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DraftKings MLB DFS Targets & Values for Sunday 7/19/26

Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray and New York Mets pitcher Nolan McLean headline the top pitching targets, while Miami Marlins infielders Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez lead the offensive studs for Sunday's DraftKings MLB DFS slate.

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Welcome to your Sunday morning pre-lock checklist for DraftKings MLB DFS. We'll examine some of the top picks available, including both high-priced studs and budget-friendly value plays, to help you make informed decisions for your daily fantasy baseball lineups.

Top Pitching Targets

SP Sonny Gray (BOS), $8,800: Sonny Gray is a top-tier option. The Red Sox ace holds an 11-1 record with a 2.54 ERA this season. He has been consistent, allowing one or fewer runs in six of his last eight starts, including four consecutive, and has pitched at least six innings in each outing. Gray faces a Tampa Bay offense that ranks 20th in wRC+ since July, making him a strong play Source.

SP Nolan McLean (NYM), $8,700: For a slightly lower cost, Nolan McLean offers similar value. The young Mets ace has delivered at least six innings in five consecutive starts, with three of those being scoreless and four featuring seven or more strikeouts. He faces a Philadelphia lineup that has been struggling over the past two weeks, presenting a favorable matchup.

Pitcher Value Play

SP Grant Holmes (ATL), $6,600: Value pitching options are limited, but Grant Holmes stands out. While he may not provide extended innings, he has consistently delivered 4-5 innings over the last month, effectively avoiding major blow-up innings. Holmes offers a way to save salary if you prefer to allocate more budget to hitters.

Infield Considerations

Infield Studs

2B Xavier Edwards (MIA), $4,500: Miami's Xavier Edwards is a strong infield target. He carried a nine-game hitting streak into Saturday's game and is positioned in the middle of a hot Marlins lineup. He faces struggling pitcher Robert Gasser, providing an opportunity to start a new hitting streak Source.

SS Otto Lopez (MIA), $4,700: Consider stacking Lopez with Edwards. Otto Lopez is currently leading the NL in batting average and provides all-around value with his RBI production, run-scoring ability, and stolen base potential. The Marlins' offense is performing well and should have success against Gasser.

Infield Value Plays

C Francisco Alvarez (NYM), $3,700: Francisco Alvarez appears to be regaining form. He hit two home runs in his first game back from the All-Star break and is batting over .300 in July. His improved plate discipline, drawing walks in four of his last six games, provides a solid floor, and he has upside against the Phillies' bullpen.

1B Josh Bell (MIN), $3,300: Josh Bell continues to post significant counting stats for a heating-up Minnesota offense. He is on track for 100 RBIs this season. The Twins face Shota Imanaga, who has been struggling, creating a favorable matchup for Bell and the Minnesota lineup.

2B/3B Nick Gonzales (PIT), $4,200: Nick Gonzales has been a pleasant surprise for Pittsburgh's offense, batting over .300 with a mix of power and speed. His consistent role at the top of the Pirates' hot lineup gives him considerable run-scoring potential.

Outfield Insights

Outfield Studs

OF Wilyer Abreu (BOS), $4,500: Wilyer Abreu has been on a tear, hitting four home runs in the last two days. