MLB DFS Top Hitters 4/14/24

1. Mike Trout (OF, Los Angeles Angels)

• Opposing Pitcher: Brayan Bello
• Price: $6000
• Projected Points: 12.24

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Matchup Edge: Trout’s .407 xwOBA against RHP shows his high level of production and threat at the plate.
• Power Potential: With an ISO of .294, Trout has the power to capitalize on Bello’s higher ISO allowed (.202 vs LHP, .174 vs RHP).
• Strikeout-to-Walk Ratio: Excellent discipline (12.6% BB rate) paired with substantial power means more opportunities for high-value hits.

2. Bryce Harper (1B, Philadelphia Phillies)

• Opposing Pitcher: Mitch Keller
• Price: $5900
• Projected Points: 11.96

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Hitter-Friendly Park: Playing at Citizens Bank Park, which favors hitters.
• Keller’s Vulnerability: Harper can exploit Keller’s higher xwOBA of .328 against left-handed hitters with his own .408 xwOBA vs RHP.
• Power and Contact: Harper’s .202 ISO and high walk rate (16.0%) align well against Keller’s susceptibility to power hitters.

3. Kyle Schwarber (OF, Philadelphia Phillies)

• Opposing Pitcher: Mitch Keller
• Price: $5500
• Projected Points: 12.62

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Power Hitting: Leading with a .283 ISO against RHP and a .367 xwOBA, Schwarber is poised to exploit Keller’s weaker splits against lefties.
• Home Run Potential: High home run potential in a hitter-friendly environment enhances his value significantly.
• Strikeouts vs. Reward: While he strikes out at a high rate (27.7%), his power compensates in DFS formats, especially with Keller’s strikeout rate not being overly dominant.

4. Aaron Judge (OF, New York Yankees)

• Opposing Pitcher: Logan Allen
• Price: $6200
• Projected Points: 11.29

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Elite Power: Judge’s .356 ISO against LHP is one of the highest in the league, ideal for exploiting Allen’s .168 ISO allowed to RHB.
• On-Base Skills: His .459 xwOBA highlights his ability to get on base and score, crucial for DFS scoring.
• Weather Conditions: Playing in Progressive Field with moderate wind conditions may favor hitters, boosting Judge’s home run chances.

5. Juan Soto (OF, San Diego Padres)

• Opposing Pitcher: Logan Allen
• Price: $6100
• Projected Points: 10.35

Why He’s a Top Play:

• Superior Discipline: Soto’s walk rate (16.2%) and strikeout rate (22.3%) against LHP demonstrate his elite plate discipline, ensuring more opportunities for scoring plays.
• Consistent Hitter: His .384 xwOBA vs LHP shows consistent high-level performance, which is critical against a pitcher like Allen who has a higher ISO allowed (.168) to right-handers.
• Park Factor: Although Progressive Field is not the most hitter-friendly, Soto’s ability to hit well in all conditions makes him a safe and potent pick.

These players are not only skilled but are also in positions today where their strengths are maximized against their opponents’ weaknesses. Incorporating these hitters into your DFS lineups could yield high returns, given their potential for explosive performances in today’s games.