Scott Pianowski reflects on nine key mistakes he made during the 2026 fantasy baseball season in an attempt to learn and improve. His insights highlight player misjudgments, such as underestimating Shohei Ohtani's pitching abilities and overranking Will Smith despite clear risks. He also discusses the impact of injuries on team performance, particularly with the Boston Red Sox, while emphasizing a need to better scout emerging talent, as seen with players like Jordan Walker and Munetaka Murakami.

By the Numbers
  • Shohei Ohtani boasts a 1.06 ERA and 0.842 WHIP through 11 starts.
  • The Boston Red Sox have dropped from 7th to 29th in runs scored.
State of Play
  • Many fantasy managers are seeing success with Jordan Walker as the top hitter on popular teams.
  • The Tampa Bay Rays have multiple pitchers performing well, including Nick Martinez (2.60 ERA) and Shane McClanahan (3.23 ERA).
What's Next

Pianowski is likely to adjust his drafting strategies for future seasons, focusing on scouting rookie players and balancing risk with established stars. Future drafts may also see a heightened scrutiny on injury-prone players, aiming for a better understanding of their potential floor rather than just their ceiling.

Bottom Line

Learning from past mistakes is crucial in fantasy baseball; reflection on these missteps can lead to more informed decisions that enhance team performance in future seasons. Emphasizing flexibility in player assessment while carefully scouting emerging talent will be key for success.