MLB Top Hitters 7/23/24

Today’s MLB DFS slate is packed with exciting matchups and plenty of opportunities to find those key hitters who can make a difference in your lineups. We’ve analyzed the stats, examined the matchups, and identified the top three DFS hitters you should consider, along with two under-the-radar plays that could provide excellent value. Let’s dive into the details!

Top 3 DFS Hitters

1. Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)

Matchup: Yankees vs. Mets, Yankee Stadium
Pitcher: Jose Quintana (LHP)

Aaron Judge is a must-have in your DFS lineup today. Facing lefty Jose Quintana, Judge is in a prime spot to showcase his power. Quintana has struggled against right-handed hitters, allowing a .346 xwOBA and a 1.50 HR/9 this season. Judge, with his .415 ISO and .498 xwOBA against lefties, is poised to take advantage of this matchup in the hitter-friendly confines of Yankee Stadium.

Key Insights:

• High Power Potential: Judge’s .472 expected home run rate is one of the best in the league.
• Quintana’s Weaknesses: Quintana’s 18.5% strikeout rate against righties isn’t enough to deter Judge’s power.
• Ballpark Factor: Yankee Stadium enhances right-handed power hitters, making Judge even more appealing.

2. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Matchup: Dodgers vs. Giants, Dodger Stadium
Pitcher: Jordan Hicks (RHP)

Shohei Ohtani is another elite hitter to target. Facing Jordan Hicks, who has a 26.1% strikeout rate but allows a .279 xwOBA to righties, Ohtani’s left-handed power will be a major threat. Ohtani’s .380 ISO and .454 xwOBA against right-handed pitching this season make him a top play, especially considering Hicks’ tendency to give up fly balls.

Key Insights:

• Elite Stats: Ohtani’s 14.6% barrel rate against righties is outstanding.
• Hicks’ Vulnerability: Hicks’ 55% hard-hit rate against lefties spells trouble.
• Dodger Stadium Advantage: A favorable hitting environment for left-handed power hitters.

3. Freddie Freeman (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Matchup: Dodgers vs. Giants, Dodger Stadium
Pitcher: Jordan Hicks (RHP)

Freddie Freeman joins his teammate Ohtani as a top DFS play today. Freeman’s consistency and power against right-handers (.222 ISO, .406 xwOBA) make him a reliable option. Hicks’ inability to keep the ball on the ground against left-handed hitters will be problematic against Freeman’s disciplined approach and power.

Key Insights:

• Consistent Production: Freeman’s 15.9% strikeout rate against righties ensures he puts the ball in play.
• Hicks’ Weakness: Hicks’ .149 ISO against lefties can lead to extra-base hits.
• Lineup Support: Batting behind Ohtani gives Freeman ample RBI opportunities.

Under-the-Radar Plays

1. Gleyber Torres (New York Yankees)

Matchup: Yankees vs. Mets, Yankee Stadium
Pitcher: Jose Quintana (LHP)

Gleyber Torres offers great value against lefty Jose Quintana. Torres has a .211 ISO and a .368 xwOBA against left-handers this season. Quintana’s struggles against righties provide Torres with a favorable matchup, and his lower salary compared to Judge makes him a budget-friendly option with upside.

Key Insights:

• Power Potential: Torres’ .368 xwOBA indicates solid power and contact against lefties.
• Quintana’s Struggles: Quintana’s 18.5% strikeout rate against righties isn’t enough to mitigate Torres’ power.
• Value Play: Torres provides excellent value for his price, allowing flexibility in your lineup.

2. Matt Chapman (San Francisco Giants)

Matchup: Giants vs. Dodgers, Dodger Stadium
Pitcher: Landon Knack (RHP)

Matt Chapman is a sneaky under-the-radar play against Landon Knack. Knack’s small sample size indicates a propensity to allow power to right-handed hitters, with a 1.85 HR/9 rate. Chapman’s .168 ISO and .325 xwOBA against right-handers make him a strong candidate to exploit Knack’s weaknesses.

Key Insights:

• Power Upside: Chapman’s 10.7% barrel rate against righties suggests potential for extra-base hits.
• Knack’s Vulnerability: High hard-hit and fly-ball rates make Knack susceptible to home runs.
• Dodger Stadium Factor: A slightly favorable environment for power hitters adds to Chapman’s appeal.

Conclusion

In summary, today’s MLB DFS slate offers some excellent hitting opportunities. Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman are the top hitters to target, with Gleyber Torres and Matt Chapman providing valuable under-the-radar options. Use these insights to build a winning lineup and maximize your DFS potential. Happy hitting!