FREE 04/22 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 10-game MLB slate offers a variety of opportunities for DFS players, with several games featuring enticing totals and intriguing matchups. The highest total on the board is in Texas, where the Rangers and A’s square off with a 10-run over/under in a hitter-friendly environment. Elsewhere, the Cardinals-Braves game carries a solid 9-run total, but keep an eye on the weather in Atlanta as rain could lead to delays or even a potential postponement. Meanwhile, Phillies-Mets and Rockies-Royals both feature 8-run totals with favorable hitting conditions, including winds blowing out in Flushing and Kansas City.

Weather will be worth monitoring throughout the evening, particularly in Chicago (Dodgers-Cubs) and Atlanta, where both games face a 45% chance of rain. In Chicago, cooler temperatures (61°F) are paired with winds blowing out at Wrigley Field, which could elevate scoring if the game avoids delays. On the pitching side, Bailey Ober looks like one of the stronger options against a struggling White Sox lineup in Minneapolis. With plenty of mid-range totals and some weather uncertainty, this slate demands attention to both pitching matchups and late-breaking updates.

Top Stacks

KC 5-Man ($20,900)

Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Maikel Garcia

The KC 5-man stack, featuring Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Maikel Garcia, projects for 43.1 points at a total salary of $20,900, yielding a solid value of 2.06 pts/$1000. This stack benefits from strong lineup correlation with players occupying the top five spots in the batting order (1-5), maximizing plate appearance potential and run production synergy. Facing an opponent in an average offensive environment (8.0 game total) with clear weather conditions (77°F and a 9 MPH wind blowing out), there is modest upside for power potential. The stack’s average ownership (9.7%) aligns exactly with its optimal lineup rate (9.7%), suggesting it’s fairly efficient but not overly contrarian for tournaments. While the individual bats offer positional flexibility and upside—particularly Witt Jr. and Perez—the stack’s overall value hinges on Kansas City exceeding expectations offensively in this matchup.

MIN 5-Man ($17,600)

Edouard Julien, Byron Buxton, Luke Keaschall, Trevor Larnach, Carlos Correa

The MIN 5-man stack of Julien, Buxton, Keaschall, Larnach, and Correa projects for 41.5 points at a solid value of 2.36 pts/$1000, making it a reasonably efficient option at its $17,600 salary. With all five hitters positioned consecutively in the batting order (1-5), this stack benefits from strong lineup correlation, maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The game total of 8.5 suggests a moderate offensive environment, though clear weather with 68°F temperatures and a 9 MPH wind blowing out adds a slight boost to hitting conditions in Minneapolis. Ownership is moderate at an average of 10.2%, slightly above its optimal rate of 9.2%, indicating it’s not overly contrarian but also not excessively chalky. Overall, this stack offers decent upside with good lineup synergy in favorable weather conditions while remaining reasonably leveraged in tournaments.

TEX 5-Man ($18,800)

Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Wyatt Langford, Adolis Garcia, Josh Smith

The Texas Rangers’ 5-man stack of Semien, Seager, Langford, Garcia, and Smith projects for 42.5 points at a solid value of 2.26 pts/$1000 on an $18,800 salary. Facing an opponent in a game with a high total of 10.0 runs, this stack benefits from a strong offensive environment, particularly with clear weather (75°F) and minimal wind impact (9 MPH). The lineup features elite correlation with all five hitters batting consecutively (1-5), maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. Key power threats like Seager and Garcia provide upside, while Smith adds value as a low-cost option to complete the stack. Ownership sits at 9.2%, slightly above its optimal rate of 8.9%, indicating moderate leverage in tournaments but not extreme chalk. Overall, this stack is well-positioned for high-upside performance in favorable conditions against their opponent’s pitching staff.

