10 Injured Hitters Expected to Rebound in 2026
Injuries cost fantasy owners and AthX traders big production in 2025. But several star position players are set to return healthy—or already have—and could deliver serious value in 2026. Here are 10 hitters to watch. Looking to trade on hitters returning from injury? Sign up for AthX and deposit $50+ to get a free stock!
1. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves)
The injury: 2024: tore left ACL. 2025: right Achilles Grade 1 strain. 2025 performance: .306/.429/.577 with 14 HRs and 26 RBIs in 55 games (missed first 49 games recovering from left ACL, then right Achilles injury July 29). Why he could rebound: Acuña is entering his age-28 season and could be among baseball's top fantasy players in 2026. He's getting additional at-bats in Venezuelan winter ball to prepare. When healthy, Acuña is a 40-homer, 30-steal threat with elite on-base skills. A full 2026 season would make him one of the most valuable hitters on AthX. AthX angle: [[Ronald Acuna Jr.]]'s price may still reflect injury risk. A healthy spring training could change that fast.
2. Lane Thomas (Cleveland Guardians)
The injury: Plantar fasciitis and right foot surgery (September 2025), ending his season. Also had wrist (April) and multiple IL stints. Played 39 games in 2025. Expected return: Full health by spring training 2026. Recovery timeline 3–4 months from surgery. Why he could rebound: Thomas hit .160 in 39 games in 2025 after the Guardians acquired him at the 2024 deadline. When healthy, he's a 20 HR, 20 SB threat with a solid OBP. A full 2026 would make him a value play for AthX. AthX angle: Lane Thomas's price likely reflects a lost 2025. If he's healthy for 120+ games, he's a rebound candidate.
3. Yordan Alvarez (Houston Astros)
The injury: Severe left ankle sprain (September 15, 2025). Also dealt with hand injury earlier in season; returned August 26. Played 48 games in 2025. Expected return: Full health by spring training 2026. Why he could rebound: Alvarez is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball when healthy. His career-worst .797 OPS and 6 HRs in 2025 are outliers—he posted an OPS over 1.000 in 2022 and 2023. The Astros expect him ready for opening day. A full season from Yordan means 40 home runs and elite counting stats. AthX angle: Yordan Alvarez could be underpriced if the market is still discounting his 2025 injury year.
4. Ha-Seong Kim (Atlanta Braves)
The injury: Recovered from right shoulder surgery (offseason); back strain (July, August 2025). Played 48 games in 2025. Finger surgery (January 2026) may affect early 2026. Expected return: Full health for 2026; finger recovery 4–5 months from Jan 2026. Why he could rebound: Kim hit .234 with 5 HRs and 17 RBIs in 48 games in 2025. When healthy, he's a plus defender at short with 15–20 HR pop and steals. A full 2026 would restore his value as a top shortstop on AthX. AthX angle: Ha-Seong Kim's price may reflect limited 2025. If he plays 130+ games, he's a value.
5. Austin Riley (Atlanta Braves)
The injury: Core injury (sports hernia). Surgery August 21, 2025, ending his season. Also dealt with fractured hand in 2024. Expected return: Spring training 2026 with no restrictions. Why he could rebound: Riley is a former All-Star third baseman who posted a .737 OPS with 16 HRs in 2025—well below his norms. His power dipped due to lingering injury effects. A full offseason to recover from core surgery should restore his 30+ HR, 100+ RBI ceiling. The Braves need him, and he's shown he can produce at an elite level when healthy. AthX angle: Austin Riley's price may reflect two straight injury-shortened seasons. A strong spring could change that narrative.
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6. Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres)
The injury: Scaphoid fracture in left wrist. Surgery March 16, 2025. Not cleared to swing for three months; MRI showed healing but "not quite at the level for a full green light" by mid-2025. Expected 2026 status: Full health by spring training. Why he could rebound: When healthy, Tatis is a generational talent—40 HRs, 30 SBs, elite bat speed. His 2025 wrist injury derailed what could have been an MVP season. A full offseason of healing and ramp-up work should have him ready for opening day. If he stays healthy, Tatis is a top-10 fantasy asset. AthX angle: Fernando Tatis Jr.'s price could be depressed by injury concerns. Early believers could benefit big if he plays 150+ games.
7. Marcelo Mayer (Boston Red Sox)
The injury: TFCC tear in right wrist (July 23, 2025). Season-ending wrist surgery August 2025. Played 44 games in 2025. Third straight year his season ended early (shoulder 2023, lumbar 2024, wrist 2025). Career high: 91 games in a season. Expected 2026 status: Full health by spring training. Three-month recovery timeline; ready for 2026. Why he could rebound: Mayer is a 22-year-old infielder and former top prospect who hit .228 with 4 HRs in 44 games before the wrist injury. When healthy, he has plus defense and offensive upside. A full 2026 would be his first full MLB season and could establish him as a core piece for AthX traders. AthX angle: Marcelo Mayer's price likely reflects limited track record and injury history. If he stays healthy for 120+ games, he's a value play.
8. Triston Casas (Boston Red Sox)
The injury: Left patellar tendon rupture (May 2, 2025) running to first base. Season-ending surgery May 4, 2025. Played 29 games in 2025. Expected return: Targeting Opening Day 2026. Recovery timeline 6–12 months from surgery. Why he could rebound: Casas hit .182 with 3 HRs and 11 RBIs in 29 games before the injury. When healthy, he's a 25+ HR first baseman with strong OBP. He also missed 63 games in 2024 with torn rib cartilage. A full 2026 would make him a clear rebound play. AthX angle: Triston Casas's price likely reflects two straight injury-shortened seasons. If he's healthy for 130+ games, he's a value.
9. Luis Robert Jr. (New York Mets)
The injury: Grade 2 left hamstring strain (August 26, 2025); placed on IL with chance to miss rest of season. Earlier: hamstring-related IL stint (reinstated July 8). Played 110 games in 2025 with White Sox before trade to Mets (January 2026). Expected 2026 status: Full health by spring training with Mets. Why he could rebound: Robert hit .223/.297/.364 with 14 HRs and a career-high 33 SBs in 110 games in 2025; second half .298/.352/.456 in 31 games before the hamstring. When healthy, he's a 25 HR, 20 SB player. The Mets acquired him to solve center field. AthX angle: Luis Robert Jr.'s injury history is real, but his upside is undeniable. If he plays 140+ games for the Mets, he's a steal.
10. Tyler O'Neill (Baltimore Orioles)
The injury: Three IL stints in 2025: neck inflammation (April 24–May 9), left shoulder impingement (May 16–July 4), right wrist inflammation after jamming wall (Aug 6–Sept 12). Played 43 games in 2025. Expected return: Full health by spring training 2026. Activated Sept 12, 2025. Why he could rebound: O'Neill hit .210 with 8 HRs and 23 RBIs in 43 games in 2025. In 2024 with the Red Sox he played 113 games with 31 HRs and an .847 OPS. When healthy, he's a 30+ HR outfielder. A full 2026 with the Orioles would make him a strong rebound play. AthX angle: Tyler O'Neill's price likely reflects an injury-wrecked 2025. If he plays 120+ games, he's a value.
How to Use This on AthX
Watch spring training health reports. If a rebound hitter looks sharp and runs at full speed, his price may move before opening day. Buy before the return. Prices often rise when a player gets activated or starts hot. If you believe in the rebound, consider buying while uncertainty still exists. Diversify across rebound hitters. Don't put all your AthX$ into one injury-prone player. Spread risk—see our guide on player vs. team shares. Hold for dividends. If a rebound hitter performs well, hold 30+ days to qualify for dividends.
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