FanDuel Economics: MLB Monday, April 11th Picks
By Matt Rogers
FanDuel Economics: MLB Sunday, April 10th Picks
Welcome to FanDuel Economics! This is the MLB Monday, April 11th Picks edition. FanDuel Economics is a daily fantasy sport column focused on FanDuel player salaries and FanDuel points-per-game (PPG) trends. The purpose of this column is to evaluate player salary and PPG averages over a seven day period to provide daily fantasy sports players with a vital tool in their lineup tool belt. Finding the best value options often leads to a big pay day!
This is the first MLB edition of FanDuel Economics. I’m very excited to begin focusing on Baseball and providing daily analysis for FanDuelers! I have been playing MLB on FanDuel with several lineups each day and it has been a fun spring so far, lot’s of great value opportunities. With eleven games today, we’ll have plenty of lineup value options to consider. Today we have 3 schedule options for MLB FanDuel:
- 1:10pm (Early Only)
- 1:10pm (All Day)
- 7:05pm (Main)
If you have any questions as you’re filling out your MLB FanDuel lineups today, feel free to follow me or ask questions on Twitter @MattyMcMatt17. Also, while this column is focused mostly on finding value picks, if you need more picks and pivot options for MLB, follow my friend and fellow staff writer Brain Tulloch@2lockSports. Now, let’s take a look at today’s MLB value options:
Next: Value Pitchers
Value Pitchers (SP)
Aaron Nola pitched one-run ball against the Reds on Wednesday. The lone run came off a HR from Suarez. That’s a better outcome than the Phillies could probably have hoped for. In that game Nola piled up 42 points. Nola’s salary is only $6,800 which is tremendously cheap for someone dropping 40+ points at Pitcher. Aaron is pitching against another woeful team in the Padres at home in Philly. I always get nervous considering a pitcher from a bad team but Nola is worth taking a chance if you really want to load up your lineup with expensive hitters. Aaron is worth another try today.
Nola faced Brandon Finnegan in their Wednesday game. Finnegan also had a tremendous game allowing two runs over six and striking out nine. Brandon dropped 39 points in that game and considering his salary is $6,300, $500 lower than Nola, it’s hard not to at least contemplate using Finnegan if you really need to open up some salary for the bit boppers. So if you want to try playing Harper, Stanton, and Trout in the OF, these are two risky options which will help you get there. However, a word of caution. Finnegan is pitching against a great hitting Cubs team in Chicago so there’s a lot more risk with his play, versus Nola against the Padres.
If you’re looking for more of a mid-level salary bargain, I really like Yovani Gallardo. Yovani pitched very well against the Twins on Wednesday and dropped 36 points. On an $8,000 salary, that’s pretty good. Also, aside from Nola and Finnegan, Gallardo gives you the best points/salary value at 4.5X. While that might not seem significant, it’s the 3rd best value below Nola and Finnegan’s ridiculous value. Finally, if you do not like any of these options, go David Price. At 54 points on a $12,300 salary, Price is likely worth going cheap in several hitter roles. David’s value is just below Gallardo at 4.4X.
Next: Value Hitters
Value Hitters (C, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, or OF)
After winning the starting job in the Spring at 1B for the Houston Astros, Tyler White has returned dividends on the decision. White is averaging 24.8 PPG over the last week, 4 games in total. Most of those points come from 3 HRs hit over 3 games. White is on fire. White’s salary has climbed $600 to $3,200 so he’s getting more expensive. However, a 7.8X value is hard to pass up. It’s a good time to play White while he’s either hot or cheap. Time will tell which is the right answer.
Speaking of on fire, Brock Holt (2B) has been ripping the ball lately. Holt only hit two HR’s last season but he already has two this season, including a Grand Slam. That’s a big part of Holt’s current value but the best thing to do with FanDuel MLB is find the hot players while they’re cheap and use your other spots for more consistent players. Holt is one of the hot players and cheap. Over the last week Brock averaged 21 PPG. Holt’s salary increased $800 to $2,900 but that’s still a 7.2X value which is quite a bargain. Now is a good time to test Holt in your lineups.
Eugenio Suarez is starting to look like the real deal and likely the Reds second best hitting option this year. Over the last week Suarez averaged 22.2 PPG. Suarez’s salary climbed a remarkable $900 in a week but at $3,300 he’s still a 6.7X value. I have tried using Suarez several times playing FanDuel and for my Fantasy team so far this year and it’s working out well. There should be less risk and great value with this play.
Dexter Fowler decided to come back to the Cubs toward the beginning of this season, in a surprise move, after the Cubs signed Jason Heyward. Well, so far it looks like the Cubs are sure glad he did. Over the last week Fowler averaged 19.8 PPG. Dexter’s salary climbed $700 to $3,400 making him a very solid 5.8X value play. Recently Fowler confirmed he has a sore hip, and he sat out on Sunday as a precaution, but he should be back on Monday and I expect Dexter to continue his tear.
Hopefully with these plays you can also consider Harper, Stanton, Trout or McCutchen and really enjoy your MLB FanDuel play today!
I wish you all well tonight FanDuelers! Spend smartly and enjoy the return on your savings!