Welcome to our rundown of the MLB DFS top hitters for Sunday, August 20th, 2023. As we delve into the matchups and statistics, we’ll highlight the players that are poised to make a significant impact on your daily fantasy baseball lineup. These insights are designed to enhance your chances of success by considering key performance indicators, recent trends, and opponent weaknesses. Let’s jump right into it!

Pete Alonso – 1B, NYM

The New York Mets might be struggling as a team, but Pete Alonso continues to shine as a powerhouse hitter. Over the last 23 games, he has smashed 11 homers and boasts an impressive .378 on-base percentage (OBP), .707 slugging percentage (SLG), and a stunning 1.085 on-base plus slugging (OPS) figure. Facing off against a pitcher with a 4.36 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP since last year’s start, Alonso stands out as a prime candidate for your DFS lineup. His robust statistics, including a .553 expected slugging (xSLG), a 15.6% barrel rate, and a 131 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), emphasize his consistent performance as one of baseball’s premier power hitters. Keep in mind that while Dakota Hudson has a lower vulnerability to home runs due to his groundball tendencies, his susceptibility to hard hits, evident from a .448 expected slugging (xSLG) and a 43.9% hard-hit rate, plays into Alonso’s strengths.

Nolan Arenado – 3B, STL

Despite the St. Louis Cardinals’ less-than-stellar season, Nolan Arenado has remained a bright spot with his .285/.331/.511 slash line and 26 home runs. Particularly effective against right-handed pitching, he boasts a .515 slugging percentage (SLG) this season, consistent with his career mark of .513. Carlos Carrasco, on the other hand, seems to have hit a rough patch in 2023, with troubling metrics including a .510 expected slugging (xSLG), a 46.8% hard-hit rate, and a 6.49 expected earned run average (xERA). Right-handed hitters like Arenado are posing significant problems for Carrasco, who is giving up a .563 slugging percentage (SLG) against them. This imbalance contributes to a 6.49 expected earned run average (xERA) and a 4.97 expected fielding independent pitching (xFIP), making Arenado a promising DFS choice.

Noelvi Marte – SS, CIN

The Cincinnati Reds have introduced Noelvi Marte as a rising star prospect, and he’s slated to make his first career start on Sunday. As the 24th-ranked prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline, Marte brings 60-grade power and above-average running ability to the table. While his relative inexperience is a factor to consider, his potential for significant contributions makes him a valuable option at near-minimum pricing.

Corey Seager – SS, LAD

When Corey Seager is healthy and on the field, he proves why he’s considered the best shortstop in baseball. With a remarkable .348 batting average (AVG), .411 on-base percentage (OBP), .661 slugging percentage (SLG), and a phenomenal 1.072 on-base plus slugging (OPS) this year, Seager’s performance has been nothing short of exceptional. His prowess against right-handed pitchers, illustrated by a remarkable 1.125 OPS, puts him in a favorable position against Adrian Houser and his 4.43 ERA and 1.46 WHIP.

Cody Bellinger – 1B/OF, CHC

Cody Bellinger’s star continues to rise as one of the hottest hitters in the league. With 11 home runs and a 181 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) since the All-Star break, Bellinger’s overall performance in 2023 is indicative of a standout season. His impressive .326/.375/.564 slash line includes 20 home runs and 17 stolen bases, marking this year as his most remarkable since his MVP campaign in 2019. Given Jordan Lyles’ vulnerabilities, which are evident in his 5.14 expected earned run average (xERA) and 5.34 expected fielding independent pitching (xFIP), targeting hitters against him could lead to significant DFS success.

Ryan Mountcastle – 1B/OF, BAL

Ryan Mountcastle’s ability to capitalize on platoon advantages has been a significant asset this year, evident through his .339 batting average (AVG), .374 on-base percentage (OBP), .688 slugging percentage (SLG), and a robust 1.061 on-base plus slugging (OPS). Additionally, his recent performance, boasting a .471 on-base percentage (OBP), .667 slugging percentage (SLG), and a 1.137 on-base plus slugging (OPS) over the last 21 games, highlights his consistent contributions to the Baltimore Orioles’ lineup.

Masataka Yoshida – OF, BOS

Masataka Yoshida’s rookie season has been nothing short of outstanding, with a .301/.356/.470 slash line and 13 home runs. His ability to put the ball in play, coupled with his .274 expected batting average (xBA) and a mere 12.4% strikeout rate, underscores his proficiency at the plate. Clarke Schmidt’s vulnerability against left-handed hitters, evident from their .513 slugging percentage (SLG) and .383 weighted on-base average (wOBA), makes Yoshida an intriguing DFS choice, especially when considering the hitter-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.

Max Kepler – OF, MIN

Max Kepler’s value is on the rise, and for good reason. With a .241/.303/.472 slash line, 20 home runs, and a 111 weighted runs created plus (wRC+), Kepler’s contributions to the Minnesota Twins lineup are noteworthy. His underlying metrics, including a .508 expected slugging (xSLG), a 12.9% barrel rate, a 46.1% hard-hit rate, and a 91.7 mph average exit velocity, provide additional insight into his impact on the field. Facing Osvaldo Bido, who sports a 4.68 expected earned run average (xERA) and a 5.02 expected fielding independent pitching (xFIP), further enhances Kepler’s appeal for DFS consideration.