FREE 04/23 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 8-game MLB DFS slate offers a solid mix of high-total games and intriguing pitching matchups, with several spots to target for both hitters and arms. The highest projected scoring environments include the Dodgers-Cubs (9.5 total) and Rangers-Athletics (9.5 total), while the Pirates-Angels (9.0 total) also stands out thanks to favorable hitting conditions, including light winds blowing out in Anaheim. On the pitching side, Logan Webb takes center stage in San Francisco, where a pitcher-friendly 6.5 total and cool weather make it an appealing spot for arms.

Weather could play a role in Kansas City, where the Rockies-Royals game carries an 8.5 total but faces a 27% chance of rain that could lead to delays or even a postponement—something to monitor closer to lock. Meanwhile, Chicago’s partly cloudy skies and mild winds shouldn’t have much impact on the Dodgers-Cubs matchup, but it’s worth noting the wind blowing right to left at Wrigley. With several domed stadium games on the slate, including Blue Jays-Astros and Rays-Diamondbacks, weather won’t be an issue elsewhere, giving you plenty of options to build your lineups with confidence tonight.

Top Stacks

TEX 5-Man ($17,900)

Marcus Semien, Wyatt Langford, Josh Smith, Adolis Garcia, Josh Jung

The TEX 5-man stack, featuring Marcus Semien, Wyatt Langford, Josh Smith, Adolis Garcia, and Josh Jung, projects for 42.3 points at a solid value of 2.37 pts/$1000 on a $17,900 salary. This stack benefits from excellent lineup correlation with the hitters occupying the top five spots in the batting order, maximizing opportunities for runs and RBIs. Facing an opponent in a game with a 9.5 total, the offensive environment is favorable, especially with clear weather conditions (69°F, no precipitation) and minimal wind impact (8 MPH). The stack’s ownership sits at 12.3%, slightly above its optimal rate of 11.1%, indicating it’s moderately popular but not overly chalky. This makes it a viable option in tournaments where leveraging high-upside correlated lineups can differentiate rosters while still offering strong expected production.

TOR 5-Man ($22,500)

Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, George Springer, Andres Gimenez

The TOR 5-man stack featuring Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Anthony Santander, George Springer, and Andres Gimenez projects for 41.7 points with a solid value of 1.85 pts/$1000, making it a viable mid-tier option in DFS contests. With a game total of 8.5 and the matchup taking place in a domed stadium, external weather conditions won’t impact offensive performance. This stack benefits from elite lineup correlation, as all five hitters are positioned consecutively in the top five spots of the batting order, maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. The average ownership of 8.0% is reasonable relative to its optimal rate of 8.8%, suggesting it offers some leverage while still being efficient in lineups. Overall, this stack has strong offensive upside against their opponent in a controlled environment and should be considered for contests where moderate ownership leverage is desired.

KC 5-Man ($21,700)

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

The KC 5-man stack projects for 42.7 points at a solid value of 1.97 pts/$1000, making it a viable mid-range option in MLB DFS. The stack benefits from strong lineup correlation, with all five hitters occupying consecutive spots in the batting order (1-5), maximizing RBI and run-scoring opportunities. Facing an opponent in an 8.5 total game with moderate weather conditions (74°F, slight wind right to left, and a 27% chance of rain), the offensive environment is neutral but could be impacted by potential delays or a rainout risk. Ownership sits at a manageable 11.2%, slightly above its optimal rate of 8.6%, indicating some leverage concerns but still offering tournament viability if the team performs well. Anchored by Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, this stack has power/speed upside, though its success depends heavily on how KC capitalizes on their matchup against the opposing pitching staff.

SP Plays

Top Play: Logan Webb ($10,000)

Logan Webb ($10,000) stands out as a top pitching option on tonight’s slate, and his high ownership (45.7%) reflects that. He draws a favorable matchup against the Brewers, whose offense has struggled with consistency and carries a 25.4% strikeout rate versus right-handed pitching this season. Webb has been in strong form, posting double-digit strikeouts in two of his last three starts and maintaining an impressive 2.40 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 30 innings in 2025. His ability to work deep into games—evidenced by two seven-inning outings already—bolsters both his floor and ceiling, making him an anchor-worthy play even at elevated ownership levels.