SP Plays

Top Play: Bailey Ober ($6,900)

Bailey Ober presents a strong value option at $6,900 in a favorable matchup against the White Sox. Chicago has struggled mightily against right-handed pitching this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in wOBA and sporting a 25% strikeout rate versus righties. Ober’s recent outings have been solid, with back-to-back quality starts and an average of 16.8 DraftKings points over his last three games. While his overall 2025 numbers (6.16 ERA) may not inspire confidence, it’s worth noting that his underlying metrics suggest some bad luck early on, including a tough-luck outing against St. Louis to open the season. Pitching at home should also help mitigate any concerns, as Target Field is one of the more pitcher-friendly parks in baseball.

The biggest factor to consider here is ownership—Ober is projected to be highly rostered at 37.2%, which could make him chalky in tournaments. However, given his strong projection (18.93 DK points) and appearance in over 31% of optimal lineups, this chalk looks justified for cash games or small-field GPPs. His low price point creates flexibility to pay up for bats while still offering decent strikeout upside against a weak White Sox lineup. If you’re playing large-field tournaments and want to differentiate, fading Ober could make sense given the high ownership, but for most builds, he provides excellent value with both floor and ceiling potential at this salary.

Honorable Mentions

• Kris Bubic ($8,900)
• Cristopher Sanchez ($8,700)

C Plays

Top Play: Shea Langeliers ($4,200)

Shea Langeliers ($4,200) offers an intriguing mix of value and upside in tonight’s matchup against Texas. Slotted into the cleanup spot, he’s in a prime position to drive in runs, especially against a Rangers pitching staff that has been vulnerable to right-handed power. Langeliers has shown flashes of his pop recently, with four home runs on the season, and his 2.15x value projection on DraftKings makes him one of the better plays at the catcher position. While his recent stat lines have been inconsistent, his strong tournament rank (1st) and 10.08% optimal lineup appearance rate suggest he’s worth considering as part of your GPP builds.

The 15.5% projected ownership is higher than the field average for catchers, but it’s justified given his price point and role in the lineup. He provides solid exposure to an Athletics offense that could surprise in this matchup, particularly if they’re able to capitalize on favorable splits or bullpen weaknesses later in the game. While there’s some risk given Langeliers’ boom-or-bust tendencies, his combination of power potential and lineup positioning makes him a viable play even as chalk at a relatively shallow position.

Honorable Mentions

• Salvador Perez ($3,800)
• Logan O’Hoppe ($4,700)

1B Plays

Top Play: Salvador Perez ($3,800)

Salvador Perez ($3,800) offers intriguing value tonight against Colorado, checking in as one of the better tournament plays at his position. Slotted in the cleanup spot for Kansas City, Perez should see plenty of RBI opportunities in a favorable matchup. While his overall numbers this season are underwhelming (.213 average, .606 OPS), his power remains a threat, and he’s coming off a recent homer that could signal improved form. Colorado’s pitching staff has struggled mightily this year, and Perez’s right-handed bat matches up well with their lackluster options on the mound. At just 6.3% projected ownership and appearing in 11% of optimal lineups, he presents solid leverage for GPPs.

From a value perspective, Perez grades out well with a 2.09x projection at his modest salary. His ability to hit for power from the catcher position is always appealing in DFS, especially when ownership isn’t overwhelming. While his recent game logs don’t pop off the page, his cleanup role combined with the Royals’ implied run total makes him an affordable option with upside in tournaments. If you’re looking to differentiate without overextending your budget, Perez is worth strong consideration tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Josh Smith ($3,000)
• Vinnie Pasquantino ($3,800)

2B Plays

Top Play: Nolan Gorman ($3,300)

Nolan Gorman ($3,300) offers intriguing value in tournaments tonight as he takes on the Braves in Atlanta. Batting third for the Cardinals, Gorman is positioned to maximize his plate appearances in a high-scoring environment against a pitching staff that’s been vulnerable to left-handed hitters. While his recent production has been inconsistent, Gorman’s combination of power (27 home runs in 2024) and a strong lineup spot makes him an appealing option at just 3.4% projected ownership. With a 2.21x value rating and appearing in 13.4% of optimal lineups, he’s a solid leverage play in large-field GPPs.

