MLB DFS: Top Hitters for Today’s Slate

As we dive into today’s MLB DFS slate, let’s focus on pinpointing the top hitters who can maximize your points and provide the edge in your contests. Based on today’s matchups, player form, and key statistical insights, here are the top 5 DFS plays.

Top 5 DFS Hitters for Today:

Aaron Judge (Yankees – OF, $6100)

• • Matchup: Yusei Kikuchi (LHP) at Rogers Centre
  • Why He’s a Top Play:
    • Power Potential: Judge has a staggering .382 ISO against left-handed pitchers.
    • Recent Form: His expected home run (xHR) rate sits at .402, indicating his potential for deep hits.
    • Key Stat: Boasts a 25.3% strikeout rate but compensates with an 18.9% walk rate, enhancing his OBP.

Juan Soto (Padres – OF, $6000)

• • Matchup: Wade Miley (LHP) at American Family Field
  • Why He’s a Top Play:
    • High OBP: Soto’s discipline at the plate (15.9% BB rate) complements his .385 xwOBA.
    • ISO and Power: Solid .182 ISO, demonstrating his ability to convert contacts into extra-base hits.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Blue Jays – 1B, $5000)

• • Matchup: Carlos Rodon (LHP) at Rogers Centre
  • Why He’s a Top Play:
    • Elite Contact: .375 xwOBA signifies high-quality at-bats.
    • Plate Discipline: A low 11.7% K rate paired with a high 16.1% BB rate means more opportunities to score.

Rafael Devers (Red Sox – 3B, $5100)

• • Matchup: Tanner Bibee (RHP) at Fenway Park
  • Why He’s a Top Play:
    • Slugger’s Advantage: Leads with a .237 ISO and a .402 xwOBA against RHP.
    • Consistent Performance: His stats show he’s a reliable power source in the heart of the Red Sox lineup.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres – OF, $5500)

• • Matchup: Wade Miley (LHP) at American Family Field
  • Why He’s a Top Play:
    • Bounce-Back Candidate: Tatis offers a high ceiling with a .230 ISO against lefties and is due for a big game.

Under-the-Radar DFS Plays:

1. Jake Cronenworth (Padres – 1B, $3900)
   • Why Consider Him: Despite a lower profile, Cronenworth’s .273 xwOBA and matchup against Miley make him a solid budget-friendly option.
2. Christian Walker (Diamondbacks – 1B, $5100)
   • Why Consider Him: Walker’s .215 ISO indicates his ability to connect with power, and facing a less dominant LHP in Tommy Henry can lead to productive at-bats.
3. Gleyber Torres (Yankees – 2B, $4600)
   • Why Consider Him: Facing a lefty like Kikuchi, Torres’ .401 xwOBA highlights his undervalued potential for DFS lineups today.

Key Insights for Today’s Slate:

• Lefty/Righty Matchups: Many of our top picks today are strong against opposite-handed pitchers, a crucial factor in maximizing DFS output.
• Park Factors: Players like Aaron Judge benefit from hitting in hitter-friendly parks like Rogers Centre.
• Weather Conditions: Always check before lineup lock, as weather in outdoor stadiums can influence game outcomes and player performances.

By focusing on these key hitters and considering some strategic under-the-radar plays, you can craft a potent lineup poised to score big in today’s MLB DFS contests. Good luck!