MLB Top Hitters 7/5/24

Welcome to today’s MLB DFS Top Hitters preview! We’ve analyzed the matchups, crunched the numbers, and are ready to present the top 5 hitters for today’s slate. Additionally, we’ll spotlight two under-the-radar plays that could give you an edge in your DFS contests.

Let’s dive in!

Top 5 DFS Hitters

1. Aaron Judge (OF, New York Yankees)

• Matchup: vs. Boston Red Sox (Tanner Houck)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .461
  • ISO: .355
  • HR Rate: 0.367 xHR

Insight: Aaron Judge is always a top DFS play, but today he’s facing Tanner Houck, who has been more vulnerable to right-handed power hitters. Judge’s elite power (.355 ISO) and high walk rate (17.2%) make him a strong candidate to go deep in this matchup. Houck’s .280 xwOBA vs. righties isn’t enough to deter Judge, who thrives against pitchers of Houck’s profile.

2. Rafael Devers (3B, Boston Red Sox)

• Matchup: vs. New York Yankees (Nestor Cortes)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .324
  • ISO: .200

Insight: Rafael Devers has a tough matchup against Nestor Cortes, but his numbers against left-handed pitching are solid. Devers’ .200 ISO vs. lefties combined with Cortes’ vulnerability to hard contact (.299 xwOBA vs. righties) makes him a top play. Devers’ ability to handle elite pitching and deliver in clutch moments boosts his DFS value today.

3. Shohei Ohtani (1B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers)

• Matchup: vs. Milwaukee Brewers (Aaron Civale)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .457
  • ISO: .378
  • HR Rate: 0.402 xHR

Insight: Shohei Ohtani is a must-play whenever he’s in the lineup, especially against Aaron Civale, who has a .317 xwOBA vs. lefties. Ohtani’s elite power and ability to hit for average make him a dangerous hitter in any matchup. Civale’s struggles against left-handed hitters make Ohtani a top target for DFS players looking for home run upside.

4. Yordan Alvarez (OF, Houston Astros)

• Matchup: vs. Minnesota Twins (Pablo Lopez)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .450
  • ISO: .302
  • HR Rate: 0.318 xHR

Insight: Yordan Alvarez faces Pablo Lopez, a tough pitcher, but Alvarez’s stats against righties are too good to ignore. With a .450 xwOBA and a .302 ISO, Alvarez has the power and plate discipline to excel in this matchup. Lopez’s .293 xwOBA vs. lefties could be an Achilles’ heel against a hitter of Alvarez’s caliber.

Under-the-Radar Plays

1. Jake Fraley (OF, Cincinnati Reds)

• Matchup: vs. Detroit Tigers (Reese Olson)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .316
  • ISO: .156

Insight: Jake Fraley is an under-the-radar play with potential upside against Reese Olson, who has a .297 xwOBA vs. lefties. Fraley’s ability to hit for power and get on base makes him a sneaky good value pick. The Tigers’ bullpen struggles further enhance Fraley’s appeal as a low-cost, high-reward option.

2. Josh Naylor (1B, Cleveland Guardians)

• Matchup: vs. San Francisco Giants (Spencer Bivens)
• Stats:
  • xwOBA: .333
  • ISO: .203

Insight: Josh Naylor offers great value against Spencer Bivens, who has a .341 xwOBA. Naylor’s .203 ISO vs. right-handers and his ability to drive in runs make him an excellent under-the-radar play. The Guardians’ offense has been heating up, and Naylor is a key contributor who could have a big day.

That’s a wrap for today’s MLB DFS Top Hitters preview. Keep these insights in mind as you build your lineups, and stay tuned for more DFS content. Good luck, and may your lineups be profitable!