FREE 06/03 MLB Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

We’ve got a hefty 12-game slate on tap tonight, but weather immediately throws a wrench into things. The Rangers-Rays game is staring down a near-certain rainout, so cross that off your list for now. Beyond that, we’re seeing some hitter-friendly conditions in a few spots, especially with the wind blowing out in St. Louis and Los Angeles.

The Twins-Athletics matchup in Oakland stands out with a slate-high total of 10 runs, making it a prime target for offensive firepower. Keep an eye on the wind in Chicago as well; the 18 MPH breeze blowing right to left could favor left-handed power. The wind is blowing right to left in Boston and Cincinnati but the wind in those locations are not projected to be as strong as Chicago.

Top Stacks

MIN 5-Man ($20,200)

Byron Buxton, Ryan Jeffers, Ty France, Carlos Correa, Royce Lewis

The Twins stack, headlined by Buxton and Correa, presents intriguing leverage at 2.23 points per thousand. While the optimal rate sits around 8.3%, the projected 12.1% ownership suggests a slight fade in large-field GPPs. The juicy 10-run total and favorable hitting weather in West Sacramento certainly inflate the price tags, but this lineup has the potential to smash, making them a worthwhile contrarian play if they can capitalize on the run environment.

DET 5-Man ($21,100)

Parker Meadows, Gleyber Torres, Kerry Carpenter, Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson

The Detroit stack presents intriguing leverage tonight. At 2.08 points per $1000, the value is solid, especially when considering the modest 8% average ownership. While their optimal rate sits slightly lower at 6.6%, that discrepancy signals potential for outperformance if they hit. The 8.5 game total and wind blowing out in Chicago further boosts their offensive environment, making them a viable contrarian option.

KC 5-Man ($18,400)

Jonathan India, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, Jac Caglianone

The Royals stack, headlined by Witt and Pasquantino, presents a solid value at 2.22 points per thousand, especially considering the favorable 9.0 total and the wind blowing out in St. Louis. While their 6.4% optimal rate is slightly below their average ownership of 7.3%, suggesting they might be a tad overplayed, the weather conditions and potential for runs in this matchup make them a worthwhile consideration. The key is whether India and Caglianone can outperform their salaries in this advantageous hitting environment to push this stack over the top.

SP Plays

Top Play: George Kirby ($8,200)

George Kirby is in a prime spot to bounce back tonight against Baltimore. His recent outings haven’t been stellar, but this matchup offers a great opportunity to showcase his skills, with an optimal lineup percentage of 20.14%. He’s priced at $8200, presenting solid value at 2.1x, and his high ownership (19.2%) suggests confidence from the field.

Kirby’s stuff plays well, and Baltimore’s lineup can be prone to strikeouts, especially against a righty with his command. He’s the #2 ranked GPP play for good reason, and the Mariners need a strong performance from him to get back on track. Look for Kirby to leverage his strengths and deliver a quality start.

Honorable Mentions

• Spencer Strider ($8,500)
• Hunter Greene ($9,500)

C Plays

Top Play: Ryan Jeffers ($3,700)

Ryan Jeffers bats second for the Twins and presents a strong value at his $3700 price tag. He is projected to be in 13.2% of optimal lineups, indicating his high potential for point production. Facing the Athletics, Jeffers is in a prime position to contribute, especially given his 2.39x value proposition.

Jeffers offers significant upside in this matchup as a right-handed batter. His placement in the lineup maximizes his opportunities for at-bats and run production. Although recent games show mixed results, his high optimal lineup percentage suggests the model anticipates a positive performance against the Athletics.

Honorable Mentions

• Salvador Perez ($3,200)
• Francisco Alvarez ($3,000)

1B Plays

Top Play: Ernie Clement ($2,900)

Ernie Clement provides significant salary relief at $2900 while hitting in the 6th spot for Toronto. He’s been on a tear recently, demonstrated by his impressive performances against Oakland where he racked up multiple hits and RBIs. Clement’s ability to contribute across multiple stat categories makes him a valuable asset in DFS.

Clement’s dual eligibility at 1B/2B offers roster flexibility, and he faces a favorable matchup against Philadelphia. His projected 2.17x value and inclusion in 9.6% of optimal lineups suggests he’s poised to exceed expectations. With moderate ownership around 2.4%, Clement presents a strategic opportunity to gain leverage in tournaments.

Honorable Mentions

• Shohei Ohtani ($6,400)
• Alec Bohm ($3,700)

2B Plays

Top Play: Willi Castro ($3,200)

Willi Castro provides excellent salary relief at $3200, allowing you to load up elsewhere, and he’s shown recent flashes of upside with two 2-hit games in his last four. He bats 9th for the Twins, and despite the lower lineup spot, his multi-position eligibility (2B/OF) gives you roster flexibility. He’s clearly demonstrated his ability to rack up points, exemplified by his 36 DK point performance on May 30th.

Castro faces the Athletics tonight, and his expected ownership of 8.4% is reasonable given his potential to exceed his value. His optimal lineup percentage of 8.32% suggests he has a legitimate chance to be a key contributor to winning lineups, and a value of 2.24x further supports his potential to deliver a strong return on investment.

Honorable Mentions

• Nolan Gorman ($3,100)
• Gleyber Torres ($4,400)

3B Plays

Top Play: Royce Lewis ($3,300)

Royce Lewis is in a prime position to exceed value hitting 5th for the Twins against the Athletics. His $3300 salary provides significant savings, and he projects for a strong 2.53x value return. He’s a tournament-winning play at this price, appearing in a solid 9.5% of optimal lineups.

Lewis offers considerable upside despite a few recent quiet games. His spot in the batting order sets him up to drive in runs, and the matchup against Athletics pitching is favorable for right-handed hitters. He’s projected to be 11.1% owned, making him a key differentiator in tournaments.

Honorable Mentions

• Nolan Gorman ($3,100)
• Jose Ramirez ($5,600)

SS Plays

Top Play: Bobby Witt Jr. ($5,500)

Bobby Witt Jr. is in an excellent spot tonight, batting second for the Royals against the Cardinals. He brings a strong combination of power and speed, contributing in multiple categories for fantasy production. Witt’s consistent presence at the top of the lineup maximizes his opportunities for at-bats and run-scoring chances.

Witt provides exceptional value at $5500, projecting at 2.1x, and he’s showing up in over 12% of optimal lineups. He’s a top tournament play at shortstop with his high ceiling, and even with the elevated ownership, his upside is worth the investment in this matchup.

Honorable Mentions

• Carlos Correa ($3,700)
• Bo Bichette ($4,000)

OF Plays

Top Play: Shohei Ohtani ($6,400)

Ohtani is crushing the ball, highlighted by his recent homer and sacrifice fly against the Mets on Monday. He’s launched six home runs in his last eight games, demonstrating his immense power and run-producing ability. Hitting leadoff for the Dodgers maximizes his plate appearances and exposure to RBI opportunities.

Facing the Mets today, Ohtani offers strong value at his $6400 price, projecting for nearly 2x return. He appears in over 11% of optimal lineups, indicating his high ceiling, and his 12.2% ownership suggests the field recognizes his potential to be a slate-breaker. His left-handed bat gives him an edge.

Honorable Mentions

• Byron Buxton ($5,700)
• Riley Greene ($4,500)

Good luck today! 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!