FREE 04/30 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 9-game MLB DFS slate offers a mix of high-scoring potential and intriguing pitching matchups, with four games carrying totals of 8.5 runs or higher. The STL @ CIN and NYY @ BAL matchups both sit at a hefty 9.5 total, making them prime spots to target hitters, especially with favorable hitting conditions in Baltimore (78°F and clear skies). Meanwhile, the CHC @ PIT game features a modest 8.5 total but could see a slight boost to power with winds blowing out at PNC Park. On the pitching side, keep an eye on Drew Rasmussen against the Royals in Tampa Bay—a controlled environment that neutralizes weather risks.

Weather concerns are relatively minor tonight, but there are a couple of spots to monitor. In Chicago, the MIL @ CWS game faces a 58% chance of rain, which could lead to delays or even a potential postponement—something to consider when rostering players from this matchup. Elsewhere, STL @ CIN has a small chance of precipitation (21%) but should be fine barring an unexpected shift in conditions. Overall, it’s shaping up to be a balanced slate with plenty of ways to build competitive lineups across different game environments.

Top Stacks

BAL 5-Man ($22,200)

Cedric Mullins, Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, Ryan O’Hearn, Ramon Laureano

The 5-man BAL stack of Mullins, Henderson, Rutschman, O’Hearn, and Laureano projects for 43.9 points at a solid value of 1.98 pts/$1000, making it a viable option for MLB DFS lineups. With all five hitters positioned consecutively in the top half of the batting order (1-5), this stack offers strong lineup correlation and maximum plate appearance potential. The game environment is favorable with a total of 9.5 runs and clear weather conditions (78°F, minimal wind), suggesting optimal hitting conditions. Facing an exploitable opposing pitching staff further enhances their offensive upside. Ownership is modest at 8.8%, while the optimal rate of 9.6% indicates they are slightly underutilized in tournaments, offering leverage against the field. This stack balances ceiling and value effectively, especially in GPP formats where lineup correlation and ownership leverage are critical factors.

CIN 5-Man ($22,700)

TJ Friedl, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Noelvi Marte, Spencer Steer

The CIN 5-man stack, featuring Friedl, McLain, De La Cruz, Marte, and Steer, projects for 44.5 points with a solid value of 1.96 pts/$1000. This lineup benefits from elite batting order positioning (1-5), maximizing plate appearance opportunities and lineup correlation for run creation. Facing an opponent in a game with a 9.5 total suggests a favorable offensive environment, although the partly cloudy weather with mild wind blowing in slightly tempers power upside. At an average ownership of 8.5% and an optimal rate of 9.3%, this stack offers leverage in tournaments while still aligning well with optimal lineup construction rates. Overall, CIN’s combination of high-upside hitters in premium spots and moderate ownership makes this stack a strong GPP option in its price range.

KC 5-Man ($20,400)

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

The KC 5-man stack projects for 38.3 points at a value of 1.88 pts/$1000, making it a solid mid-tier option with upside. The offensive environment is neutral, as the game total sits at 7.5, and KC faces a tough pitching matchup in Tampa’s pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field. However, clear weather and warm temperatures (87°F) may slightly benefit hitters, though the wind blowing right to left (7 MPH) is unlikely to have much impact on batted balls. This stack benefits from strong lineup correlation, as all players are positioned consecutively in the top five spots of the order, maximizing opportunities for run production and RBI potential. Ownership is low at 4.1%, providing leverage in tournaments, especially given its optimal lineup rate of 7.9%. While not the highest-ceiling stack due to park factors and matchup difficulty, its combination of low ownership and strong lineup synergy makes it an intriguing contrarian play in GPP formats.

SP Plays

Top Play: Cristopher Sanchez ($8,200)

Cristopher Sanchez ($8,200) is shaping up as one of the most popular pitching options on tonight’s slate, and it’s easy to see why. He draws a favorable matchup against the Nationals, who rank near the bottom of the league in power metrics and have a modest 20.4% strikeout rate versus left-handed pitching. While Sanchez doesn’t have elite strikeout upside (9.1 K/9 this season), he’s been efficient when on his game, as evidenced by his 12-strikeout performance against the Giants two starts ago. At $8,200, his projected 19.0 DraftKings points offer strong value (2.3x), and his 27.9% Optimal% suggests he’s a viable option in both cash games and tournaments.

The one concern here is ownership, as Sanchez is projected to be rostered by over half the field (53.5%). While that level of chalk can be risky in GPPs, it may still be worth eating given his combination of matchup, value, and floor. The Nationals’ lack of power minimizes blow-up risk, and Sanchez has shown he can deliver a ceiling game when everything clicks. If you’re looking to differentiate in tournaments, consider pairing him with a lower-owned SP2 or stacking against other popular plays elsewhere. For cash games, however, Sanchez feels like a rock-solid anchor at this price point.

Honorable Mentions

• Nathan Eovaldi ($9,200)
• Tobias Myers ($7,200)

C Plays

Top Play: Danny Jansen ($3,300)

Danny Jansen offers intriguing value at $3,300 in tonight’s matchup against Kansas City. While his recent production has been modest, his 2.0x value projection and appearance in 10.04% of optimal lineups highlight his potential as a solid tournament play. Batting sixth for Tampa Bay, Jansen should have opportunities to drive in runs in a favorable matchup against a Royals pitching staff that ranks near the bottom of the league in most key metrics. Though he’s not a high-upside power bat, his salary provides flexibility to pay up elsewhere without sacrificing too much at catcher.

