MLB Top Hitters 5/18/24 Early Slate

Today’s MLB DFS Early Slate slate is packed with exciting matchups, and we’re here to break down the top hitters to target. We’ll dive into the statistics and explain why each player is poised for a big day.

From power hitters to under-the-radar gems, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into the top 5 DFS hitters for today and some sneaky plays that could give you an edge.

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1. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) vs. Brad Keller (Chicago White Sox)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .316 ISO, .456 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. RHP: .464 xHR, 27.2% K%, 18.0% BB%
• Why He’s a Top Play:
  • Judge is facing Brad Keller, who struggles against right-handed batters with a .366 xwOBA and 20.0% BB%.
  • Yankee Stadium is a hitter-friendly park, enhancing Judge’s power potential.
  • Judge’s plate discipline and power make him a high-upside option against Keller.

2. Juan Soto (New York Yankees) vs. Brad Keller (Chicago White Sox)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .261 ISO, .431 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. RHP: 15.7% K%, 19.1% BB%
• Why He’s a Top Play:
  • Soto excels against right-handed pitching, and Keller’s struggles amplify Soto’s strengths.
  • Soto’s ability to get on base and his power make him a great DFS target, especially in a hitter-friendly environment.

3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) vs. Zach Eflin (Tampa Bay Rays)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .181 ISO, .379 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. RHP: 16.4% K%, 9.1% BB%
• Why He’s a Top Play:
  • Guerrero Jr. is facing Zach Eflin, who has allowed a .313 xwOBA to right-handed batters.
  • Guerrero’s combination of contact and power makes him a strong play, especially at home in Rogers Centre.

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4. Pete Alonso (New York Mets) vs. Braxton Garrett (Miami Marlins)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .307 ISO, .395 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. LHP: 23.5% K%, 11.3% BB%
• Why He’s a Top Play:
  • Alonso faces Braxton Garrett, who has shown vulnerability to right-handed power hitters (.191 ISO allowed).
  • Alonso’s immense power makes him a prime candidate for a big game in this matchup.

5. Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs) vs. Bailey Falter (Pittsburgh Pirates)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .248 ISO, .326 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. LHP: 15.1% K%, 5.9% BB%
• Why He’s a Top Play:
  • Bellinger is up against Bailey Falter, who struggles against left-handed hitters with a .287 ISO allowed.
  • Bellinger’s power and ability to hit lefties make him a strong play today.

Under the Radar Plays

1. Anthony Rizzo (New York Yankees) vs. Brad Keller (Chicago White Sox)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .166 ISO, .324 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. RHP: 23.6% K%, 8.1% BB%
• Why He’s a Sneaky Play:
  • Rizzo’s left-handed bat against Keller’s right-handed pitching is a favorable matchup.
  • His ability to get on base and hit for power gives him upside at a likely lower ownership.

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2. Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates) vs. Shota Imanaga (Chicago Cubs)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .156 ISO, .347 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. LHP: 19.2% K%, 15.4% BB%
• Why He’s a Sneaky Play:
  • McCutchen thrives against left-handed pitching and Imanaga, despite being solid, could be vulnerable to a veteran hitter like McCutchen.
  • His on-base skills and experience make him a valuable under-the-radar option.

3. Josh Lowe (Tampa Bay Rays) vs. Kevin Gausman (Toronto Blue Jays)

• Key Stats:
  • 2023-24 Season: .218 ISO, .347 xwOBA
  • Last 2 Seasons vs. RHP: 23.5% K%, 6.6% BB%
• Why He’s a Sneaky Play:
  • Lowe’s power against right-handed pitching makes him a potential game-changer, even against a tough pitcher like Gausman.
  • His lower expected ownership and high upside make him an intriguing play.

Conclusion

Today’s slate offers a mix of elite hitters in favorable matchups and some under-the-radar plays that could provide significant value. Keep an eye on these players as you build your DFS lineups and stay tuned for more insights on top stacks and other key plays.