FREE 04/14 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 8-game MLB DFS slate offers a balanced mix of pitching and hitting opportunities, with a few standout spots to target. The Braves-Blue Jays and Royals-Yankees matchups both carry enticing 9.0 run totals, making them prime candidates for stacks, especially in New York where mild winds blowing right to left shouldn’t have much of an impact. Meanwhile, the Astros-Cardinals game in St. Louis has the lowest total at 7.0 runs, as Framber Valdez and Sonny Gray square off in what could be a pitcher’s duel, though the light breeze blowing left to right might slightly favor hitters if conditions hold.

Weather is worth monitoring tonight, particularly in Minnesota where rain and strong winds (20 MPH) could complicate things for Mets-Twins at first pitch. Elsewhere, games in domed stadiums like Atlanta-Toronto and Detroit-Milwaukee are safe from weather concerns, while outdoor matchups such as Cubs-Padres and Rockies-Dodgers feature mild temperatures and light winds blowing out that could provide slight boosts to offense. Keep these factors in mind when building your lineups!

Top Stacks

ATL 5-Man ($22,500)

Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy

The ATL 5-man stack of Albies, Riley, Ozuna, Olson, and Murphy projects for 44.6 points at a salary of $22,500, yielding a solid value of 1.98 pts/$1000. Playing in a domed stadium eliminates weather concerns, ensuring consistent hitting conditions. This stack benefits from elite lineup correlation with all five hitters occupying consecutive spots in the batting order (1-5), maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The game total of 9.0 suggests a favorable offensive environment, though specific details about the opposing pitcher are not provided here. With an average ownership of 13.8% and an optimal lineup rate of 10.6%, this stack carries moderate popularity but may be slightly over-owned relative to its optimal rate. Overall, this is a high-upside stack in a controlled environment with strong lineup synergy but may require differentiation elsewhere in tournaments due to ownership concerns.

TOR 5-Man ($21,900)

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

The 5-man TOR stack, featuring Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, Andres Gimenez, and Alejandro Kirk, offers a solid combination of projected points (41.5) and value (1.90 pts/$1000) for its $21,900 salary. With all players hitting consecutively in the top five spots of the batting order, this stack benefits from strong lineup correlation and maximum opportunities for run production. The game’s 9.0 total suggests a favorable offensive environment, and playing in a domed stadium eliminates any weather concerns. However, the stack’s average ownership of 11.0% outpaces its optimal lineup rate of 8.8%, indicating it may be slightly over-owned relative to its ceiling potential. While the value is decent, this stack is better suited for tournaments where leveraging the high lineup correlation could pay off against weaker pitching or bullpen matchups from their opponent.

LAD 5-Man ($27,200)

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Edman

The LAD 5-man stack featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, and Tommy Edman projects for 47.1 points at a solid value of 1.73 pts/$1000, making it a high-upside option given the top-tier talent and lineup correlation from batting positions 1 through 5. The offensive environment is favorable with an 8.5 game total and mild weather conditions (62°F with an 8 MPH wind blowing out), which could slightly boost power potential in Los Angeles. The stack’s average ownership of 10.6% is modest but slightly exceeds its optimal lineup rate of 8.8%, suggesting it’s slightly over-owned but still viable in tournaments given its ceiling. With elite hitters like Betts and Freeman anchoring the heart of the order and Ohtani providing additional upside, this stack benefits from strong lineup synergy and multi-category production potential against an opposing pitcher likely to struggle with such a concentrated attack.

SP Plays

Top Play: Framber Valdez ($8,800)

Framber Valdez ($8,800) offers a strong combination of upside and value in tonight’s matchup against the Cardinals. St. Louis has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, ranking in the bottom third of the league in wOBA and striking out at a 24.1% clip versus southpaws. Valdez enters with a solid 2.50 ERA and an impressive 21:2 K:BB ratio over his first three starts, highlighted by an eight-strikeout performance in his last outing. His ability to work deep into games—throwing 94 pitches across six scoreless innings last time out—further enhances his floor, making him a reliable option for both cash games and tournaments.

