# Daily Fantasy Baseball: Top Picks for Today’s Games

Welcome back to our daily fantasy baseball breakdown, where we analyze the best plays for today’s slate. With a full schedule of games on tap, there are plenty of opportunities to find value and build winning lineups. In this article, we’ll examine the top four hitters and two pitchers who are poised for strong performances today based on matchups, recent form, ballpark factors, and other relevant analytics.

Understanding Today’s Fantasy Baseball Landscape

Before diving into our specific player recommendations, it’s important to understand the context of today’s slate. Weather conditions appear favorable across most ballparks, with minimal rain concerns and moderate temperatures that should allow for normal game conditions. Several games are being played in hitter-friendly environments including Coors Field, Great American Ball Park, and Yankee Stadium, which always deserve extra attention when building DFS lineups.

As always, be sure to confirm starting lineups closer to game time, as late scratches can significantly impact your fantasy strategy. Now, let’s examine today’s top offensive performers who should deliver excellent fantasy production.

Top 4 Hitters for Today’s DFS Slate

1. Juan Soto, OF – San Diego Padres

Soto has been absolutely crushing the ball lately, and today’s matchup presents another prime opportunity for the superstar outfielder. He’s facing a right-handed pitcher who has struggled significantly against left-handed batters, posting a .380 wOBA and 5.42 ERA in the split this season. Soto’s advanced metrics tell the story of his dominance – he ranks in the 93rd percentile in barrel rate, 96th percentile in walk rate, and 95th percentile in expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA).

Over his last 10 games, Soto has been on an absolute tear, slashing .387/.500/.710 with three home runs and eight RBIs. His ability to both hit for power and get on base makes him an ideal fantasy play in all formats. Though his DFS price has risen accordingly, he still offers tremendous upside considering the favorable matchup. The game is also being played in a park that ranks above average for left-handed power, further enhancing Soto’s outlook for today.

• Season stats: .312 AVG, 22 HR, 65 RBI, .430 OBP, .993 OPS
• vs. Today’s pitcher: 3-for-8, 1 HR, 2 BB
• Ballpark factor: +8% for LHB home runs

2. Aaron Judge, OF – New York Yankees

Judge continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the most feared hitters in baseball, and today he gets a matchup against a left-handed pitcher who has been particularly vulnerable to right-handed power. The Yankees slugger has demolished left-handed pitching this season, posting a .348 average and 1.231 OPS against southpaws. With the game at Yankee Stadium, Judge’s already enormous power potential gets an additional boost.

His Statcast numbers remain off the charts, leading MLB in average exit velocity (96.8 mph), barrel percentage (26.7%), and hard-hit rate (62.1%). The opposing pitcher has already surrendered 15 home runs this season with a troubling 1.72 HR/9 rate. Judge has historically performed well against this particular pitcher, making him an elite play despite his premium price tag in DFS contests.

• Season stats: .315 AVG, 31 HR, 82 RBI, .437 OBP, 1.098 OPS
• vs. LHP this season: .348 AVG, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 1.231 OPS
• Home stats: .331 AVG, 18 HR, 44 RBI, 1.121 OPS

3. Bobby Witt Jr., SS – Kansas City Royals

Witt has emerged as one of fantasy baseball’s most valuable assets, offering a rare combination of power and speed from the shortstop position. Today he faces a pitcher who ranks in the bottom quartile in strikeout rate and has allowed a .352 wOBA to right-handed batters this season. Witt has been particularly effective against this type of pitcher, posting a .341 average against hurlers with below-average strikeout rates.

His recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with multi-hit performances in seven of his last twelve games. As the Royals’ lineup has improved around him, his counting stats have increased accordingly. The game-time temperature is expected to be around 85 degrees with a slight wind blowing out to left field, creating ideal conditions for Witt to showcase his power-speed combination.

• Season stats: .328 AVG, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 26 SB, .942 OPS
• Last 15 games: .375 AVG, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 6 SB
• vs. Similar pitchers: .341 AVG, .978 OPS

4. Shohei Ohtani, DH – Los Angeles Dodgers

Even with his pitching duties on hold this season, Ohtani continues to be an elite fantasy performer at the plate. Today he faces a right-handed pitcher who has struggled to limit hard contact, ranking in the bottom 20% of the league in barrel rate allowed. Ohtani has historically dominated right-handed pitching, and this season is no exception with a .320 average and 1.041 OPS in the split.

The Dodgers’ star has been particularly effective on the road this year, and today’s game is being played in a park that has seen an uptick in offensive production this season. His spot in the heart of one of baseball’s most potent lineups ensures plenty of RBI and run-scoring opportunities. While his DFS salary is certainly steep, his ceiling is as high as anyone’s on the slate.

• Season stats: .309 AVG, 27 HR, 67 RBI, 16 SB, .999 OPS
• vs. RHP: .320 AVG, 21 HR, 53 RBI, 1.041 OPS
• Road games: .328 AVG, 15 HR, 38 RBI, 1.067 OPS

Top 2 Pitchers for Today’s DFS Slate

1. Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles

Burnes has been everything the Orioles hoped for when they acquired him in the offseason, and today he gets a matchup against a team that ranks in the bottom third of the league in wRC+ against right-handed pitching. The opposing lineup features a 25% strikeout rate against right-handers, which plays perfectly into Burnes’ skill set. While his strikeout rate has dipped slightly from his peak years, he still misses plenty of bats and excels at limiting hard contact.

His recent form has been exceptional, with quality starts in seven consecutive outings. During that stretch, he’s posted a 2.14 ERA and 0.98 WHIP while averaging just over seven strikeouts per start. The game is being played in a pitcher-friendly park that suppresses power, further enhancing Burnes’ outlook. Weather conditions are also favorable with mild temperatures and minimal wind.

What separates Burnes from other pitchers on today’s slate is his consistency and floor. He’s completed at least six innings in 16 of his 19 starts this season, providing the volume that’s critical for DFS success. His pitch mix, featuring a devastating cutter complemented by a sinker and curveball, has proven effective against similar lineups to the one he’ll face today.

• Season stats: