FREE 04/16 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 10-game MLB slate offers a balanced mix of pitching and hitting options, with several games carrying intriguing DFS potential. The highest total on the board belongs to the Angels-Rangers matchup (9.5 runs), where Texas’ hitter-friendly environment inside the dome could lead to plenty of offensive fireworks. Other high-total games include BOS @ TB (9.0) and SEA @ CIN (8.5), where a slight wind blowing out in Cincinnati may give hitters a small boost in an already favorable park for offense. On the pitching side, Aaron Nola draws a home start against the Giants in Philadelphia, but keep in mind the 17 MPH wind blowing left to right, which could impact fly balls in that matchup.

Weather is mostly cooperative tonight, but it’s worth noting some cooler temperatures across key venues. Winds blowing out at Yankee Stadium (17 MPH) make KC @ NYY an interesting spot for power bats despite the chilly 50°F conditions. Conversely, hitters might face tougher sledding in Chicago for OAK @ CWS, where temps dip to 45°F and winds blow slightly in at 9 MPH. Lastly, keep an eye on COL @ LAD—though temperatures are mild at 60°F, a light breeze blowing out could help add some late-night fireworks to this West Coast showdown.

Top Stacks

LAA 5-Man ($23,000)

Taylor Ward, Luis Rengifo, Mike Trout, Jorge Soler, Logan O’Hoppe

The LAA 5-man stack, featuring Ward, Rengifo, Trout, Soler, and O’Hoppe in the top five batting order spots, projects for 47.1 points with a solid value of 2.05 pts/$1000 on a $23,000 salary. This stack benefits from strong lineup correlation with consecutive hitters in premium run-producing positions (1-5), maximizing RBI and run potential. The game total of 9.5 suggests a favorable offensive environment, and the domed stadium ensures no weather concerns will impact performance. While their average ownership of 12.4% is slightly elevated, the optimal rate of 9.8% provides some leverage relative to other high-owned stacks. Overall, this stack offers balanced upside with elite bats like Trout anchoring the group and a stable floor due to their lineup positioning against an opponent likely vulnerable to sustained offensive production.

SEA 5-Man ($20,500)

Julio Rodriguez, Jorge Polanco, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, Luke Raley

The SEA 5-man stack projects for 42.7 points with a strong value of 2.08 pts/$1000, making it a viable mid-range option for MLB DFS. The offensive environment is neutral to slightly favorable, with an 8.5 game total and weather conditions featuring 59°F temperatures and a 7 MPH wind blowing out in hitter-friendly Cincinnati. The stack benefits from excellent lineup correlation, as all five hitters are positioned consecutively in the batting order (1-5), maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. Key players like Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozarena bring power-speed upside, while Jorge Polanco and Luke Raley add value through multi-category production. With an average ownership of 10.3% and an optimal rate of 9.1%, this stack is fairly leveraged, offering solid tournament upside without being overly chalky. Overall, this combination of lineup synergy, moderate ownership, and favorable hitting conditions makes the SEA stack a strong GPP consideration.

LAD 5-Man ($27,500)

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Michael Conforto

The LAD 5-man stack, featuring Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Hernandez, and Conforto, projects for 46.9 points at a value of 1.71 pts/$1000 on a $27,500 salary. With an average ownership of 9.6% and an optimal rate of 8.5%, this stack offers moderate leverage in GPP formats. The favorable batting order correlation (positions 1-5) enhances the potential for run production and RBI opportunities, particularly against a likely middling opposing pitcher in a game with an 8.5-run total. Weather conditions—60°F with a slight wind blowing out—are mildly beneficial for hitters but not overly impactful. While the stack’s value is solid, its ownership suggests it may not go overlooked entirely, making it more of a balanced play rather than an under-the-radar option in DFS tournaments.

