FREE 04/18 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 10-game MLB slate brings a mix of intriguing pitching matchups and some solid hitting environments to target. Four games feature totals of 9 runs or higher, with the Reds-Orioles (9.0) and White Sox-Red Sox (9.5) standing out as potential high-scoring spots. The weather in Baltimore is particularly interesting, with 72° temperatures and 13 MPH winds blowing out, which could give hitters an extra boost. Similarly, in Boston, cooler temperatures at 59° are offset by a strong 16 MPH wind blowing out at Fenway, making it another spot to consider for offense.

On the pitching side, there’s some strikeout upside with arms like Carlos Rodon facing the Rays in Tampa and Logan Webb squaring off against the Angels in Anaheim. While most domed stadiums remove weather from the equation tonight, keep an eye on wind conditions in Flushing, where a strong 21 MPH breeze blowing right to left could suppress power slightly for Cardinals-Mets hitters. With a mix of hitter-friendly environments and some reliable pitching options, there’s plenty to break down for your DFS builds tonight!

Top Stacks

CIN 5-Man ($20,300)

Matt McLain, Santiago Espinal, Elly De La Cruz, Austin Hays, Spencer Steer

The CIN 5-man stack, featuring Matt McLain, Santiago Espinal, Elly De La Cruz, Austin Hays, and Spencer Steer, projects for 42.6 points with a strong value of 2.10 pts/$1000. This stack benefits from excellent lineup correlation, occupying the top five spots in the batting order (1-5), maximizing opportunities for run creation and RBI potential. Facing Baltimore in a game with a solid 9.0-run total, the offensive environment is favorable, particularly with 13 MPH winds blowing out and mild temperatures (72°F), which could enhance power potential at Camden Yards. Ownership sits at a moderate 8.0%, slightly below its optimal rate of 9.0%, making this stack both viable and somewhat contrarian in tournaments. Overall, this lineup offers a strong mix of upside and efficiency while capitalizing on positive weather conditions and a high-leverage batting order setup.

SEA 5-Man ($20,500)

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

The SEA 5-man stack, featuring Julio Rodriguez, Jorge Polanco, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and Luke Raley with a combined salary of $20,500, offers a solid projection of 41.9 points and a respectable value of 2.04 pts/$1000. The lineup benefits from strong batting order correlation, as all players are positioned consecutively (1-5), maximizing run-scoring and RBI potential. Playing in a domed stadium eliminates weather concerns, ensuring stable offensive conditions. While the game total is modest at 8.0 runs, SEA’s offense has upside against their opponent’s pitching staff, particularly if the opposing starter struggles with top-of-the-order hitters. The stack’s average ownership is relatively low at 5.9%, providing leverage in tournaments given its optimal lineup rate of 8.4%. This combination of value, correlation, and leverage makes the stack a viable GPP option with strong upside for its cost.

BOS 5-Man ($22,500)

Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, Alex Bregman, Trevor Story, Romy Gonzalez

The BOS 5-man stack projects for 43.3 points at a solid value of 1.93 pts/$1000, making it a viable option in MLB DFS contests. With all five hitters projected to bat consecutively (1-5 in the order), this lineup offers excellent correlation potential, maximizing opportunities for runs and RBIs. The game environment is favorable with a 9.5 total and wind blowing out at 16 MPH in Boston, which could enhance power output in the partly cloudy, hitter-friendly conditions. The stack’s average ownership of 7.5% is reasonable given its optimal rate of 8.2%, providing slight leverage in tournaments. Facing a likely exploitable pitching matchup, this stack combines strong offensive upside, lineup synergy, and moderate ownership to make it an appealing high-upside play for GPP formats.

SP Plays

Top Play: Logan Webb ($9,000)

Logan Webb ($9,000) offers a solid mix of floor and ceiling in tonight’s matchup against the Angels. While his recent outing against the Yankees was shaky (13.9 DK points), he flashed his upside just a week prior with a dominant 33.3-point performance versus Cincinnati, striking out 10 over seven scoreless innings. The Angels present a middling offensive challenge, and Webb’s ability to generate whiffs (26 strikeouts over his last three starts) keeps him firmly in play. His efficiency can occasionally waver—highlighted by four walks in his last start—but when locked in, he has the pitch count capacity to go deep into games.