At 7.05% projected ownership, Jansen is slightly above field average but far from chalky, making him a reasonable option for GPPs if you’re looking to differentiate while maintaining some safety at the position. His moderate ownership aligns with his projection and role, so while he’s not a must-play, he fits well into lineups needing salary relief without completely punting on production. Keep expectations realistic here—he’s more of a lineup filler than a game-changer—but the value is clear given the context of tonight’s slate.

Honorable Mentions

• Alejandro Kirk ($3,000)
• J.T. Realmuto ($3,800)

1B Plays

Top Play: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($4,900)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($4,900) is in a strong spot tonight against the Red Sox. While his recent form has been inconsistent, he’s still showing power upside with two homers in his last five games, including a two-run shot just yesterday. Hitting second in the Blue Jays’ lineup gives him excellent opportunities for both run production and RBI in a game where Toronto should see plenty of scoring chances. Facing Boston’s pitching staff, which has struggled to contain right-handed power bats this season, Guerrero’s combination of raw talent and premium lineup spot makes him a solid target at first base.

At 11% projected ownership, Guerrero sits slightly above the field average but remains manageable for tournaments given his ceiling. He appears in 10.9% of optimal lineups, further supporting his viability as a mid-range play with upside. While his .160 average over the past week might give some pause, his season-long .368 OBP and ability to barrel up pitches suggest he’s more than capable of delivering value here. At $4,900, he’s priced fairly for his potential to contribute across multiple categories in a favorable matchup.

Honorable Mentions

• Spencer Steer ($3,500)
• Willson Contreras ($3,300)

2B Plays

Top Play: Matt McLain ($4,800)

Matt McLain ($4,800) presents an intriguing option in tonight’s DFS slate, especially given his premium lineup spot batting second for the Reds. While his recent results have been underwhelming, his underlying metrics tell a different story. McLain boasts elite barrel (18.6%) and hard-hit rates (53.5%), which suggest he’s been a victim of poor luck rather than poor performance. Facing a Cardinals pitching staff that has struggled to contain right-handed hitters, McLain has the potential to capitalize on this matchup in a hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park.

At 11.3% projected ownership, McLain offers moderate leverage relative to the field average while appearing in 17.3% of optimal lineups—an encouraging sign for tournament play. His combination of power upside and speed (already swiping a bag last game) makes him a dual-threat option at second base, and his $4,800 salary feels reasonable given his strong 2x value projection. If you’re looking for a mid-range infielder with breakout potential in GPPs, McLain is firmly in play tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Pablo Reyes ($2,200)
• Kristian Campbell ($4,300)

3B Plays

Top Play: Pablo Reyes ($2,200)

At just $2,200, Pablo Reyes offers strong value as a salary-saving option in tonight’s DFS contests. Slotted seventh in the Yankees lineup, Reyes doesn’t have the premium plate appearances of a top-of-the-order bat, but his versatility and low cost make him an intriguing play. Baltimore’s Camden Yards is a neutral hitting environment, and while Reyes doesn’t bring much power upside, his ability to put the ball in play could lead to run-production opportunities against a middling Orioles pitching staff. His 6.3% optimal lineup rate reflects his potential to outperform his price point.

The moderate 8.7% ownership is slightly above field average but not prohibitive, especially given his strong 2.76x value projection on DraftKings. While Reyes’ ceiling is limited due to his lack of consistent power or speed, he’s an efficient way to free up salary for higher-priced hitters or pitchers in GPPs. If you’re looking for a low-cost option with some opportunity for production at 2B/3B, Reyes makes sense as part of a balanced roster construction strategy.

Honorable Mentions

• Mark Vientos ($3,400)
• Oswald Peraza ($2,500)

SS Plays

Top Play: Gunnar Henderson ($5,100)

Gunnar Henderson ($5,100) is a strong option at shortstop tonight, offering both power and consistency in an appealing matchup against the Yankees. Batting second for the Orioles, Henderson is in a prime spot to maximize plate appearances and capitalize on run-producing opportunities. He’s projected for 10.1 DraftKings points and appears in 15.8% of optimal lineups, highlighting his strong combination of upside and floor. Facing a Yankees pitching staff that has been vulnerable to left-handed bats, Henderson’s recent form—three home runs and a .316 average over his last five games—makes him a solid mid-tier play with legitimate power potential.

At 14.7% expected ownership, he’ll likely be popular in tournaments, but the chalk feels justified given his value at nearly 2x salary efficiency and the favorable game environment. The Orioles have been generating offense consistently, and Henderson’s ability to get on base while driving in runs makes him an excellent building block for both cash games and GPPs. While his high ownership limits leverage appeal, fading him could be risky given his premium lineup spot and recent production against a beatable Yankees staff.

Honorable Mentions

• Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,800)
• Elly De La Cruz ($6,000)

OF Plays

Top Play: Trent Grisham ($3,600)

Trent Grisham ($3,600) offers a strong value option in tonight’s DFS slate, projecting at 2.45x value with an 8.8 DK-point projection. Hitting second in the Yankees’ lineup, Grisham is positioned for maximum plate appearances in a favorable matchup against Baltimore. He’s been on a power surge recently, hitting five home runs in his last six games, and now faces a right-handed pitcher in Camden Yards—a hitter-friendly park for left-handed power. With his combination of recent form and premium lineup spot, Grisham has plenty of upside for his price.

At 12.8% projected ownership, Grisham will be relatively chalky compared to the field average, but the popularity seems justified given his optimal lineup appearance rate (9.7%). While he may not offer contrarian leverage, he’s still a strong play due to his ability to generate points across multiple categories. If you’re building tournament lineups, consider pairing him with other Yankees bats to maximize exposure to one of the slate’s more appealing run-scoring environments.

Honorable Mentions

• Ramon Laureano ($2,300)
• Joc Pederson ($2,400)

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