While Valdez is projected to be highly owned at 22%, it’s hard to argue against the chalk here given his affordable salary and optimal lineup appearance rate (20.6%). At $8,800, he provides excellent value at over 2x his price point, especially when factoring in St. Louis’ pitcher-friendly ballpark. With strikeout potential and run-prevention upside in this matchup, Valdez profiles as one of the top arms on the slate despite his popularity. If you’re looking to differentiate your tournament lineups, consider pairing him with a low-owned SP2 or stacking against other high-owned hitters instead of fading him outright.

Honorable Mentions

• Sonny Gray ($8,500)
• Tarik Skubal ($10,500)
• Shane Baz ($8,400)

C Plays

Top Play: Alejandro Kirk ($2,900)

Alejandro Kirk ($2,900) presents an intriguing value option at catcher tonight against Atlanta. Slotted fifth in Toronto’s lineup, Kirk is in a solid run-producing spot with ample RBI opportunities behind the Blue Jays’ potent top four hitters. His recent performance includes a 2-for-4 outing with a homer and double, and while power isn’t typically his calling card, his strong plate discipline (.261 average this season) keeps him in play as a low-cost option. At 2.46x value and appearing in 11.4% of optimal lineups, he offers a respectable floor for his price point.

However, Kirk’s projected 15.4% ownership is significantly higher than the field average, which makes him chalky for tournaments. While the value is undeniable at $2,900, it’s worth considering leverage pivots if you’re building multiple lineups or looking to differentiate in GPPs. That said, if you’re prioritizing salary relief at catcher to pay up elsewhere, Kirk remains one of the top options on the slate given his matchup and lineup context.

Honorable Mentions

• Sean Murphy ($4,000)
• Will Smith ($4,500)
• Danny Jansen ($3,300)

1B Plays

Top Play: Shohei Ohtani ($6,500)

Shohei Ohtani ($6,500) is an intriguing option in tonight’s DFS slate as he takes on the Rockies. Batting leadoff for the Dodgers, Ohtani brings both power and speed to a premium lineup spot, maximizing his plate appearance potential in a favorable matchup. While Colorado’s pitching staff has struggled to contain left-handed hitters, allowing elevated wOBA numbers this season, Ohtani’s .273/.377/.500 slash line through 17 games highlights his consistency at the plate. With an optimal lineup rate of 18.4%, he offers strong upside despite his hefty salary, making him a viable choice for tournaments.

At 10.2% projected ownership, Ohtani sits slightly above average but far from chalky territory. This level of ownership provides a balance between differentiation and reliability for GPPs. His combination of power (four home runs) and sneaky speed (four stolen bases) adds significant multi-category upside in DFS scoring formats. While his recent game logs show some inconsistency, his ability to fill multiple stat categories makes him worth considering in a game environment where the Dodgers are likely to generate plenty of scoring opportunities. If you’re willing to pay up, Ohtani is one of the slate’s most dynamic options with moderate ownership leverage.

Honorable Mentions

• Will Wagner ($2,700)
• Ben Rice ($3,900)
• Spencer Torkelson ($3,700)

2B Plays

Top Play: Ozzie Albies ($4,400)

Ozzie Albies ($4,400) offers a solid mix of power and speed in tonight’s matchup against Toronto. Hitting leadoff for the potent Braves offense, Albies is in a premium lineup spot that maximizes his opportunities to score runs and drive in teammates. Over his last six games, he’s been productive at the plate with a .286 average, two homers, and two stolen bases. Facing a right-handed pitcher tonight, Albies’ splits give him an edge—he’s historically been stronger from the left side of the plate, and Toronto’s pitching staff has shown some vulnerability to left-handed bats this season.

