We have a split slate today, but the main slate still has a nice seven games on tap, so let's get to it. As we do every Monday, we're here to highlight some of the top sleepers and value plays on FanDuel and DraftKings. Veteran daily fantasy baseball owners know that things can change once lineups come out, so be sure to keep track of all MLB starting lineups and Hitter Matchups (BvP) on RotoBaller to add to the research below.
Value picks are always relative, but for this piece, we'll try to target hitters under $4,000 on DraftKings and under $3,000 on FanDuel and pitchers under $6,000 on DK and $7,000 on FD. We'll also point out any player we feel is sorely underpriced for his expected production.
The main slate locks at 7:10 p.m. ET., so get those lineups ready. Good luck!
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Best SP values, sleepers for Monday's MLB DFS contests
Brad Keller, Royals at Diamondbacks ($7,500 DK, $9,200 FD)
We’re going to cheat a little bit today because the bottom of pitching is ugly. The one exception is Keller, at least on DraftKings. On FanDuel, Edward Cabrera provides a little more potential bang for the buck. Back to Keller, his start against Texas last week wasn’t that bad. The two strikeouts and five walks were disappointing, but he still hasn’t given up more than three runs in a start this year. Let’s hope the strikeouts come back against the young Snakes in Phoenix.
Ken Waldichuk, A's at Angels ($6,300 DK, $6,200 FD)
Waldichuk was an absolute disaster in his first two starts of the season, allowing 14 runs in just 8.2 innings. However, he's allowed just three runs in 11.1 innings over the past two starts with a slight uptick in strikeouts. One of the teams that thumped him in the early going was the Angels. If you aren’t comfortable with him, punt with Tommy Henry. He can’t possibly be worse than Madison Bumgarner.
Best infield values, sleepers for Monday's MLB DFS contests
Jesus Aguilar, A's at Angels ($2,600 DK, $2,500 FD)
There wasn't a concerted effort to pick on Jose Suarez, but with so many cheap righthanded batters on the A’s – all of whom hit lefthanded pitching well – it's hard not to. Aguilar is hitting .375 against lefties so far this season. It also helps explain his recent hot streak. We'll pay this price to find out if he can keep it going.
Jorge Polanco, Twins vs. Yankees ($3,900 DK, $2,600 FD)
Polanco is an absolute steal on FD, especially when you consider the Twins lit up Jhony Brito like the tree in Rockerfeller Center two starts ago. Polanco wasn’t a part of those festivities, but you can bet he will be today. Polanco has five hits in three games since coming off the IL. He’s so very underpriced right now.
Matt Duffy, Royals @ Diamondbacks ($2,800 DK, $2,500 FD)
The Royals have a plethora of middle infield options, and they're all struggling except Duffy. The veteran is hitting a robust .371 on the season and has started three games in a row. The Royals don’t want to be out of it before April is done, so expect Duffy to keep playing as long as he keeps hitting.
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Best OF values, sleepers for Monday's MLB DFS contests
Eloy Jimenez, White Sox at Blue Jays ($3,500 DK, $2,800 FD)
Jimenez is starting to heat up. He has a five-game hitting streak going, and both of his home runs have come in the past three games. We're a bit nervous since Chris Bassitt has recovered nicely from a rough opener, but we know how hot Jimenez gets when he’s on -- and he appears to be on right now. It doesn’t hurt that Eloy is 3-for-5 in his career against Bassitt.
Esteury Ruiz, A's at Angles ($2,900 DK, $2,800 FD)
Ruiz cooled off a bit this week, but considering he's batting leadoff, he's still too cheap. Unfortunately, Oakland’s offense doesn’t score many runs. That said, Ruiz has still swiped three bags in the past eight games. You can still get some crooked numbers out of him, especially considering he is a career .325 hitter against lefties.
Joey Wiemer, Brewers vs. Tigers ($2,100 DK, $2,300 FD)
The rookie recorded his second two-hit game in five days yesterday after being promoted to the seventh spot in the order. Today, he gets a lefty in Matt Boyd, who isn’t much more than an innings-eater on a diet. Even if Boyd gets pulled early, Wiemer will get to face an awful bullpen. You have to love the potential here if you want to pay up for pitching (which is probably a good idea).