At $3,300, Gorman’s salary allows you to save while still targeting upside in a hitter-friendly matchup. The Braves’ pitching staff has struggled against lefties at times this season, and Gorman’s ability to produce extra-base hits could pay off if the Cardinals’ offense gets rolling. His modest ownership ensures he won’t be overly chalky, making him a smart pivot off higher-owned bats at similar price points. If you’re looking for tournament differentiation without sacrificing potential ceiling, Gorman fits the bill nicely tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Luke Keaschall ($3,000)
• Edouard Julien ($3,200)

3B Plays

Top Play: Jonathan India ($3,500)

Jonathan India ($3,500) offers strong value tonight in a favorable matchup against the Rockies. Leading off for Kansas City, he’s positioned for maximum plate appearances, which is critical for DFS scoring. While his recent production has been inconsistent, India’s .350 OBP this season and ability to put the ball in play make him a solid option at this price point. The Rockies’ pitching staff has struggled against right-handed hitters, creating an advantageous spot for India to generate runs or set the table for the Royals’ lineup. At 2.3x value and appearing in 8.4% of optimal lineups, he projects as one of the better mid-range options on the slate.

The 11.5% ownership might seem high, but it’s justified given his leadoff role and matchup against a vulnerable opponent. India doesn’t carry much home run upside, but his ability to consistently reach base and contribute through hits or walks gives him a stable floor with room for upside if Kansas City’s offense gets rolling. While he won’t be a contrarian play in tournaments, his value metrics and lineup spot make him worth considering even as chalk in cash games or smaller-field contests.

Honorable Mentions

• Austin Riley ($4,800)
• Josh Smith ($3,000)

SS Plays

Top Play: Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,800)

Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,800) is in a strong spot tonight against Colorado, offering both power and speed upside from the second spot in Kansas City’s lineup. Witt has been on a tear with a 10-game hitting streak, and his .307 average paired with a .384 OBP highlights his consistency at the plate. His ability to contribute across multiple categories is bolstered by his five stolen bases this season, making him an appealing option in DFS formats. Facing a Rockies pitching staff that struggles on the road, Witt’s combination of recent form and matchup makes him a high-floor, high-ceiling play.

At 19.8% projected ownership, Witt will be one of the more popular shortstops on the slate, but the chalk looks justified given his optimal lineup appearance rate of 16.4%. While he’s not a contrarian pick, fading him could be risky in tournaments given his well-rounded skill set and ability to generate points in multiple ways. If you’re looking to differentiate elsewhere, Witt remains an excellent core piece for your lineups in what shapes up as a favorable hitting environment.

Honorable Mentions

• Corey Seager ($4,300)
• Carlos Correa ($3,600)

OF Plays

Top Play: Byron Buxton ($4,700)

Byron Buxton ($4,700) stands out as a strong DFS option tonight against the White Sox. Batting second for Minnesota, he’s in a prime lineup spot to maximize plate appearances and capitalize on his power-speed combination. Over his last 10 games, Buxton has posted six extra-base hits and five multi-hit outings, showcasing both consistency and upside. His .474 slugging percentage on the season highlights his power potential, while five steals across 83 plate appearances add another layer of fantasy value. The White Sox pitching staff has struggled this season, creating a favorable matchup for the Twins’ offense.

At 17.8% projected ownership, Buxton will be popular, but it’s chalk that makes sense given his affordable salary and strong projection of 10.95 DK points (2.33x value). He also appears in 16.4% of optimal lineups, reinforcing his tournament viability despite the elevated ownership. While not a contrarian play, he offers one of the best combinations of floor and ceiling at this price point, making him worth considering in all formats.

Honorable Mentions

• Wyatt Langford ($4,400)
• Brent Rooker ($5,300)

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