At 29.7% projected ownership, Webb is one of the chalkier options on this slate, but it’s justified given his strong 2.24x value and appearance in 23.2% of optimal lineups. The $9,000 salary is reasonable for someone with his strikeout upside and consistency (2.63 ERA on the season). While he may not be a contrarian option for tournaments, he’s a reliable anchor for cash games or as part of a balanced GPP build in what should be a favorable road matchup against an Angels team lacking depth beyond their top hitters.

Honorable Mentions

• Freddy Peralta ($9,500)
• Bowden Francis ($7,300)

C Plays

Top Play: Gary Sanchez ($2,100)

Gary Sanchez offers intriguing value at just $2,100 on DraftKings tonight against Cincinnati. Projected for 6.72 DK points with a strong 3.2x value rating, he’s an affordable way to fill the catcher spot while saving salary for higher-priced bats or arms. While his seventh spot in the order limits his plate appearance upside, Sanchez’s power potential always makes him a threat, especially against a Reds pitching staff that has struggled to contain right-handed hitters this season. With an 8.52% optimal lineup appearance rate, he’s more than capable of providing solid production at this price point.

That said, Sanchez’s expected 12.7% ownership is worth considering given his limited role and inconsistent playing time behind Adley Rutschman. While his salary and value metrics make him appealing in cash games, the elevated ownership could make him less appealing in tournaments where differentiation is key. If you’re targeting Sanchez in GPPs, make sure the rest of your lineup has lower-owned plays to balance out the chalk exposure. Overall, he’s a viable option for salary relief but not without some risk tied to his role and lineup spot.

Honorable Mentions

• Cal Raleigh ($4,100)
• Yainer Diaz ($3,300)

1B Plays

Top Play: Shohei Ohtani ($6,400)

Shohei Ohtani ($6,400) offers a compelling mix of power, speed, and opportunity in tonight’s matchup against the Rangers. Hitting leadoff for the Dodgers, Ohtani is guaranteed maximum plate appearances, and his elite skill set makes him a threat to produce in multiple categories. He’s projected for 11.4 DraftKings points and appears in 16.6% of optimal lineups, reflecting both his strong ceiling and reliable floor. Facing a Rangers pitching staff that has struggled to contain left-handed power hitters, Ohtani’s combination of home run potential (six homers already this season) and stolen base upside (five steals) puts him firmly on the radar despite his high salary.

At just 6.6% projected ownership, Ohtani provides modest leverage in tournaments without being prohibitively chalky. While $6,400 is a significant investment, his ability to fill either first base or outfield gives you roster flexibility to build around him. The game environment also works in his favor; Globe Life Field offers a hitter-friendly backdrop with warm weather expected to aid ball flight. If you’re looking for a high-upside play with multi-category potential and low enough ownership to differentiate your lineup, Ohtani is an excellent option tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Luke Raley ($3,200)
• Spencer Steer ($3,400)

2B Plays

Top Play: Alex Bregman ($4,900)

Alex Bregman ($4,900) is an intriguing option in tonight’s slate as he returns to the lineup following a brief paternity leave. Slotted third in Boston’s batting order, he’ll face the White Sox in a favorable matchup against a pitching staff that has struggled to contain right-handed hitters this season. Bregman’s ability to consistently put the ball in play and his .364 OBP against right-handed pitching make him a solid target, particularly in tournaments where his moderate 6.4% projected ownership offers some leverage. With Boston holding one of the higher implied team totals on the slate, this game environment sets up well for run production, giving Bregman multiple paths to fantasy success.

