FREE 04/01 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 11-game MLB slate offers a solid mix of pitching and hitting options, with a few standout spots for DFS lineups. The highest total on the board is in Tampa Bay, where the Pirates and Rays face off with a 9.0 over/under. Shane Baz takes the mound for Tampa, making Pittsburgh bats less appealing, but this game could still provide some offensive upside if the Rays get to rookie Thomas Harrington early. Elsewhere, games like Arizona at New York (8.5 total) and Kansas City at Milwaukee (8.5 total) also carry mid-range scoring potential, with pitchers like Corbin Burnes and Michael Lorenzen worth keeping an eye on.

On the pitching side, Logan Gilbert draws a favorable matchup at home against Detroit in a game with the slate’s lowest total at just 7.0 runs. Dustin May also stands out as he faces Atlanta in Los Angeles, though his matchup against Chris Sale makes that game riskier despite its relatively low 7.5 total. For value arms, Jose Berrios looks intriguing against Washington’s inconsistent offense in Toronto (8.5 total). Keep an eye on any late-breaking weather news, but as of now, conditions appear clear across all venues, leaving us free to focus on finding the best combinations of arms and bats for tonight’s contests.

Top Stacks

KC 5-Man ($24,000)

Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Michael Massey

The KC 5-man stack, featuring Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Michael Massey, offers a solid projected total of 40.3 points with a strong value of 1.68 pts/$1000. This lineup benefits from optimal batting order correlation, as all five players are positioned consecutively (1-5), maximizing opportunities for run production and RBI synergy. With an average ownership of just 5.5% and an optimal lineup rate of 6.8%, the stack provides moderate leverage in tournaments while remaining viable in terms of upside. The game’s total of 8.5 runs suggests a neutral offensive environment, though specific ballpark and weather details are unavailable to determine additional advantages. Overall, this stack is low-owned yet efficient, making it a compelling option in contests where differentiation is key.

LAD 5-Man ($25,800)

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Will Smith, Tommy Edman

The LAD 5-man stack, featuring Ohtani, Betts, Hernandez, Smith, and Edman, projects for 39.9 points with a solid value of 1.55 pts/$1000, making it a viable option for DFS tournaments. The stack benefits from elite lineup correlation, occupying the top five spots in the batting order (1-5), which maximizes run-scoring and RBI opportunities. Despite a modest game total of 7.5 and no ballpark or weather data provided to enhance offensive upside, the low average ownership of 2.8% makes this stack an intriguing contrarian play with leverage potential. Furthermore, the 6.4% optimal rate suggests it has a strong chance to outperform expectations relative to its salary and ownership levels. This stack is particularly appealing in large-field GPPs due to its combination of ceiling potential and low roster percentage while leveraging some of MLB’s top hitters in favorable lineup positions.

TOR 5-Man ($22,600)

Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez, Alejandro Kirk

The TOR 5-man stack, consisting of Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez, and Alejandro Kirk, projects for 40.1 points with a solid value of 1.77 pts/$1000 on a $22,600 salary. This stack benefits from strong lineup correlation as it features hitters positioned consecutively in the batting order (1-5), maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The game total of 8.5 suggests a moderately favorable offensive environment, though specifics about the ballpark and weather are unavailable to further contextualize conditions. At an average ownership of 7.6% and an optimal lineup rate of 6.4%, this stack provides moderate leverage in tournaments but does not project as significantly underutilized. Overall, this is a balanced stack with upside due to its lineup cohesion and potential for concentrated production in the heart of the order against their opponent’s pitching staff.

SP Plays

Top Play: Logan Gilbert ($9,000)

Logan Gilbert ($9,000) is in a prime spot tonight against the Tigers, who rank among the weakest offenses in the league. Detroit struggles mightily against right-handed pitching, with a high strikeout rate and limited power, making this matchup a perfect setup for Gilbert’s skill set. His 31.8% optimal lineup rate highlights his ability to deliver both consistency and upside, and his recent dominance—including an eight-strikeout gem over seven innings—shows he’s rounding into form at the right time. At this salary, he offers strong value with a projection of nearly 23 DraftKings points and a 2.55x value multiplier.

While his projected ownership (51.6%) is steep, it’s justified given the matchup and his overall profile as one of the slate’s safest arms with legitimate strikeout upside. The Tigers’ lack of offensive firepower limits blowup risk, while Gilbert’s ability to work deep into games bolsters his floor. If you’re playing cash games or single-entry tournaments, he’s tough to fade in this spot. In large-field GPPs, consider your lineup construction carefully—leveraging lower-owned options elsewhere may be necessary to offset his popularity while still capitalizing on what should be one of the night’s most reliable pitching performances.

Honorable Mentions

• Chris Sale ($8,800)
• Justin Steele ($8,200)
• Michael King ($8,700)

C Plays

Top Play: Danny Jansen ($3,400)

Danny Jansen ($3,400) offers intriguing value at catcher in tonight’s slate with a 2.0x salary multiplier and a projection of 6.8 DraftKings points. While his seventh spot in the Rays’ lineup isn’t ideal for maximizing plate appearances, Jansen’s power upside makes him worth considering in tournaments, especially given his moderate ownership (8.6%). The matchup against Pittsburgh is favorable, as their pitching staff has struggled to contain right-handed hitters this season. If Tampa Bay’s offense gets rolling, Jansen could find himself in run-producing opportunities at a low cost.

With a 7.8% optimal lineup appearance rate, Jansen provides solid leverage relative to other value catchers on the slate. His ownership is slightly above field average but still reasonable for GPPs, where differentiation matters more. At this price point, you’re betting on his ability to deliver power from the bottom of the order in a game environment where Tampa Bay should see scoring opportunities. For those looking to save salary without sacrificing upside, Jansen fits well into tournament builds.

