Outfield, High End Spend
Aaron Judge, $5,100
.412/.500/.882 with 2 HR in 17 at-bats
I’m really thinking about making Kershaw and Judge my two big spends in my cash lineup because Judge might be in one of the best spots on the entire slate. Since the start of the 2017 season, Judge is the third-highest ranked player against the changeup and fastball. Opposing starter Marco Estrada throws a fastball or changeup a combined 80 percent of the time during his career. Jusge also is just white hot because he’s scored double digit FanDuel points in 12 of his past 13 games. It’s a huge slate but with Judge at home in a plus matchup, you have to at least consider him.
Also Consider – Mookie Betts, $5,000 and Rhys Hoskins, $4,900
Mid-Range
Michael Brantley, $3,200
N/A
The Indians outfielder has struggled through injuries the past couple of seasons but one thing remains constant — he can hit righty pitching. His career numbers across the board are really good with a .301 average, .805 OPS and a .349 wOBA. He’s making hard contact over 38 percent of the time so far in the young season and he matches up well against what Bundy doesn’t do all that well. Brantley seems like a guy that should be more expensive than he is tonight and he should pay off the price tag.
Also Consider – Mitch Haniger, $3,200 and Stephen Piscotty, $2,900
Value
Harrison Bader, $2,400
N/A
There’s not a long track record for either Bader or Reds starter Brandon Finnegan but he’s the right price and Bader could even swipe a bag. He’s got a little bit of pop and speed and Finnegan allows a career .325 wOBA and a 36 percent hard contact rate. I don’t think Finnegan is going to see any success against this St. Louis lineup and Bader could be a part of that if Finnegan gets blown up. He’s just 23 years old and we don’t really know what type of player he’ll be at the big league level. I know he’s certainly cheap and in a good spot today to help me fit everything else I want.
Also Consider – Bradley Zimmer, $2,200, Chris Young, $2,200 and Chad Pinder, $2,200