X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

MLB DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings (3/19/25)

Teoscar Hernandez - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

The top MLB DFS daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on March 19 2025. Andy Smith's MLB DFS sleeper picks for building optimal DFS rosters.

The 2025 regular season is finally here. Before the season "officially" starts, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers will play a two-game series in Tokyo, Japan. After a small taste of regular season baseball on Tuesday, these two teams will face off one more time before heading back to the States.

We have only one game, so it's just showdown contests on DraftKings for this one, but I know many of you have been itching to get back to MLB DFS, so you know we are going to play this slate anyway!

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 3/19/2025 for Game No. 2 of the Tokyo Series. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Alright, let's get to the picks!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

Pitchers - MLB DFS Showdown Picks

Roki Sasaki vs. CHC ($11K DK; $16.5K DK CPT)

Roki Sasaki was viewed as one of the most coveted pitchers on the free agent market and eventually signed with the reigning World Series Champions. In the 2024 season, the hard-throwing right-hander struck out 129 batters across 111 innings of work in the NPB. He posted a strong 2.35 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP.

He performed at an elite level in spring training as he tallied seven punchouts across seven shutout frames.

However, the regular season is a different beast and could provide a much harder challenge for Sasaki. He will face a Cubs team that posted the fourth-highest OPS (.844) against right-handed pitching and the highest batting average (.301) during spring training. While there is no doubting his strikeout upside, he does come with some inherent risk, given it is his MLB debut.

Justin Steele vs. LAD ($10.8K DK; $16.2K DK CPT)

On the other side, we have Justin Steele, who has made at least 24 starts in each of his previous three seasons. After finishing fifth in NL-Cy Young voting in 2023, Steele battled injuries in 2024 and was limited to just 134 2/3 innings.

However, he was still effective during this stretch, holding a 3.07 ERA with a 1.10 WHIP.

Even though Steele carries a much lower strikeout upside than Saski on this slate, he is worth considering, given his ability to shut down left-handed bats. When facing left-handers last season, Steele posted a strong 0.93 WHIP with a 7:32 BB:K. This is important to note, given the potent left-handed bats at the top of the Dodger lineup.

 

Top Hitters - MLB DFS Showdown Picks

Shohei Ohtani – DH, LAD vs. Justin Steele ($10K DK; $15K DK CPT)

Even though Steele limits production against left-handed bats, Shohei Ohtani is the exception. When facing southpaws last season, Ohtani posted a .288/.349/.518 line with 12 doubles and 12 home runs.

If there was a matchup to "fade" Ohtani, this would be the game to do it, but in a single-game slate, it is crucial to have the bat with the highest upside, which in this case is clearly Ohtani.

In the opening game of the series, Ohtani went 2-for-5 with two runs.

Teoscar Hernandez – OF, LAD vs. Justin Steele ($8.8K DK; $13.2K DK CPT)

Similar to yesterday's piece, Teoscar Hernandez mashed against left-handed pitching last season and should be viewed as as top play once again. Even though he will have a tougher matchup against Steele, who can keep the ball on the ground, Hernandez's power upside warrants a selection.

Last season, the 32-year-old posted a .290/.357/.574 line with 11 long balls against southpaws. He is a great alternative if you decide to fade left-handed Dodger bats like Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, or Michael Conforto.

Kyle Tucker – OF, CHC vs. Roki Sasaki ($9.6K DK; $14.4K DK CPT)

Kyle Tucker is the best player in the Chicago lineup and is always worth considering. When facing right-handers last season, Tucker posted an impressive .308/.427/.655 line with 18 home runs.

If Sasaki struggles early in this game, expect Tucker to do most of the damage.

Seiya Suzuki – OF, CHC  vs. Roki Sasaki ($8.4K DK; $12.6K DK CPT)

If you are willing to fade Sasaki in this matchup, then pairing Suzuki with Tucker is an interesting combination. Last summer, Suzuki hit for a .286/.360/.494 line against right-handed pitchers, which was better than his production against lefties.

