Juan Soto Fantasy Value Post-Bichette Signing 2026

Now, put Bichette there, who is a career .294 hitter and likely to hit more than the .311 he had last season.  He also only struck out 91 times, so his patience will help Soto run.  Soto will see more fastballs, leading to more home runs.

Run & RBI Opportunities

There are many things that will help Juan Soto score more runs and drive more in.  Obviously, the batting average-heavy lineup behind him will help him score more runs.

The runs batted in will be pushed by multiple factors.  A more aggressive Lindor in front of him as pitchers try to protect from the BIG inning.  The acquisition of Luis Robert should have him on base before Lindor and create situations with multiple men on base for Soto to drive them in or sustain rallies.  The speed of both of them will allow Soto to have more opportunities with runners in scoring position or take more intentional walks.

Want more information for your 2026 Fantasy Baseball Draft? Check these top 20 positional rankings:

• Top 20 Starting Pitchers
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• Top 20 First Basemen
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Juan Soto's 2026 Fantasy Value Breakdown

Number 2 Pick 

Juan Soto is the number two pick in category/roto leagues.  Period.  No one in their right mind would pass on Shohei Ohtani with the power, speed, pitching combo, and in a lineup that will score more runs than any in baseball.

That said, the next choice of pick 2 is between Bobby Witt Jr. and Aaron Judge.  While there are strong arguments for both players, Soto is the man.

At 27 years old, clearly in his prime coming off two amazing seasons of power and speed, he is more valuable than the other two players.  The judge has prolific power, but as we outlined before, he is 33 years old, and there will be regression on power into the 40s on home runs.  Soto will be there too.  Bobby Witt Jr. hits for a higher average but has power concerns.  He will steal close to 40 bases, but so will Soto.

The Mets have had a busy hot stove league. Catch up here:

• Freddy Peralta 2026 Fantasy Projections After Mets Trade for Jett Williams
• Bo Bichette to Mets: Why His Fantasy Stock Just Surged for 2026

Juan Soto Outlook

Juan Soto will settle in as a leader with Lindor of the New York Mets.  Both players have a winning culture in their blood and can shed the collapses that have plagued the team for generations.  Juan Soto had a great year last year, hitting 43 home runs, stealing 38 bases, driving in 105 runs, and scoring 120.

Looking ahead to this year, most pundits see some regression, but with Bo Bichette added to protect him and Luis Robert set to bat ninth and act as a double leadoff hitter, he will take another step.  

In the SMART System, we talk about players who get big contracts with a new team, and they have adjustments and expectations to meet.  Soto hit just .232 in April and .219 in May before pulling together an amazing statistical season.

Soto will hit .275 (xBA was .279), 45 home runs, 115 runs batted in, score 135 runs, and steal 40 bases.

Draft Strategy & Advice

Well, it is hard to give advice on a player this good.  Draft him.  I guess the one piece of advice from the SMART System is that “Speed Matters”.  Whenever possible, you should try to get players in the first three rounds who steal at least some bases (15 or so).  That is why he is a better pick than Aaron Judge.  Every other player in the Top 10 ADP who is a hitter steals bases. 

Soto in 2026: The Safe No. 2 Pick You Can’t Afford to Miss

Juan Soto is the number two pick in all leagues and all league types.  If you use auctions to roster players, he is worth $45.  The additions of Bo Bichette and Luis Robert elevate Soto's environment without diminishing his role. If you are lucky enough to pick second, he will be yours, and you will get elite upside in the Mets' powerhouse lineup.

People Also Ask

• Q: How does Bo Bichette’s signing affect Juan Soto’s fantasy value in 2026?
  A: It's a big step up. Bichette gives Soto the best protection he's ever had, which means more fastballs and fewer intentional walks, which boosts his counting stats.
• Q: What is Juan Soto’s projected lineup spot in 2026 with Bichette on the Mets?
  A: Soto is expected to hit second behind Francisco Lindor (who is the leadoff hitter and shortstop), and Bo Bichette is expected to hit third playing third base.
• Q: Is Juan Soto still the No. 2 fantasy pick in 2026 after Bichette joins the Mets?
  A: Yes, Soto is still the clear No. 2 pick in most category and roto leagues. He hit 43 home runs, stole 38 bases, drove in 105 runs, and scored 120 runs in 2025. In 2026, he is expected to hit .275 with 45 home runs, 115 RBIs, 135 runs, and 40 stolen bases.