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 $200K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]
Top MLB DFS Targets
Pitcher Studs
SP Sonny Gray (STL), $9,700: Sonny Gray has been one of the most mercurial pitchers in baseball over his last few starts. His previous five turns on the mound include a complete game 11-strikeout shutout, and two early exits with 4+ runs allowed. To say he can be inconsistent is an understatement. But at home against an equally up-and-down Atlanta Braves offense, I trust him to pitch like an ace in this one.
SP Noah Cameron (KC), $8,100: The Royals have quietly been a pitching factory in recent years. Noah Cameron might be next in line as a player to jump into the national spotlight. The rookie has pitched to a 2.56 ERA through his first 11 starts, fueled by elite breaking pitches and bat-missing ability. Right now, the Mets go as far as Juan Soto can take them; against a ground-ball pitcher, it might not be his best day.
Pitcher Value Plays
SP Nick Martinez (CIN), $7,000: Speaking of inconsistent pitchers. Three starts ago, Nick Martinez was three outs from a no-hitter. In his last turn, he got tuned up for 10 (!) earned runs. The good news for Martinez: he gets to face the Colorado Rockies and their bottom-five offense. For a below-average price, Martinez is a reasonable bet for providing No. 1 DFS starter value at a No. 2 price.
SP Simeon Woods-Richardson (MIN), $6,400: It wasn’t the best year for Simeon Woods-Richardson until a month ago. After his start on June 10th, the 24-year-old held a 5.74 ERA and was running out of chances. In five starts since, he’s recorded a 1.38 ERA with a WHIP under 1.00. Powered by a strong fastball, he’s turning his season around. He doesn’t provide the most length you’ll see from a starter, but against a feeble Pirates offense, that’s not the worst thing.
Infield Studs
C Cal Raleigh (SEA), $6,100: It’s unusual to see a catcher with the fourth-highest price on the DFS board. But Cal Raleigh has more than earned it. Only Barry Bonds has hit more home runs in a season before the All-Star break. The Big Dumper is on track for the best hitting season of all time from a backstop. The price is high, but with Seattle’s offense scorching hot in this series, I’m trusting Raleigh at his stud price.
3B Junior Caminero (TB), $5,000: Tampa Bay has a knack for churning out young hitters. Its latest phenom is the 22-year-old Caminero. Named to his first All-Star team this season, Caminero has been one of the elite run producers in the league. Top 10 in the American League in RBIs, his star is only rising. After being shut down on Saturday by Garrett Crochet, the Rays offense will be looking to get their lick back during this Sunday matinee. Caminero will be at the heart of that.
Infield Value Plays
1B Paul Goldschmidt (NYY), $3,800: Paul Goldschmidt has been nothing short of ridiculous against left-handers this season. The 37-year-old is batting .411 against southpaws and has been leading off when the Yankees face a lefty. Shota Imanaga is a potent lefty on the mound for the Cubs, but getting a bargain price on the New York leadoff man is a good deal to me.
3B Noelvi Marte (CIN), $3,900: Noelvi Marte is suddenly on fire for the Cincinnati Reds. Over his modest four-game hitting streak, the 23-year-old has recorded four extra-base hits, with three leaving the park. Though he’s batting at the bottom of Cincinnati’s lineup, he gets a date with Austin Gomber and his 5.92 ERA. It could be another productive afternoon for the young infielder.
Outfield Studs
OF Byron Buxton (MIN), $6,200: It’s hard to say any batter had a better day on Saturday than Byron Buxton. Fresh off his second All-Star selection, the 31-year-old outfielder celebrated by going 5-for-5 against the Pirates with a home run to complete the cycle. That’s nothing new for him; in his previous three starts, Bux has racked up five hits, five runs scored, and two stolen bases. His elite mix of power and speed can carry any lineup when he’s on.
OF Christian Yelich (MIL), $4,900: Speaking of hot-hitting outfielders. Yelich is back to his sweet-swinging ways after an injury-riddled 2024 season. On pace for his best power-hitting year since 2019, Yelich doesn’t need to put one in the bleachers to provide value. He’s stealing bases again and sits in the heart of a hot Brewers lineup. Even a walk or a single slap to the outfield can deliver him some runs scored.
Outfield Value Plays
OF Kyle Stowers (MIA), $4,100: One of the surprise 2025 All-Stars, Kyle Stowers has been a revelation for the Miami Marlins. The owner of the highest OPS on this Marlins squad, it’s no hyperbole to say he’s been their MVP this season. With the Orioles trotting out a struggling starter in Brandon Young on Sunday, I’ll take a slice of the Miami offense.
OF Ceddanne Rafaela (BOS), $4,000: One of the best defensive outfielders in baseball, the question about Ceddanne Rafaela has always been whether or not he can hit. The answer has been a resounding yes over this Boston win streak. Rafaela has recorded a hit in all eight wins, batting .419 with four home runs and 13 RBI. While the bat is hot, I’m riding Rafaela as a value DFS play.