SP Plays

Top Play: Bobby Miller ($7,700)

Bobby Miller ($7,700) offers intriguing value tonight as he takes on the Rockies in Los Angeles. While his 2024 MLB stint was rocky (8.52 ERA over 56 innings), his early 2025 Triple-A numbers (2.25 ERA, 11 strikeouts in 12 innings) show signs of improvement. This matchup is key—Colorado struggles mightily on the road, and Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly environment further tilts the scales in Miller’s favor. At a projected 16.5 DK points and a strong 2.14x value multiplier, he’s priced well for both cash games and tournaments.

The main concern here is ownership, as Miller is expected to be rostered by 26.6% of the field—a significant chalk play for a pitcher with limited recent MLB success. That said, his high tournament rank (1st overall) and appearance in 15.1% of optimal lineups suggest the chalk may be justified in this spot. If you’re comfortable eating the ownership, Miller provides solid upside at an affordable salary against a weak Rockies lineup outside of Coors Field. For those looking to pivot, fading him could create leverage in GPPs if his command issues resurface.

Honorable Mentions

• Osvaldo Bido ($7,200)
• Aaron Nola ($9,000)

C Plays

Top Play: Cal Raleigh ($3,900)

Cal Raleigh ($3,900) is an intriguing option at catcher tonight in Cincinnati. Batting third for the Mariners, Raleigh brings plenty of power upside, as evidenced by his recent stretch of three home runs in four games before an 0-for-5 outing on April 15. Great American Ball Park is one of the most hitter-friendly environments in baseball, especially for left-handed power hitters like Raleigh. While his .220 batting average isn’t appealing, his ability to produce fantasy points through homers and run production makes him a strong tournament play. The Mariners’ implied team total and his premium lineup spot add to the appeal.

At 14.2% projected ownership, Raleigh will likely be one of the chalkier plays at catcher on this slate. However, given his affordable price tag and top rank in GPP value (2.18x), it’s easy to see why he’s drawing attention. He’s appearing in 7.3% of optimal lineups, which supports his viability as a solid mid-tier option with a high ceiling. If you’re willing to eat some chalk at catcher, Raleigh’s power and ballpark combination make him worth consideration in all formats.

Honorable Mentions

• Shea Langeliers ($4,400)
• Logan O’Hoppe ($4,800)

1B Plays

Top Play: Shohei Ohtani ($6,500)

Shohei Ohtani ($6,500) is in a strong spot tonight against the Rockies, and his premium lineup position as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter enhances his DFS appeal. While his RBI opportunities are somewhat limited hitting first, Ohtani’s combination of power (.549 SLG) and speed (4 SB) still makes him a top-tier fantasy option. Facing a Colorado pitching staff that struggles on the road, he’ll have ample chances to capitalize in this matchup. The 16.8% optimal lineup rate underscores his ceiling, and with a .390 OBP on the season, he’s a reliable source of runs in this high-powered offense.

At 11% projected ownership, Ohtani will be one of the more popular plays on the slate, but it’s chalk that feels justified given his elite skill set and favorable game environment. His ability to contribute across multiple categories gives him both floor and upside, making him worth the hefty price tag even in tournaments. If you’re looking for differentiation, pairing him with lower-owned Dodgers bats could help offset his popularity while maximizing exposure to their potent lineup.

Honorable Mentions

• Luke Raley ($3,200)
• J.D. Davis ($2,900)

2B Plays

Top Play: Luis Rengifo ($3,800)

Luis Rengifo ($3,800) offers strong value in tonight’s matchup against the Rangers. Slotted into the second spot in the lineup, he’s primed for maximum plate appearances in a hitter-friendly park at Globe Life Field. While his recent box scores have been modest, Rengifo has shown flashes of upside, including a 10-point DraftKings outing just three games ago. As a switch-hitter, he’ll hold the platoon advantage regardless of who Texas deploys on the mound, and his ability to contribute across multiple categories adds sneaky tournament appeal. With a 2.24x value projection and an appearance rate of 10.9% in optimal lineups, he’s well-positioned as a cost-effective option with upside.