In addition, Suzuki did most of his damage against fastballs which should play well against Sasaki. Last season, the 30-year-old generated an elite .563 xSLG with a strong 18.2 percent whiff rate against heaters. If Sasaki struggles to deliver his primary pitch, Suzuki should be able to take advantage.

Note: Mookie Betts would also be viewed as a top hitter, but he is dealing with an illness and will not play in this game.

Also consider: Ian Happ

 

Top Value - MLB DFS Showdown Picks

Michael Busch – 1B, CHC vs. Roki Sasaki ($7K DK; $10.5K DK CPT)

Michael Busch was a value play in Game 1 and carries a similar price in Game 2. Busch is expected to bat in the heart of the Chicago lineup, which should provide him with ample scoring opportunities.

When facing right-handed pitchers last season, Busch posted a solid .788 OPS with a stellar .477 xSLG against fastballs. Even though Busch struggled to hit breaking balls, his ability to make elite contact with fastballs makes him a viable play with power upside at a discount.

Pete Crow-Armstrong - OF, CHC vs. Roki Sasaki ($5.8K DK; $8.7K DK CPT)

There might not have been a player who increased their fantasy stock as much as Pete Crow-Armstrong did during spring training. Across 10 games, the former top prospect hit four doubles with three home runs. He held a .519/.500/.1.000 line and added two stolen bases.

Even though he struggled to hit right-handers last season, given the strides he made in camp, Crow-Armstrong carries great value at his salary, especially if you decide to lean heavily on the Cubs lineup facing a rookie pitcher.

Andy Pages – OF, LAD vs. Justin Steele ($5.4K DK; $8.1K DK CPT)

Andy Pages was one of my favorite value plays in Game 1 and should be in a similar position to succeed in Game 2 as well. Pages performed at an elite level when facing southpaws last season as he posted a .357/.396/.520 slash line with seven doubles and three home runs.

Even though Steele is more capable of keeping the ball in the yard (compared to Shota Imanaga), Pages should be able to start the season on a high note.

Tommy Edman - IF/OF, LAD vs. Justin Steele ($7.2K DK; $10.8K DK CPT)

The NLCS MVP comes in as the final value play. Edman played a critical role in their World Series run as he hit an impressive .328/.354/.508 slash line with two home runs and five stolen bases.

During the regular season, the switch-hitter performed at an elite level when facing left-handed pitching. In this split, Edman posted a .412/.417/.882 line with four home runs. Even though the 29-year-old does not carry the power upside that Busch or Pages do, his ability to hit consistently against lefties makes him a great option if you choose to fade other Los Angeles bats.

Edman tallied an RBI single in the opening game and is in a great position to stay hot at the plate.

Also consider: Dansby Swanson, Miguel Rojas



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!






POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Uchenna Nwosu

Seahawks Place Uchenna Nwosu on PUP List
Taylor Decker

Alim McNeill, Taylor Decker Placed on PUP List
Tyrion Davis-Price

Titans Waive Tyrion Davis-Price
Tre Harris

Chargers Relying on Tre Harris to Be Starting X Receiver
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Micah Parsons

Will Become Highest-Paid Non-QB
MarShawn Lloyd

Vying for RB2 Role
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Finds End Zone in First Training Camp Practice
Tyler Shough

Pushing for Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Ar'Darius Washington

Goes on PUP List
Lamar Jackson

to be Even Better in 2025?
Tre Harris

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Justin Herbert

Off to Good Start at Training Camp
Jameson Williams

Earning Rave Reviews from Lions Coaches
Christian Mahogany

Expected to Start for Lions
Zach Allen

an Extension Candidate in Denver?
Zaire Franklin

May Miss Start of Training Camp
Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Returning to Portland
Mason Taylor

to Play "Crucial" Role in Jets' Offense
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma