29 with an .880 OPS between Double- and Triple-A, then continued to rake in Washington with a .299-9-41 line and 35 extra-base hits in just 91 games. Lile earned a lineup promotion in September thanks to his production and the Nationals trading away multiple power bats at the deadline.
A new front office and coaching staff adds some uncertainty to Washington’s lineup heading into 2026. Given his plus speed, Lile could wind up hitting near the top of the order, though his developing power also makes him a fit in the middle. Either way, he appears likely to hold a favorable lineup spot on a roster with limited proven talent beyond CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Luis Garcia Jr.
Jeff McNeil, 2B/OF, Athletics
There’s no debate that McNeil’s move from the Mets to the Athletics represents a downgrade in team success, but it may ultimately benefit his individual production. The veteran has shown more lift in his swing as he’s aged, and that trend could translate to additional power in a more favorable home park in Sacramento. He should also have a clearer path to a middle-of-the-order role.
The top four spots in the Athletics’ lineup appear fairly settled with some combination of Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers, Tyler Soderstrom, and Brent Rooker. From there, either McNeil or Jacob Wilson figures to hit fifth, and the team enters the second half of the offseason with minimal competition for McNeil’s role at second base.
Joc Pederson, DH, Texas Rangers
Pederson burned plenty of fantasy managers last season, making him a difficult sell heading into 2026. That said, he’s entering just his age-34 season, and the upside remains only one year removed from a .908 OPS campaign with Arizona.
So far this offseason, Texas has done little to meaningfully upgrade the lineup beyond swapping Marcus Semien for Brandon Nimmo. Nimmo is a natural leadoff option, with Wyatt Langford and Corey Seager likely to follow. While the Rangers have other middle-of-the-order candidates like Jake Burger and Josh Jung, Pederson continued to hit in run-producing spots down the stretch last year and has a strong chance to retain that role. The real question, of course, is whether he can hold onto his roster spot after last season’s collapse.
Anthony Santander, OF, Toronto Blue Jays
Pederson wasn’t the only middle-of-the-order addition to disappoint in 2025. Santander struggled mightily in his first season with Toronto, appearing in just 54 games as the team still managed to find success without him. Despite those struggles, he spent the majority of his time hitting third in the order.
With Bo Bichette now gone, Santander’s spot in the lineup appears secure. The Blue Jays are likely to open games with George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., followed by Santander, Daulton Varsho, and Alejandro Kirk. Health remains the primary concern, but with an ADP outside the top 200, Santander offers an intriguing risk-reward profile.
Sal Stewart, 1B, Cincinnati Reds
Stewart impressed in his rookie debut, and the Reds have all but locked him into a starting role heading into the season. The versatile infielder broke out last year by hitting .309-20-80 with a .907 OPS between Double- and Triple-A, then added five home runs in just 18 games after his promotion to Cincinnati.
He already saw time hitting in the No. 4-5 spots, and another favorable lineup assignment should be expected if the Reds refrain from making major additions. Stewart fits well in a right-handed-heavy lineup behind TJ Friedl and Elly De La Cruz, offering arguably the best blend of power and on-base ability on the roster. The key will be getting off to a strong start, as his limited track record may not earn him a long leash under Terry Francona.
Miguel Vargas, 1B/3B, Chicago White Sox
The White Sox have been aggressive this offseason, continuing to build around a core that includes Vargas. The former top prospect took a step forward last season, posting 16 home runs, 60 RBI, and 80 runs scored while cementing himself as a middle-of-the-order bat. He started 77 of 134 games in spots 3-5 and settled into the cleanup role down the stretch.
There are few clear threats to his playing time. While the team added Munetaka Murakami at first base, Vargas remains the most impactful right-handed power bat on the roster outside of Lenyn Sosa. Entering his age-26 season, 2026 could be the year Vargas fully delivers on his long-term potential.
Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Vaughn enjoyed a late-career revival after being traded from the White Sox to the Brewers in June. The former first-round pick hit .308-9-46 with an .869 OPS for Milwaukee after years of stalled development in Chicago. Despite the disappointment, it’s easy to forget that Vaughn recorded at least 70 RBI in three straight seasons from 2022-2024.
He was a fixture in the middle of the order with the White Sox, making most of his starts in the No. 5 spot. Milwaukee’s top four hitters appear set with some combination of Jackson Chourio, Brice Turang, William Contreras, and Christian Yelich, making Vaughn a natural fit behind them. With an ADP outside the top 300, he has a clear path to becoming one of the best RBI bargains in fantasy drafts.