The main decision here comes down to whether you’re comfortable eating the chalk in tournaments. Webb’s 30.8% optimal lineup rate suggests he’s worth the investment despite being highly owned, especially given his elite strikeout upside and consistent run prevention metrics. The Brewers’ middling offense doesn’t pose much of a threat in Oracle Park, one of MLB’s most pitcher-friendly environments, so Webb is set up for success once again. While pivoting to lower-owned arms could create leverage in large-field GPPs, Webb offers the best combination of safety and upside on the slate—a key factor if you’re looking for stability at SP1.

Honorable Mentions

• Freddy Peralta ($9,800)
• Michael Lorenzen ($7,300)

C Plays

Top Play: Danny Jansen ($2,800)

Danny Jansen ($2,800) offers intriguing value at the catcher position tonight against Arizona. Slotted to bat sixth for the Rays, Jansen’s modest salary and 11.5% optimal lineup rate make him a strong tournament play. While his recent form has been underwhelming (2-for-15 with eight strikeouts in his last six games), this matchup presents an opportunity for a bounce-back performance in a favorable hitting environment. At just 7.2% projected ownership, he provides moderate leverage without being overly chalky.

What stands out most about Jansen is his affordability paired with a solid projection of 6.33 DraftKings points, translating to 2.26x value at his price point. The Rays’ offense has shown plenty of upside this season, and while Jansen isn’t a high-ceiling power bat, his spot in the middle of the order should give him ample RBI opportunities if Tampa Bay can capitalize on Arizona’s pitching staff. For those looking to save salary while still targeting a player with decent lineup placement and optimal percentage metrics, Jansen fits the bill as a viable GPP option.

Honorable Mentions

• Logan O’Hoppe ($4,500)
• Ryan Jeffers ($3,500)

1B Plays

Top Play: Jake Burger ($2,700)

Jake Burger ($2,700) offers intriguing value in tonight’s slate, projecting at 2.91x his salary with a solid 7.86 DK points. Batting sixth for the Rangers against the Athletics, he faces a favorable matchup in Oakland’s pitcher-friendly park. While the lineup spot isn’t ideal for maximizing plate appearances, Burger’s power potential remains a key factor—evidenced by his recent home run on April 22. At just under 10% projected ownership, he’s moderately popular but not prohibitively chalky, making him a viable tournament option given his ability to deliver upside at this price point.

The Athletics’ pitching staff has struggled all season, and their bullpen ranks near the bottom of the league in several key metrics. This creates an opportunity for Burger to capitalize on mistakes late in the game if he doesn’t get to the starter early. While his recent inconsistency at the plate may give some DFS players pause, his strong value and appearance in 9.6% of optimal lineups suggest he’s worth consideration as a mid-tier option in GPPs. Just don’t expect him to carry your lineup—he’s best used as a complementary piece with clear upside at this salary.

Honorable Mentions

• Josh Smith ($3,200)
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($4,800)

2B Plays

Top Play: Marcus Semien ($3,000)

Marcus Semien ($3,000) offers strong value at his price point in tonight’s matchup against the Athletics. Despite being moved down to fifth in the order recently, he remains an appealing DFS option given his combination of power and run-production upside. Facing left-hander JP Sears, Semien’s splits against lefties (career .830 OPS) provide additional appeal, especially in a hitter-friendly environment like Oakland Coliseum. The Rangers have a solid implied team total, and Semien’s ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him an intriguing play even at elevated ownership levels (16.9%).

