If you’re lucky enough to draft first overall in your league ahead of the 2026 fantasy baseball season, you have what we can only describe as a “first-world problem.” Out of all the players available in the majors, you’d have to choose a player to build your roster around for the upcoming 2026 MLB campaign.
There are only two players who are worthy of being selected with the first overall pick in fantasy baseball ahead of the 2026 season: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. But if we consider that Ohtani also has value as a pitcher, as he’s going to be part of the Dodgers’ rotation as well as being their designated hitter, then the equation is simple. Ohtani is the best option to go 1.01 overall across all fantasy formats.
Why You Should Draft Shohei Ohtani With the First Overall Pick in 2026 Fantasy Baseball
There are a handful of reasons to justify drafting Ohtani with the first overall pick, regardless of the format of your league. But perhaps the biggest one is simple: his numbers are outstanding, and he’s a player who can make a huge impact as both a pitcher and a hitter. No other player in the majors has this kind of upside, although to be fair, there’s no other player in MLB who can be considered a consistent two-way threat like Ohtani.
His work on the mound might be a bit of a question mark following a second Tommy John surgery, but even if his ERA is around 3.50 while pitching somewhere around 130 to 140 innings, that would be good enough considering what he brings to the table as a hitter. Still, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 62:9 K:BB in 47 innings across 14 regular-season appearances in 2025. He should have a full workload in 2026.
When it comes to his hitting, the numbers were even better. The 2025 NL MVP blasted a career-high 55 homers in 2025 but also slashed .282/.392/.622 with a 1.014 OPS, 172 hits, 102 RBI, 146 runs scored, and 20 stolen bases. He has posted an OPS north of 1.000 in three years in a row.
Ohtani also happens to be the leadoff hitter for one of the best and deepest lineups in baseball. Thus, aside from setting the stage for elite hitters like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Kyle Tucker, Ohtani should have tons of chances to rack up RBIs. He’s elite when it comes to getting on base, and he’s a threat on the basepaths if he decides to steal bases.
Shohei Ohtani Is the Best Option at the 1.01 Pick Across All Formats
Simply put, Ohtani is the complete package, and there are only a few hitters in the majors who could be placed at his same level. But once you also factor in his ability to pitch at a high level, there’s no question that drafting Ohtani with the first overall pick in fantasy baseball is the best possible move.
If you’re lucky enough to draft first overall in your league, make sure to grab Ohtani. You won’t regret the decision.
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