MLB Top Hitters 5/18/24 Main Slate

Today’s MLB DFS slate offers plenty of exciting matchups and potential high-scoring games. Here are the top 5 DFS hitters for today’s slate, along with a few under-the-radar plays that could provide great value. We’ll dive into the statistics and explain why each player is a top play for today.

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Top 5 DFS Hitters

1. Shohei Ohtani (L) – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Graham Ashcraft (R) – Reds

• Price: $6500
• Matchup Insights:
  • Ohtani has been one of the most consistent and powerful hitters this season, with a .381 ISO and .463 xwOBA.
  • Facing Graham Ashcraft, who has struggled against left-handed hitters with a .186 ISO and .321 xwOBA.
  • Ohtani’s ability to hit for power and get on base makes him an elite play against a vulnerable pitcher.

Key Points:

• Ohtani’s power and consistency.
• Ashcraft’s struggles against left-handed hitters.

2. Freddie Freeman (L) – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Graham Ashcraft (R) – Reds

• Price: $5400
• Matchup Insights:
  • Freeman has been a force against right-handed pitchers, boasting a .217 ISO and .412 xwOBA.
  • Ashcraft’s issues with left-handed hitters further elevate Freeman’s upside.
  • Freeman’s combination of power and plate discipline makes him a top play.

Key Points:

• Freeman’s strong performance against righties.
• Ashcraft’s difficulties with left-handed hitters.

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3. Yordan Alvarez (L) – Houston Astros vs. Bryse Wilson (R) – Brewers

• Price: $5500
• Matchup Insights:
  • Alvarez has been exceptional against right-handed pitchers, with a .286 ISO and .446 xwOBA.
  • Wilson’s struggles against left-handed hitters, including a .224 ISO and .378 xwOBA, make this a prime matchup.
  • Alvarez’s power potential and consistent production make him a top target.

Key Points:

• Alvarez’s dominance against right-handed pitching.
• Wilson’s vulnerabilities against left-handed power hitters.

4. Ronald Acuña Jr. (R) – Atlanta Braves vs. Yu Darvish (R) – Padres

• Price: $6100
• Matchup Insights:
  • Acuña has been a standout performer, with a .230 ISO and .439 xwOBA against right-handed pitching.
  • Darvish has been inconsistent, and Acuña’s power-speed combo offers significant upside.
  • Acuña’s ability to contribute across multiple categories makes him a valuable DFS asset.

Key Points:

• Acuña’s power and speed.
• Darvish’s inconsistency and potential to give up big games.

5. Rafael Devers (L) – Boston Red Sox vs. Miles Mikolas (R) – Cardinals

• Price: $4900
• Matchup Insights:
  • Devers has been a key hitter for the Red Sox, with a .250 ISO and .401 xwOBA against right-handers.
  • Mikolas has struggled against left-handed hitters, allowing a .203 ISO and .352 xwOBA.
  • Devers’ power and ability to hit for average make him a top play against Mikolas.

Key Points:

• Devers’ power and success against right-handed pitchers.
• Mikolas’ challenges against left-handed hitters.

Under-the-Radar Plays

1. Nolan Gorman (L) – St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kutter Crawford (R) – Red Sox

• Price: $3400
• Matchup Insights:
  • Gorman has shown significant power with a .239 ISO and .352 xwOBA against right-handers.
  • Crawford’s susceptibility to home runs increases Gorman’s value as a potential high-upside play.
  • Gorman’s lower price point offers great value in DFS lineups.

Key Points:

• Gorman’s power potential.
• Crawford’s home run vulnerability.

2. Jo Adell (R) – Los Angeles Angels vs. Jose Urena (R) – Rangers

• Price: $3500
• Matchup Insights:
  • Adell has been productive with a .205 ISO and .338 xwOBA against right-handers.
  • Urena’s struggles, particularly against right-handed hitters with a .259 ISO, make Adell an intriguing option.
  • Adell’s power and potential for a big game make him a strong under-the-radar play.

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Key Points:

• Adell’s power against right-handed pitchers.
• Urena’s difficulties with right-handed hitters.

3. Tyler Soderstrom (L) – Oakland Athletics vs. Seth Lugo (R) – Royals

• Price: $3000
• Matchup Insights:
  • Soderstrom has shown flashes of power with a .110 ISO and .299 xwOBA.
  • Lugo’s average performance against left-handed hitters (.161 ISO allowed) gives Soderstrom a chance to shine.
  • Soderstrom’s low price and potential for power make him a valuable sleeper pick.

Key Points:

• Soderstrom’s power potential.
• Lugo’s average performance against lefties.

These top hitters and under-the-radar plays provide a solid foundation for today’s MLB DFS slate. Focus on these matchups to maximize your DFS lineup’s potential and increase your chances of success. Good luck!