MLB Top Hitters 5/17/24

In DFS, identifying the top hitters for each slate can make all the difference. Today’s matchups provide several excellent opportunities to exploit pitchers with weaknesses. Here are the top five DFS hitters and a few under-the-radar plays to consider for your lineups.

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Top 5 DFS Hitters

1. Juan Soto (New York Yankees) vs. Mike Clevinger (White Sox)

Insights:

• Mike Clevinger struggles against left-handed hitters, allowing a .205 ISO and .325 xwOBA.
• Soto has elite plate discipline and power, making him a top DFS play.

Key Points:

• ISO: .261 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .431 vs. RHP
• K%: 15.7% (Low strikeout rate enhances DFS floor)

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Soto’s ability to draw walks (19.1% BB%) and hit for power against right-handed pitching makes him a high-upside and high-floor option against Clevinger.

2. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) vs. Mike Clevinger (White Sox)

Insights:

• Judge’s immense power and ability to hit home runs make him a staple in DFS lineups.
• Facing Clevinger, who has a high xwOBA and allows significant power to righties, enhances Judge’s value.

Key Points:

• ISO: .316 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .456 vs. RHP
• K%: 27.2% (High but offset by power potential)

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Judge’s elite power and matchup against a pitcher who struggles with right-handed hitters make him a must-play. His potential for multiple home runs provides immense DFS upside.

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3. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers) vs. Frankie Montas (Reds)

Insights:

• Montas allows a .182 ISO and .357 xwOBA against left-handed hitters, setting up Freeman for success.
• Freeman’s consistent hitting and ability to get on base make him a valuable DFS asset.

Key Points:

• ISO: .218 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .413 vs. RHP
• BB%: 12.0% (High walk rate adds to his DFS floor)

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Freeman’s combination of power, contact, and plate discipline against a pitcher vulnerable to left-handed hitters makes him a top DFS pick.

4. Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) vs. Matt Waldron (Padres)

Insights:

• Waldron’s high walk rate and .221 ISO allowed to lefties set the stage for Acuña’s success.
• Acuña’s speed-power combo makes him a dynamic DFS player.

Key Points:

• ISO: .231 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .440 vs. RHP
• SB: High stolen base potential adds DFS value

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Acuña’s ability to hit for power and steal bases against a pitcher with control issues and susceptibility to left-handed hitters makes him an elite DFS choice.

5. Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) vs. Matt Waldron (Padres)

Insights:

• Waldron’s struggles with control and power against left-handed hitters favor Olson.
• Olson’s significant power potential and matchup against a weak pitcher make him a prime DFS option.

Key Points:

• ISO: .314 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .406 vs. RHP
• BB%: 16.0% (High walk rate)

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Olson’s power and ability to draw walks in a favorable matchup against a struggling pitcher make him a top DFS hitter for today.

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Under-the-Radar Plays

Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics) vs. Cole Ragans (Royals)

Insights:

• Cole Ragans allows a .094 ISO and .321 xwOBA against right-handed hitters.
• Rooker’s power against lefties makes him a sneaky play.

Key Points:

• ISO: .250 vs. LHP
• xwOBA: .366 vs. LHP
• K%: 32.2% (High strikeout rate but balanced by power)

Why He’s a Sneaky Play:

• Rooker’s power and favorable matchup against a pitcher vulnerable to right-handed power make him a potential high-reward play.

J.D. Davis (Oakland Athletics) vs. Cole Ragans (Royals)

Insights:

• Davis provides a solid combination of power and contact against left-handed pitching.
• Ragans’ struggles with right-handed hitters enhance Davis’ value.

Key Points:

• ISO: .189 vs. LHP
• xwOBA: .334 vs. LHP
• K%: 26.5% (Manageable strikeout rate)

Why He’s a Sneaky Play:

• Davis’ ability to hit for power against a struggling left-handed pitcher makes him a valuable under-the-radar option.

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Tyler O’Neill (St. Louis Cardinals) vs. Kyle Gibson (Red Sox)

Insights:

• Kyle Gibson allows a .191 ISO and .351 xwOBA against left-handed hitters.
• O’Neill’s power potential and favorable matchup position him as a strong DFS play.

Key Points:

• ISO: .204 vs. RHP
• xwOBA: .323 vs. RHP
• K%: 29.9% (High strikeout rate but offset by power)

Why He’s a Sneaky Play:

• O’Neill’s power and matchup against a pitcher who allows significant power to righties make him an intriguing DFS option.

Final Thoughts

Today’s DFS slate offers several top hitters and a few under-the-radar plays that can help you build a winning lineup. Focusing on players with favorable matchups against struggling pitchers can maximize your DFS potential.

Remember to use the provided statistics to justify your picks and create a balanced lineup. Good luck!