A safe and balanced lineup does not bring the same energy as a gutsy, stars-and-scrubs-type build. This is why we are introducing our MLB DFS Punt Plays series to do just that. So, let’s get on with our DraftKings and FanDuel decisions.
However, some context first.
A quality MLB DFS punt play is not only cheap to roster but crucially has upside worth pursuing. In baseball, that often translates into an inconsistent batter with power-hitting or stolen base potential. Or it could be a volatile pitcher offering strikeout upside and the ability to pitch deep into ballgames. Whatever the reason, there is enough rationale to believe that punt plays exceed the value of their price tag and recognizing a great punt play is critical to success in MLB DFS.
This article will highlight the top punt plays available on Friday’s robust 13-game MLB main slate, locking at 7:05 p.m. ET on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
MLB DFS Punt Plays Today – April 26
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Bailey Ober – SP, MIN vs. LAA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $6,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $8,500
Today’s slate is deep with pitching options. Among the low-end arms, Bailey Ober stands out as the preferred punt option. Through four starts this season, he sports a decent 4.25 xERA, though he is in much better form than that tells us. Over his three most recent outings, Ober has surrendered just two runs and eight hits total over 17 innings. His cheap price tag is purely the result of a disastrous 2024 debut, where he surrendered nine runs (eight earned) over 1.1 innings against the Kansas City Royals. Don’t forget, Ober was a $9,000 pitcher on DraftKings to start the year.
The Los Angeles Angels present a favorable matchup for Ober today. They are scoring 4.2 runs per game on the season. That mark includes an underwhelming 97 wRC+ and a 24.8% strikeout rate against right-handed pitchers. Mike Trout remains a force to be reckoned with, but this is not a well-rounded lineup.
Addison Barger – OF, TOR vs. SEA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,000
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,000
At the flat-minimum price, Addison Barger is the true spirit of a punt play. His MLB career is just four at-bats deep, but there is a noteworthy upside here. Prior to his call-up this week, Barger was tearing up Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .314/.435/.586 slash line, three home runs and a 163 wRC+ over 19 games. Skipping over his injury-riddled 2023 campaign, Barger generated a .933 OPS and 26 home runs over 124 minor league games in 2022. He possesses 55-grade power and projects as a 30-home run producer. Barger seems destined to go yard one of these days.
Barger will square off against Gavin Stone today. Stone’s underlying numbers show promise, but he has a 6.00 ERA through four starts this season, down from a 9.00 ERA across eight appearances last season. Left-handed hitters are slugging .559 against Stone this season, part of a .548 career mark.
Joey Meneses – 1B, WSH vs. MIA
MLB DFS DraftKings: $2,800
MLB DFS FanDuel: $2,600
We would be remiss not to mention the top-graded value play among all players on DraftKings today, Joey Meneses. The long ball continues to evade the 31-year-old, but he is seeing the ball well lately. Meneses has recorded multi-hit efforts over three of his last five games. His greatest asset at the dish is the ability to make consistent contact, whiffing on only 18.9% of swings while also generating a 44.1% hard-hit rate. Meneses’ below-average launch angle limits his home run output, though doubles are a consistent part of his production. Hitting out of the three-hole, Meneses frequently encounters RBI opportunities.
Meneses is likely staring down a bullpen day. The Miami Marlins will start out with Anthony Maldonado on the bump. Prior to making his MLB debut today, Maldonado posted a 5.65 xFIP across eight appearances in Triple-A this season. He has not worked deeper than two innings in any of his outings, so that is likely his workload ceiling. After Maldonado’s day is concluded, the Marlins’ bullpen sports a weak 4.73 ERA, the seventh-worst mark in baseball.
Editor Note: If you’re looking for the best MLB DFS picks daily, we got you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something with more of a gambling tilt, our friends over at OddsShopper can get you going by teaching you how to bet on home runs.