While his recent form has been inconsistent, Semien showcased his upside with a 25-point performance just two games ago. His projected 8.3 DK points and appearance in 10.6% of optimal lineups suggest he’s worth considering despite being chalky relative to the field average ownership (6%). The combination of a favorable matchup, strong value (2.76x), and proven ceiling makes him a viable option for both cash games and tournaments, though you may want to differentiate elsewhere in GPPs if you’re concerned about ownership overlap.

Honorable Mentions

• Tommy Edman ($4,100)
• Michael Massey ($3,100)

3B Plays

Top Play: Josh Smith ($3,200)

Josh Smith ($3,200) offers intriguing value tonight as he leads off for the Rangers against the Athletics. With a recent move to the top of the order, Smith is in a prime position to maximize plate appearances, and his left-handed bat matches up well against right-handers. The Athletics’ pitching staff has struggled all season, making this a favorable run-scoring environment for Texas. Smith’s 2.43x value projection and inclusion in 12.3% of optimal lineups highlight his strong upside at this salary. Additionally, his recent power surge (a homer and 18 DK points on April 22) adds appeal in GPP formats where ceiling matters.

At just 4.3% projected ownership, Smith presents an excellent leverage opportunity against the field. While his low salary makes him accessible for roster construction, his moderate ownership ensures he won’t be overly chalky in tournaments. Hitting ahead of Texas’ potent middle of the order increases his chances of scoring runs, and his ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him more than just a dart throw. For $3,200, Smith provides both value and differentiation in what could be a high-scoring matchup against Oakland’s vulnerable pitching staff.

Honorable Mentions

• Josh Jung ($3,400)
• Jonathan India ($3,600)

SS Plays

Top Play: Bobby Witt Jr. ($6,100)

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6,100) stands out as a strong DFS option in tonight’s matchup against the Rockies. Hitting second in the Royals’ lineup, Witt is positioned for maximum plate appearances and offers a valuable combination of power and speed. While his recent production has leaned more toward stolen bases (7 SBs this season) than home runs (just 2 HRs), his .308/.381/.473 slash line highlights his ability to consistently get on base and contribute across multiple categories. Facing a Rockies pitching staff that struggles away from Coors Field, Witt is in a favorable spot to extend his 14-game hit streak and capitalize on run-scoring opportunities.

At 22.9% projected ownership, Witt will be one of the chalkier plays on the slate, but the popularity seems justified given his strong projection (11.1 DK points) and optimal lineup percentage (13.9%). While he’s not a contrarian play, his combination of floor and ceiling makes him worth considering even at this elevated salary. The Royals’ offense isn’t typically explosive, but with Witt’s speed and ability to reach base consistently, he remains a key piece in both cash games and tournaments—especially against an exploitable Colorado pitching staff.

Honorable Mentions

• Bo Bichette ($4,400)
• Carlos Correa ($3,600)

OF Plays

Top Play: Wyatt Langford ($4,300)

Wyatt Langford ($4,300) is in a prime spot tonight, batting second for a Rangers team facing the Athletics in Oakland. This matchup offers plenty of upside, as Langford has been red-hot with a 1.011 OPS and five homers through 14 games. His recent move to the second spot in the order only boosts his appeal, guaranteeing more plate appearances in a lineup shakeup aimed at jumpstarting an offense ranked 27th in runs scored. Additionally, Langford’s power-speed combo is on full display, as evidenced by his recent game with a homer and stolen base. At his price point and with a projection of 9.9 DK points (2.3x value), he’s one of the top plays on the slate.

While Langford’s expected ownership (16.4%) is on the high side, it’s justified given his strong form and favorable context. The A’s pitching staff has struggled all season, providing an ideal run-scoring environment even in a pitcher-friendly park like Oakland Coliseum. Langford also appears in 13.4% of optimal lineups, highlighting his strong floor-ceiling combination for both cash games and tournaments. While chalky, he’s worth eating the ownership due to his elite combination of lineup position, recent production, and matchup advantages against this subpar Athletics staff.

Honorable Mentions

• Tommy Edman ($4,100)
• Yordan Alvarez ($5,100)

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