At 6.9% projected ownership, Rengifo is moderately popular but not chalky enough to avoid in tournaments. His Hero GPP rank of first suggests he’s one of the top mid-range plays on the slate, particularly given his combination of salary relief and favorable game environment. The Angels’ implied team total should provide ample run-scoring opportunities for their top-of-the-order bats, and Rengifo’s dual eligibility (2B/3B) makes him an easy fit across different roster constructions. If you’re looking for leverage without overspending, Rengifo deserves serious consideration tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Amed Rosario ($4,100)
• Kyren Paris ($4,000)

3B Plays

Top Play: Amed Rosario ($4,100)

Amed Rosario ($4,100) offers intriguing value in tonight’s matchup against the Pirates. While his projection of 7.6 DK points doesn’t jump off the page, his strong 1.85x value and 10.2% optimal lineup appearance rate suggest he could outperform expectations. Batting sixth for the Nationals limits his plate appearances slightly, but the Pirates’ pitching staff presents a favorable opportunity for right-handed bats, as their bullpen has struggled to contain opposing hitters this season. Rosario’s .816 OPS through 30 plate appearances indicates he’s seeing the ball well early on, making him a solid mid-range option in tournaments.

At just 4% projected ownership, Rosario provides leverage in GPPs without being completely overlooked by the field. His eligibility at both second and third base adds flexibility to your roster construction, especially if you’re looking to pivot off chalkier options at those positions. While his recent production has been modest, the combination of a hitter-friendly matchup and low ownership makes him worth considering as part of a Nationals stack or as a one-off play in larger-field tournaments.

Honorable Mentions

• Junior Caminero ($4,500)
• J.D. Davis ($2,900)

SS Plays

Top Play: Jose Caballero ($4,000)

Jose Caballero ($4,000) brings an intriguing mix of power and speed to tonight’s matchup against Boston. Slotted fifth in the Tampa Bay lineup, he’s in a prime spot to drive in runs while still offering stolen base upside. Caballero has already swiped five bags this season and is slashing an impressive .333/.455/.556 across 33 plate appearances. With Boston’s pitching staff struggling to contain baserunners, Caballero’s speed could be a difference-maker, especially if he reaches base early. His moderate 6.5% ownership aligns with his strong value rating (2.1x), making him a solid mid-range option for GPPs.

What really stands out is his ability to contribute across multiple categories, as evidenced by his recent 19-point DraftKings outing that included two steals. At $4,000, he projects for 8.3 DK points and appears in over 9% of optimal lineups, suggesting solid upside relative to his salary. The Rays also have a deep lineup that should give him opportunities to produce in a favorable hitting environment against Boston’s bullpen. With ownership near field average, Caballero offers just enough leverage without being overly contrarian—an excellent choice for those looking to balance safety with upside in tournaments.

Honorable Mentions

• Ezequiel Tovar ($3,300)
• David Hamilton ($2,100)

OF Plays

Top Play: Taylor Ward ($4,300)

Taylor Ward ($4,300) is in a prime spot tonight as he leads off for the Angels in a favorable matchup against the Rangers. Batting atop the order maximizes his plate appearances, and his recent power surge — five home runs in his last five games — makes him an appealing target in tournaments. The Rangers’ pitching staff has been inconsistent, and Globe Life Field plays as a hitter-friendly environment, further boosting Ward’s upside. His 2.21x value projection and appearance in 10.5% of optimal lineups highlight his strong potential at this price point.

At 13.5% ownership, Ward will be one of the more popular outfield options on the slate, but this chalk feels warranted given his recent form and premium lineup spot. While he doesn’t offer much speed upside, his current hot streak combined with the game environment makes him a solid option for both cash games and GPPs. If you’re comfortable eating some ownership in tournaments, Ward has the ability to deliver another strong performance at a reasonable salary.

Honorable Mentions

• Randy Arozarena ($4,200)
• Julio Rodriguez ($5,000)

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