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2026 Fantasy Baseball Player Profile

Rhett Lowder’s 2025 season was a "cascade of injuries" that stalled the momentum of his rapid 2024 ascent. After reaching the majors just a year after being drafted, Lowder missed nearly the entire 2025 campaign. He began the year with a right forearm strain in spring training, and after just four minor league appearances in May, he suffered a significant oblique strain that sidelined him until September. He managed only 9.1 total innings in the minors all year. However, he provided a glimpse of health during the Arizona Fall League, where he looked sharp over nine innings (8:1 K:BB ratio) and saw his velocity return to the 93–95 mph range.

Entering 2026, the 23-year-old is fully healthy and locked in one of the most high-profile position battles in baseball: the race for the Reds' fifth starter spot. He is primarily competing with fellow Wake Forest alum Chase Burns and veteran Brandon Williamson. 

For fantasy managers, Lowder is a high-upside "late-round flyer" or waiver-wire priority with an ADP around 530.