What stands out most about Bregman is his combination of value and upside at this price point. Projected for 9.3 DraftKings points with a strong 1.9x value multiplier, he also appears in 9.6% of optimal lineups—indicative of his potential ceiling in GPPs. While his ownership isn’t low enough to be contrarian, it’s reasonable for a player ranked first in tournament value at his position. If you’re looking for a mid-range bat with power and run-producing opportunities, Bregman profiles as a reliable option who could outperform expectations without breaking the bank.

Honorable Mentions

• Matt McLain ($5,300)
• Luisangel Acuna ($3,400)

3B Plays

Top Play: Austin Riley ($4,600)

Austin Riley ($4,600) presents an intriguing option at third base tonight against the Twins. Hitting second in the Braves’ potent lineup, Riley is in a prime position to maximize his plate appearances and capitalize on run-producing opportunities. While his recent performance has been a bit inconsistent, he’s flashed significant upside with three homers and 57 DraftKings points over his last four games. Facing a Twins pitching staff that has been vulnerable to right-handed power this season, Riley’s ability to drive the ball makes him a strong tournament play. His projection of 9.36 DK points and 10.5% optimal lineup rate highlight his solid value at this salary.

At 9.8% projected ownership, Riley isn’t sneaking under the radar but remains manageable in GPPs given his ceiling and context within Atlanta’s high-powered offense. The Braves are one of the league’s top-scoring teams, offering a strong run environment for their hitters. With his combination of power potential, lineup spot, and favorable matchup, Riley is worth considering as part of your DFS build—especially if you’re looking for exposure to Atlanta without going overly chalky.

Honorable Mentions

• Spencer Steer ($3,400)
• Ben Williamson ($2,200)

SS Plays

Top Play: Elly De La Cruz ($5,600)

Elly De La Cruz ($5,600) offers an intriguing mix of power and speed in tonight’s matchup against the Orioles. Hitting third for Cincinnati, he’s in a prime lineup spot to maximize both run production and plate appearances. While his recent fantasy outputs have been steady rather than explosive, his ability to contribute across multiple categories keeps him firmly in play. Baltimore’s pitching staff has struggled to contain left-handed bats this season, and De La Cruz’s combination of pop and base-stealing upside makes him especially dangerous in this spot. With a projection of 10.5 DK points and a solid 17.1% optimal lineup rate, he profiles as one of the more reliable mid-tier options at shortstop.

At 14.1% projected ownership, De La Cruz will be relatively popular compared to the field average, but it’s easy to see why. His price tag is reasonable for his skill set, and his ability to impact the game with both his bat and legs makes him less reliant on home runs for value. For tournaments, he may not be the sneakiest option given the ownership, but he remains a strong play if you’re looking for a high-upside piece in what should be a competitive game environment. If you want differentiation elsewhere in your lineup, there’s still plenty of justification to roster De La Cruz given his potential ceiling.

Honorable Mentions

• Trevor Story ($4,500)
• Jeremy Pena ($3,600)

OF Plays

Top Play: Byron Buxton ($4,400)

Byron Buxton ($4,400) is an intriguing tournament play tonight, offering both power and speed upside at a reasonable price point. Hitting second in the Twins’ lineup maximizes his plate appearances, and while his early-season struggles (.178 average) are concerning, he’s still managed two home runs and three steals in just 12 games. The matchup against Atlanta isn’t ideal given their strong pitching staff, but Buxton’s elite athleticism keeps him in play for GPPs. His recent stat lines include a 21-point DraftKings outing just a few days ago, showcasing his ability to deliver ceiling performances even when his bat isn’t fully clicking.

At 10.8% projected ownership, Buxton is one of the more popular plays on this slate, but the chalk feels warranted given his combination of value (2.17x) and a 14% optimal lineup rate. He’s a volatile player who fits better in tournaments than cash games due to his boom-or-bust nature, but if you’re looking for mid-range outfielders with multi-category potential, he’s worth considering. Just keep expectations realistic given the tough matchup and his current strikeout issues (17 Ks in 45 ABs).

Honorable Mentions

• Tyler O’Neill ($4,600)
• Heliot Ramos ($4,100)

Good luck tonight! Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!