Honorable Mentions

• Logan O’Hoppe ($3,500)
• William Contreras ($4,500)
• Alejandro Kirk ($3,100)

1B Plays

Top Play: Pavin Smith ($3,000)

Pavin Smith ($3,000) presents an intriguing value option for tournaments tonight against the Yankees. Slotted to bat third for Arizona, Smith’s premium lineup spot enhances his chances to drive in runs and maximize plate appearances. As a left-handed hitter, he’ll benefit from Yankee Stadium’s short porch in right field, a well-documented boost for lefty power. While Smith’s projection of 7.3 DraftKings points isn’t elite, his 2.42x value rating and appearance in nearly 6% of optimal lineups suggest he offers strong upside at this price point.

At just 2.5% projected ownership—below the field average—Smith provides solid leverage in large-field GPPs without being entirely overlooked. His modest ownership aligns with his risk/reward profile as a player reliant on favorable matchups and run-producing opportunities. The Diamondbacks’ implied team total and the hitting environment both work in his favor, making him a viable salary-saving option if you’re looking to differentiate your roster construction while maintaining upside potential.

Honorable Mentions

• Alec Burleson ($3,100)
• Endy Rodriguez ($2,400)
• Salvador Perez ($4,400)

2B Plays

Top Play: Brandon Lowe ($4,500)

Brandon Lowe offers a compelling mix of power and value at $4,500 in tonight’s matchup against the Pirates. Slotted second in the Rays’ lineup, he’s positioned for ample opportunities to drive in runs and score himself in a favorable run-scoring environment. As a left-handed hitter, Lowe has historically thrived against right-handed pitching, which aligns well with this matchup. His .482 career slugging percentage highlights his power potential, and Tampa Bay’s home park dimensions add another layer of upside for his ability to go deep. With a 1.92x value rating and appearing in nearly 10% of optimal lineups, he’s a strong option at second base.

The 12.3% projected ownership does make Lowe one of the chalkier plays on the slate, but it seems justified given his combination of lineup spot, matchup, and price point. While he may not be the best leverage play for tournaments due to his popularity, his projection of 8.64 DK points makes him a reliable option if you’re looking for stability with upside at a mid-tier salary. If you’re comfortable eating some chalk here, Lowe fits well into both cash game builds and tournament lineups looking to capitalize on his power potential against Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.

Honorable Mentions

• Nolan Gorman ($3,400)
• Tyler Fitzgerald ($3,100)
• Andres Gimenez ($3,800)

3B Plays

Top Play: Matt Chapman ($4,500)

Matt Chapman ($4,500) presents an intriguing option at third base in tonight’s DFS slate. Batting cleanup for the Giants, he’s in a premium RBI spot and comes into this game with strong recent power production, including a homer in his last outing. Facing Houston on the road is no easy task, but Chapman’s ability to handle right-handed pitching (career .486 SLG vs RHP) gives him upside, especially if Houston’s starter struggles to keep the ball in the park. His 1.91x value and appearance in 7.96% of optimal lineups highlight his potential as a strong mid-range play.

At 8.9% projected ownership, Chapman offers solid leverage relative to his tournament rank (1st among third basemen). While his ownership is higher than average, it remains manageable for GPPs given his power ceiling and role in the heart of San Francisco’s lineup. If you’re looking for a player who balances moderate popularity with legitimate home run upside, Chapman fits the bill nicely at this price point.

Honorable Mentions

• Manny Machado ($4,700)
• Paul DeJong ($2,500)
• Junior Caminero ($5,100)

SS Plays

Top Play: Willy Adames ($4,400)

Willy Adames ($4,400) stands out as a strong shortstop option in tournaments tonight, ranking first overall in GPP value. Slotted second in the Giants’ lineup, Adames is positioned for maximum opportunities to produce against Houston. While Minute Maid Park isn’t a hitter’s paradise, Adames’ power profile (32 home runs last season) and ability to hit right-handed pitching effectively keep him firmly in play. His 8.48 DK projection and 10.7% optimal lineup rate underline his upside at this price point, making him a solid mid-tier option with potential for both power and run production.

At 8.6% projected ownership, Adames is moderately popular but not overwhelming chalk, offering some leverage against the field if he connects for one of his signature big games. The Giants’ implied team total won’t jump off the page, but Adames’ combination of power and plate discipline makes him a reliable DFS target in any matchup. Given his favorable lineup spot and reasonable salary, he’s an appealing choice for those looking to differentiate without sacrificing upside.

Honorable Mentions

• Bobby Witt Jr. ($6,100)
• Tyler Fitzgerald ($3,100)
• CJ Abrams ($5,000)

OF Plays

Top Play: Byron Buxton ($4,500)

Byron Buxton ($4,500) offers intriguing upside in tonight’s matchup against the White Sox. Slotted third in the Twins’ lineup, he’s positioned for maximum run-producing opportunities, and his power/speed combination is always a threat. While Buxton’s career has been marked by inconsistency due to injuries, his 9.7% optimal lineup rate underscores his potential value at this salary. Facing a White Sox pitching staff that struggled with right-handed power last season, Buxton could capitalize on a favorable hitting environment.

At 10.5% projected ownership, Buxton will likely be popular relative to the field average, but the chalk appears justified given his strong value (1.92x) and tournament-leading GPP rank. His ability to contribute across multiple categories—especially with home runs and stolen bases—makes him a high-upside option in GPPs. If you’re comfortable eating some ownership in tournaments, Buxton’s ceiling makes him worth consideration in this spot.

Honorable Mentions

• Fernando Tatis Jr. ($5,300)
• Jake McCarthy ($2,700)
• Lars Nootbaar ($4,000)

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