Welcome to my weekly Sunday DraftKings MLB DFS plays. I’ll break down some of the prime picks on the board, including studs and value plays, and why these players can lead your lineup to victory.
Set your DraftKings MLB DFS lineups here: MLB $15K Relay Throw [$5K to 1st]
Top MLB DFS Targets
Pitcher Studs
SP Nolan McLean (NYM), $8,900: Despite a rough second half of the year for the Mets, it’s been an exciting time for prospect debuts. Nolan McLean has broken into the majors alongside fellow top prospects Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. McLean has been dealing so far, recording at least 23.9 MLB DFS points in his first four starts. After a mildly disappointing outing against the Phillies, McLean is poised to rebound in a big way against the Rangers.
SP Slade Cecconi (CLE), $7,800: In Slade Cecconi’s last start, he came within three outs of a no-hitter. It was his second-highest scoring DFS outing of the year. During a critical stretch run for the Guardians, they’ll need to take care of business against the White Sox if they hope to steal a Wild Card spot. Count on Cecconi to deal against a subpar lineup.
Pitcher Value Plays
SP Jose Quintana (MIL), $7,400: As the Milwaukee Brewers close in on the top seed in the National League, the team is getting into a real rhythm. Taking care of these games against the St. Louis Cardinals is crucial to their goals. Jose Quintana isn’t the most spectacular pitcher, but he can work deep into games while handling mediocre lineups. He makes for a fine value play against a Cardinals team limping to the finish line.
SP Nabil Crismatt (ARI), $5,900: If you really need some value at the SP2 spot, Crismatt is your guy. He’s had some good turns on the bump for the Diamondbacks after their trade deadline fire sale. This Minnesota lineup has produced some solid results, but Crismatt’s ability to get ground balls plays well against them. He’s the best option among the bottom-barrel prices.
Infield Studs
2B Brice Turang (MIL), $4,900: It’s always wise to stack players against Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas. This Brewers lineup is poised to have a day offensively, and Brice Turang figures to be in the middle of things. His speed always plays, and he can provide power to boot. Turang’s blow-up potential makes him worth the price.
SS Jeremy Peña (HOU), $4,800: Atlanta Braves starter Joey Wentz, the owner of a 5.61 ERA, is being served up on a platter against this Astros offense. Houston is finally swinging the bats well, and they’ve enjoyed their visit to ATL. If Wentz gets crushed, Jeremy Peña will find himself on the scoreboard. He’s one of the best shortstops on the board and has significant MLB DFS potential facing a Braves team struggling to finish out the year.
Infield Value Plays
C Gabriel Moreno (ARI), $3,700: Arizona’s offense has quietly held it together since their trade deadline fire sale. Behind Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, and Geraldo Perdomo, they continue to put up solid numbers. Eugenio Suárez’s departure has moved Gabriel Moreno up in the batting order, handing him crucial RBI opportunities. He’s responded with some strong days at the plate. On a loaded catcher board, Moreno’s value stands out.
1B Vinnie Pasquantino (KC), $4,400: Pasquantino is having one of the quietest 30-homer/100-RBI seasons in recent memory. Outside of a notable five-game homer streak, he’s just been going about his business in the middle of the Royals’ lineup. Aaron Nola has struggled for most of the year, and Pasquantino will have opportunities to feast—especially with Bobby Witt Jr. cooking in front of him in the lineup.
3B Mark Vientos (NYM), $3,800: It’s been one heck of a second half for Mark Vientos. A postseason hero last year, the young infielder struggled at the beginning of the season, losing his regular spot in the lineup. Now he’s putting it together as the Mets’ offense finds a groove. For this price, Vientos is an easy lineup choice.
Outfield Studs
OF Corbin Carroll (ARI), $5,700: Who better to anchor your lineup than Carroll? He’s crushing home runs, stealing bags, and producing in the middle of this strong top of Arizona’s lineup. Against a struggling Bailey Ober, it’s wise to get as many Diamondbacks in your DFS lineup as you can afford.
OF Jackson Chourio (MIL), $5,000: Chourio has had his ups and downs this year, but facing Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas is a smash spot. He and Turang could form a solid stack if you’re looking to fade Mikolas and a suspect Cardinals bullpen. Chourio’s mix of power and speed makes up for his floor, making him a strong boom-or-bust option.
Outfield Value Plays
OF Kerry Carpenter (DET), $4,200: The Detroit Tigers are fighting for their lives to secure the No. 1 seed in the American League. Struggling through this series against the Marlins has not helped. Facing a young right-hander, this is a chance for Kerry Carpenter to eat. Count on the righty-masher to produce.
OF Mike Yastrzemski (KC), $3,800: If you want to stack your lineup on Nola alongside Vinnie Pasquantino, Yaz is your man. He’s been hitting leadoff for the Royals and doing a great job of getting on base. A nice 1-2 punch of Yaz getting on and Pasquatch driving him home sounds like a plan to me.