At 15.5% projected ownership, Albies will be relatively popular on this slate, but there’s a good reason for it. His $4,400 salary provides strong value with a 2.05x projection multiplier and inclusion in over 10% of optimal lineups. While the chalkiness might deter some in tournaments, his ability to contribute across multiple categories—especially with his recent uptick in stolen bases—makes him worth considering even at higher ownership levels. If you’re looking for exposure to one of MLB’s best offenses without breaking the bank, Albies is a strong option at second base tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Andy Ibanez ($2,900)
• Andres Gimenez ($4,700)
• Maikel Garcia ($4,300)

3B Plays

Top Play: Austin Riley ($4,600)

Austin Riley ($4,600) is in a strong spot tonight against Toronto, batting second in one of the league’s most potent lineups. While his .417-foot homer a few days ago highlighted his power upside, it’s his recent consistency that stands out—he’s posted multi-hit games in four of his last five contests and has 9 hits over that span. Facing a Toronto pitching staff that has been inconsistent to start the season, Riley offers both floor and ceiling potential at this price point. With an optimal lineup appearance rate of 14.7% and a solid value projection (2.05x), he’s positioned well for DFS success.

At 18.4% projected ownership, Riley is one of the chalkier plays on the slate, but it’s justified given his matchup and hitting environment. His second spot in Atlanta’s lineup ensures plenty of opportunities for runs and RBI with elite bats surrounding him. If you’re playing cash games or small-field tournaments, he’s a safe option to anchor your roster. For GPPs, however, consider whether you want to differentiate elsewhere if the high ownership feels restrictive in larger fields.

Honorable Mentions

• Will Wagner ($2,700)
• Andy Ibanez ($2,900)
• Justyn-Henry Malloy ($2,500)

SS Plays

Top Play: Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,900)

Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,900) is in a prime spot tonight against the Yankees, batting second for the Royals in a matchup that offers both power and speed upside. Witt has been consistent at the plate, registering hits in four of his last five games while showcasing his ability to contribute across multiple categories with three stolen bases and a homer already this season. The Yankees’ pitching staff isn’t particularly imposing here, and Witt’s combination of a .347 OBP and .477 SLG early this year makes him a strong candidate to take advantage of any mistakes. His 14.7% optimal lineup rate highlights his viability as a core play despite the elevated salary.

At 20.9% projected ownership, Witt will be one of the chalkier options on tonight’s slate, but it’s chalk that feels justified given his elite tournament rank (1st) and consistent production. While his $5,900 price tag limits his value slightly (1.9x), his ability to fill up the stat sheet—especially with stolen base potential—makes him worth consideration even in GPP formats where differentiation matters. If you’re looking to pivot off high ownership in tournaments, there are alternatives at shortstop; however, fading Witt entirely could leave you exposed given his well-rounded skill set and prominent role in Kansas City’s offense.

Honorable Mentions

• Orlando Arcia ($2,300)
• Trevor Story ($4,200)
• Javier Baez ($2,700)

OF Plays

Top Play: Michael Harris II ($4,200)

Michael Harris II ($4,200) offers an intriguing mix of power and speed for tonight’s slate, though his eighth spot in the Braves’ lineup does limit his plate appearances. Facing a right-hander in Toronto, Harris could capitalize on the matchup given his ability to hit for average (.297 over his last 10 games) and contribute across multiple categories. The Blue Jays’ home park is neutral for hitters, but Atlanta’s potent offense provides a strong run-scoring environment even from the bottom of the order. With Harris recently showing upside through a homer and stolen base in the same game, he’s a viable GPP option.

At just 5.9% projected ownership, Harris won’t be overly popular, making him a solid leverage play if he delivers. His 14.8% optimal lineup rate suggests that he has more potential than his salary might imply, especially for tournaments. While his value projection of 1.83x isn’t elite, it’s enough to consider him as part of Braves stacks or even as a one-off piece. The combination of moderate ownership and multi-category upside makes him worth keeping on your radar for larger-field contests.

Honorable Mentions

• Marcell Ozuna ($4,700)
• Andy Pages ($2,700)
• Byron Buxton ($4,400)

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