MLB DFS Top Plays for Opening Day 2023
In this article, we’ll dive into the MLB DFS Top Plays for Opening Day 2023. The start of a new baseball season is always exciting, and for DFS players, it’s an opportunity to set their lineups and potentially strike it big. Our analysis will cover recent player performance, matchup history, and other critical factors to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned DFS player or a beginner looking to get in on the action, we’ve got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s explore the top MLB DFS plays for Opening Day 2023.
Top Pitchers
As we gear up for the 2023 MLB season, it’s time to take a quick look at the top pitching options for opening day. From elite aces to mid-tier options and long shots, there are plenty of arms to choose from for DFS players.
Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays is a standout option, priced at $10,400, and a -230 favorite at home against the Detroit Tigers. McClanahan had a solid 2022 season, boasting a 2.54 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and over a strikeout per inning.
Another pitcher to consider is Hunter Greene of the Cincinnati Reds, priced at $9,100. Greene showed promise last season with 164 strikeouts in 125.2 innings and had a strong finish to the season with a 4.44 ERA over his final eight starts.
Corbin Burnes of the Milwaukee Brewers is a top option, coming off a strong 2022 season with a 2.93 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 30.5% strikeout rate.
If you’re looking for a long-shot option, German Marquez of the Colorado Rockies may be worth considering. Marquez comes with a salary cap hit of just $7,100 and has 966 career strikeouts in 966 innings.
Finally, Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves is another option to keep an eye on, priced at $8,700. Fried had a stellar 2022 season with a 2.48 ERA and 1.01 WHIP and could be a valuable addition to your opening day lineup.
In summary, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pitching on opening day of the 2023 MLB season. Whether you’re looking for an elite option or a long-shot player, make sure to evaluate each pitcher carefully before making your final decision. With a bit of luck and careful planning, you could end up with a winning lineup and set yourself up for success in the rest of the DFS season.
Top Hitters
Ronald Acuna Jr.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the league, and DFS owners will want him in their lineup on opening day. Priced at $3,900 on FanDuel and $5,700 on DraftKings, Acuna is a power/speed threat who has fully recovered from his ACL tear.
With a great road matchup against Patrick Corbin and the Atlanta Braves heavily favored at -240, Acuna is poised for a big performance.
Although Acuna’s power numbers were down last season, he still managed to add 29 stolen bases, giving him a high floor. He is a player who can change the game with his bat, his legs, or both, and he’s sure to be a popular play on opening day.
Don’t let Acuna’s slightly lower salary fool you; he’s in an excellent spot and is one of the more exciting players in the league. It’s not hard to imagine him starting the game with a home run and racking up points for DFS owners throughout the day. With his talent, speed, and favorable matchup, Acuna is a must-consider player for opening day DFS lineups.
Carlos Correa and Oneil Cruz
Correa is expected to hit second in the lineup, coming off a solid 2022 season with 22 home runs and an impressive .843 OPS. His ability to make contact makes him a promising pick against Greinke, who represents one of the easier matchups on the slate.
However, if you’re looking for a lower-owned option, Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates is worth considering. Cruz is hitting leadoff and has already shown his power in the majors with 17 home runs in his first 361 plate appearances. He excels in same-handed matchups, with a .351 OBP, .190 ISO, and 130 wRC+ since 2021. Meanwhile, Greinke struggled against righties in 2022, giving up a .325 wOBA.
Ultimately, both Correa and Cruz are solid options for opening day DFS lineups, depending on your individual strategy and roster construction. With their talent and favorable matchups, they have the potential to provide big returns for DFS owners on the first day of the 2023 MLB season.
Masataka Yoshida
Masataka Yoshida is a promising player to consider for opening day DFS lineups, priced at just $2,900. While it’s always a risk to roster a player adjusting to Major League pitching, Yoshida has shown plenty of potential playing in Japan and most recently the WBC.
The Red Sox are heavily favored in Thursday’s game with an over/under of nine runs, the highest on the main slate. Yoshida is slated to hit cleanup, making him an appealing pick for DFS owners looking for value at a low salary cap hit. Kyle Gibson is a good pitcher to target with hitters, making Yoshida even more intriguing.
While there are plenty of aces on the slate for opening day, it’s important to consider the weaker spots as well. Gibson is one of those weaker spots, and Yoshida has the potential to capitalize on his struggles. Even if Gibson manages to limit the damage, Yoshida’s low salary cap hit and potential make him a worthwhile gamble for DFS owners looking to maximize their returns.
Austin Riley
For DFS owners looking to build a winning opening day lineup, Austin Riley is a must-consider option. Priced at $3,600 on FanDuel and $4,600 on DraftKings, Riley is poised to take advantage of a favorable matchup against Patrick Corbin and the Washington Nationals. Corbin struggled last season and doesn’t have a high strikeout rate, which could spell trouble against a power hitter like Riley.
In the past two seasons, Riley has showcased his impressive power, hitting 33 and 38 home runs. Additionally, he’s been a thorn in the side of left-handed pitchers, with a career 142 wRC+ and .922 OPS in that split. With Corbin being a lefty, Riley could very well tee off and provide big returns for DFS owners.
That’s all I’ve got for today 
Thank you for checking out the article, I hope I was able to provide you with some value as you begin to build your DFS lineups for today’s contests.
Be sure to hit me up in Discord if you have questions. If you would prefer to reach out to me on Twitter @CeeGeeDFS that works too
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