When looking at “bargains” on FanDuel, we’ll typically focus on hitters who are $3,200 or lower. For DraftKings, the threshold is around $3,800. In general, we’ll only highlight players at the top end of that scale if they have star potential.
Please note, these player picks were organized early in the day. For MLB contests, always check lineups and weather closer to game time. Rain, wind, or unexpected managerial decisions could open up additional sources of value. Be sure to keep an eye on the MLB Headlines and Injuries desk.
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This evening, we have nine games in the main slate.
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FANDUEL & DRAFTKINGS BARGAINS
1 – Cal Quantrill – SP – San Diego (FanDuel $5,500 / DraftKings $5,500)
Quantrill isn’t quite the same quality of rookie prospect as Griffin Canning (pitched yesterday) or Tyler Beede (scheduled to pitch on Friday). Since an elite college career, Quantrill’s stuff has declined. He now projects as a back of the rotation guy. Command is his biggest strength, and it’s readily apparent in his minor league walk rates. It’s also the skill most likely to suffer in a major league debut. Nerves and hitting pinpoint spots often don’t mix. We should expect about 7.5 K/9 with around a 5.00 ERA. Fortunately, that actually plays at this price point. The Braves always make for a challenging matchup. Quantrill is unlikely to throw more than five innings.
2 – Matt Adams – 1B – Washington Nationals (FanDuel $2,900 / DraftKings $4,400)
Although he’s not a bargain on DraftKings, Adams is still a top five dollar-for-dollar value at first base. The Nationals will face a downgraded version of Miles Mikolas, one upon whom the righty-mashing Adams is likely to feast. In a field with some elite sluggers, it’s Adams who carries the top power projection this evening.
3 – Ty France – 2B/3B – Los Angeles (FanDuel $2,000 / DraftKings $3,700)
FanDuel has France at second base while DraftKings lists him at third base. With Fernando Tatis injured, Manny Machado is handling shortstop, opening up regular action for France at either the hot corner or keystone. Although rarely discussed as a prospect, he posted extreme numbers in 92 Triple-A plate appearances. Through a couple major league games, he hasn’t looked overmatched. France is a better play on FanDuel where it only takes a hit or two to match his price tag.
4 – Franmil Reyes – OF – San Diego (FanDuel $2,400 / DraftKings $3,700)
Reyes isn’t guaranteed to start, but he should receive an encore after a two-homer performance last night. As I’ve said again and again and again, Reyes is among the best targets for a multi-homer performance. He’s basically a bargain basement Khris Davis clone. The Padres will face southpaw Max Fried.
5 – Matt Carpenter – 3B – St. Louis Cardinals (FanDuel $3,300) / DraftKings $3,800)
While nobody wants to hear about using hitters against Max Scherzer, it’s not as if he’s unfamiliar with allowing home runs. Carpenter actually carries a pretty good chance of hitting one tonight. And if the Cardinals can crack into the non-Doolittle portion of the Nationals bullpen, Carpenter matches up well. He’s basically doing the exact same thing as last season. Although Carpenter is off to a slow start, his peripherals scream massive power ahead!
ALSO CONSIDER
Yuli Gurriel (1B – HOU) and Tyler White (1B – HOU) will both have the platoon advantage against Martin Perez. While it’s true Perez has improved this season thanks to a boost in velocity, he still has a history of platoon splits. Moreover, he features shaky command and doesn’t prevent hits. Both hitters should be viewed as bargain band aids rather than carrying performers.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B – TOR) has yet to go on an offensive tirade. He has a neutral matchup against Felix Pena. Despite tepid results, Vladito has looked quite comfortable in the majors, posting a low swinging strike rate, working deep counts, and making plenty of hard contact (60 percent!). The flood gates will open sooner or later. Guerrero is priced very slightly above our usual bargain threshold.
