MLB DFS 4/9/25

Joe Ryan - MIN - SP ($9.5K DK; $9.3K FD)

Yusei Kikuchi - LAA - SP ($8.3K DK; $9K FD)

Kikuchi’s flying under the radar tonight, but he’s got a golden opportunity against a Tampa Bay squad that’s allergic to left-handed pitching, just a .207 wOBA against southpaws. With a filthy 28% K-rate and a 13% swinging-strike rate, Kikuchi’s got the swing-and-miss juice to carve up the Rays’ lineup, which leans heavily on righties like Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero.

His 3.35 SIERA is a notch better than his 4.08 ERA, suggesting some bad luck last year, and Tropicana Field’s pitcher-friendly vibes (7.5 total) only boost his case. DK’s $8,300 price is a steal for this upside, while FD’s $9,000 feels a touch high. Still, he’s a GPP gem on either site if the Rays keep flailing.

Tyler Alexander - MIL - SP ($6K DK; $7.3K FD)

Coors Field is a pitcher’s house of horrors, no doubt, but Tyler Alexander’s bargain-bin price makes him a sneaky roll of the dice tonight. The Rockies have been a mess against lefties, hacking away with a 27.6% K-rate so far this season. The .330 wOBA vs lefties is decent but inflated by Coors’ thin air.

Alexander’s no ace, his 4.20 SIERA and 4.86 ERA scream “average,” but his 0.292 xwOBA allowed hints he can stifle bats when he’s on, especially against a lineup that chases and whiffs like it’s their job. At $6,000 on DK, he’s a dirt-cheap enabler to jam in Milwaukee’s big bats against Antonio Senzatela, who’s a gas can himself. FD’s $7,300 tag dims the appeal a bit, and with a 10.5 total, this is a GPP-only play—high risk, high reward.

Cash gamers, look elsewhere; this one’s for the tourney thrill-seekers!

Also Consider:

Kevin Gausman - TOR - SP ($8.5K DK; $8.8K FD) - Facing Boston’s potent lefties (Rafael Devers, Jarren Duran) is risky, but Gausman’s 21% K-rate and $8,500 DK price offer value if he navigates the matchup.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. - TOR - 1B ($5.3K DK; $3.5K FD)

Vladdy’s a no-brainer tonight against Tanner Houck. His .391 wOBA and 161 wRC+ against righties are elite, and Houck’s 55% groundball rate means that Guerrero’s power could feast if he lifts one. Fenway’s cozy dimensions, especially that Green Monster, only sweeten the deal. At $5,300 on DK, he’s a premium bat worth every penny, but FD’s $3,500 price? That’s straight-up theft. Plug him into cash or GPP lineups, and watch him feast.

Bobby Witt Jr. - KC - SS ($5.8K DK; $4.2K FD)

Bobby Witt Jr. isn’t strolling into an easy matchup with Ryan on the bump, but this kid’s a superstar for a reason. His .413 wOBA and .266 ISO against righties are bonkers. Ryan’s flyball leanings (just 36% GB%) could be Witt’s ticket to a moonshot, especially at Kauffman, where he’s got a .340 home average over his career.

The speed-power combo is unreal, and at $5,800 on DK, he’s a splurge that could pay off big in GPPs. FD’s $4,200 tag is borderline disrespectful for this level of talent; he’s a cash game slam dunk there.

Bryce Harper - PHI - 1B ($5.1K DK; $3.9K FD)

Harper’s licking his chops tonight against Taijuan Walker, who’s been a walking disaster, 6.62 ERA, .428 wOBA allowed to lefties, and a knack for serving up meatballs. Harper’s no slouch himself, posting a .376 wOBA and 143 wRC+ against righties, and with a 9-run total in Atlanta. This feels like a “circle the bases” kind of spot.

Truist Park’s hitter-friendly vibes only amp up the potential for a multi-hit, extra-base game. At $5,100 on DK and $3,900 on FD, he’s a cash game anchor who could also pop off for GPP glory. Don’t overthink this one.

William Contreras - MIL - C ($5.2K DK; $3.6K FD)

Coors Field plus Senzatela is a DFS player's dream, and Contreras is the guy to cash in. He’s rocking a .351 wOBA against righties, and Senzatela’s a batting practice pitcher, 0.432 wOBA allowed to right-handed hitters and a 3.68 ERA that’s way too generous for Coors.

Contreras has been a doubles machine (40+ in 2024), and with a 10.5 total, he’s got a shot at a monster stat line with HR and a multi-RBI upside. DK’s $5,200 price tags him as a premium play, but FD’s $3,600 is a gift from the DFS gods. Start him everywhere and thank me later.

Also Consider:

Andres Gimenez - TOR - 2B ($4.4K DK; $3.2K FD), Ryan McMahon - COL - 3B ($4.4K DK; $3.2K FD) - Both offer value with platoon advantages and sneaky pop.

Christian Yelich - MIL - OF ($5.7K DK; $4.1K FD)

Yelich stepping into Coors Field is like handing a DFS player a golden ticket, and tonight’s matchup against Senzatela seals the deal. Senzatela’s a lefty’s nightmare, coughing up a .422 wOBA. Yelich is swinging a hot stick with a .382 wOBA and 146 wRC+ against righties- it's the perfect recipe for a big night.

The 10.5 game total is screaming “in play runs,” and Yelich’s wheels (21+ SBs in ‘24) toss in a stolen base cherry on top. Coors’ altitude could turn a flyball into a souvenir, and at $5,700 on DK or $4,100 on FD, he’s a cash game rock and a GPP lineup-lifter. Don’t sleep on this stud.

Jackson Chourio - MIL - OF ($6K DK; $3.8K FD)

Chourio’s another Brewer you’ve got to circle for this Coors Field party, and he’s got the tools to make Senzatela regret showing up. His .349 wOBA against righties is rock-solid, and Senzatela’s .432 wOBA allowed to right-handed bats is an open invitation to rake.

This kid’s got pop (21 HRs in ‘24) and a knack for multi-hit games, which Coors’ massive outfield only amplifies. DK’s $6,000 price tags him as a premium play with slate-breaking upside, while FD’s $3,800 is a downright steal; stack him with Yelich, and watch the points pile up in any format.

Mike Trout - LAA - OF ($5.5K DK; $4K FD)

Trout versus Pepiot is one of those “pay for the name and pray” spots that could turn into DFS magic. Pepiot’s no pushover with a 26% K-rate and a 3.87 SIERA, but Trout’s still Mike Freakin’ Trout, .370 wOBA, 142 wRC+ against righties, and a knack for launching bombs when healthy.

The Trop’s 7.5 total keeps things tame, but if Pepiot hangs a slider, Trout’s got the power to make it a non-factor. At $5,500 on DK and $4,000 on FD, he’s a GPP differentiator. Coors Field keeps his ownership low, but he's always got a high ceiling.

Also Consider:

Jarren Duran - BOS - OF ($5.4K DK; $3.7K FD), Taylor Ward - LAA - OF ($4.5K DK; $3K FD) - Duran’s speed and Ward’s value make them solid secondary options.