MLB · 1 month ago

The Flexibility Factor: 12 MLB Stars Gaining Fantasy Positional Value in 2026

SportsGrid Contributor Just Baseball

Host · Writer

Bo Bichette – Shortstop / Adding 3B
The Scouting Report on Bo Bichette

This is a "layup" for fantasy managers. After signing with the New York Mets, Bo Bichette is moving to third base to accommodate the team’s roster needs. While some platforms may grant him eligibility immediately, others will require the 10-game minimum. Once he hits that mark, you’ll have a premium bat capable of filling either the SS or 3B slot.

MLB Fantasy Baseball Position Eligibility

2026 Positional Eligibility Watch List

Player	Current Position	Projected New Eligibility	Expected Timing
Bo Bichette	SS	3B	April 2026
Luis Arraez	1B / DH	2B	April 2026
Eugenio Suárez	3B	1B	May 2026
Nick Castellanos	OF	1B	May 2026
Munetaka Murakami	3B	1B	April 2026
Luisangel Acuña	2B	SS / 3B / OF	Mid-Season 2026

Why This Matters for Your Draft

Roster Fluidity: Gaining a second or third position allows you to navigate off-days and injuries without burning limited waiver wire moves.
The 10-Game Threshold: Most fantasy platforms require a 10-game minimum at a new position before granting eligibility; these players are the most likely to hit that mark early in 2026.
Draft Day Value: Players like Luis Arraez and Bo Bichette see a significant value bump in Roto and Points leagues once they can be slotted into scarce middle-infield positions.

Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis, and insights for this slideshow article.

Players Who Could Gain Positional Flexibility for Fantasy in 2026
In fantasy baseball, finding a competitive edge is about more than just drafting the biggest names—it’s about information. While drafts set the foundation, managing the daily grind of injuries and off-days requires a roster that can bend without breaking.

One of the most effective strategies is targeting positional flexibility. Players who can slide into multiple spots make waiver wire management and lineup construction significantly easier. While many leagues differ, the standard threshold for gaining new eligibility is typically 10 games at a position. Today, we highlight the players poised to add new eligibility to help you dominate your draft and the waiver wire throughout 2026.

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Samuel Basallo – Catcher / Potentially Adding 1B
The Scouting Report on Samuel Basallo

Samuel Basallo’s bat is too potent for the Orioles to leave out of the lineup. While he will see plenty of time at DH, Baltimore's crowded outfield could push him to first base on days when Ryan Mountcastle or others need a break. This would likely be a mid-to-late season eligibility addition.
Maikel Garcia – 3B / Noteworthy Flexibility
The Scouting Report on Maikel Garcia

While Maikel Garcia is firmly the Royals' third baseman, his 2025 utility usage is worth monitoring. He logged time at short, second, and in the outfield last year. Depending on league carry-over rules, he may already have SS eligibility, and he remains a candidate to backup multiple spots again in 2026.
Brett Baty – 3B & 2B / Adding 1B and OF
The Scouting Report on Brett Baty

The Bo Bichette signing has a ripple effect on Brett Baty, pushing him into a utility role. Already carrying 2B and 3B eligibility, Baty is now a candidate to add first base and potentially the outfield to his resume. If he secures four-position eligibility, he becomes an elite bench piece for any fantasy squad.
Agustín Ramírez – Catcher / Chance at Adding 1B
The Scouting Report on Agustín Ramírez

The Marlins' first base situation is fluid. While Liam Hicks had a strong rookie year, he isn't a lock for the job. If prospect Joe Mack gets the call to Triple-A or the majors to help behind the plate, Agustín Ramírez could see enough time at 1B to add that crucial second position to his catcher eligibility.
Spencer Steer – Adding 2B and OF
The Scouting Report on Spencer Steer

Spencer Steer is the "Swiss Army Knife" of the Reds' roster. To fit Eugenio Suárez into the lineup, Steer is moving into a true utility role. He has noted that second base is his most comfortable spot, but he also has extensive experience in left field. Expect him to bounce around the diamond early and often.
Sal Stewart – 1B & 3B / Adding 2B
The Scouting Report on Sal Stewart

Sal Stewart already offers corners flexibility, but 2B eligibility is on the horizon. With Matt McLain having much to prove offensively, Cincinnati may utilize Stewart as the primary backup at second. While the timing for his 10 games is harder to pin down, his history at the position makes him a strong candidate to add middle-infield value.
Munetaka Murakami – Third Base / Adding 1B
The Scouting Report on Munetaka Murakami

Depending on your fantasy platform, Munetaka Murakami may still be listed as a third baseman, but the Chicago White Sox brought him in specifically to man first base. If your league hasn't corrected his position yet, take advantage; he should secure 1B eligibility within the first month of the campaign.
Nick Castellanos – Outfield / Adding 1B
The Scouting Report on Nick Castellanos

After leaving the Phillies, the San Diego Padres snapped up Nick Castellanos with a clear plan: move him out of the outfield. Seeking to hide his defensive liabilities while keeping his bat in the lineup, San Diego is moving him to first base. He will likely serve in a short-side platoon, which should grant him 1B eligibility within the first month.
Luis Arraez – First Base / Regaining 2B
The Scouting Report on Luis Arraez

Luis Arraez’s fantasy value took a hit recently as he became locked into a 1B/DH-only role. Now with the San Francisco Giants, he is slated to return to second base—a position he previously played for the Twins and Marlins. This move significantly boosts his value, especially in roto leagues, as he regains 2B eligibility early in the year.
Eugenio Suárez – Third Base / Adding 1B
The Scouting Report on Eugenio Suárez

Upon signing with the Cincinnati Reds, the plan was always to move Eugenio Suárez off the hot corner to make room for elite defender Ke’Bryan Hayes. Suárez is expected to split his time between DH and first base. While his path to eligibility might take a little longer, depending on the rotation with Sal Stewart, he is almost a lock to add 1B flexibility early in the season.
Bo Bichette – Shortstop / Adding 3B
The Scouting Report on Bo Bichette

This is a "layup" for fantasy managers. After signing with the New York Mets, Bo Bichette is moving to third base to accommodate the team’s roster needs. While some platforms may grant him eligibility immediately, others will require the 10-game minimum. Once he hits that mark, you’ll have a premium bat capable of filling either the SS or 3B slot.

MLB Fantasy Baseball Position Eligibility

2026 Positional Eligibility Watch List

Player	Current Position	Projected New Eligibility	Expected Timing
Bo Bichette	SS	3B	April 2026
Luis Arraez	1B / DH	2B	April 2026
Eugenio Suárez	3B	1B	May 2026
Nick Castellanos	OF	1B	May 2026
Munetaka Murakami	3B	1B	April 2026
Luisangel Acuña	2B	SS / 3B / OF	Mid-Season 2026

Why This Matters for Your Draft

Roster Fluidity: Gaining a second or third position allows you to navigate off-days and injuries without burning limited waiver wire moves.
The 10-Game Threshold: Most fantasy platforms require a 10-game minimum at a new position before granting eligibility; these players are the most likely to hit that mark early in 2026.
Draft Day Value: Players like Luis Arraez and Bo Bichette see a significant value bump in Roto and Points leagues once they can be slotted into scarce middle-infield positions.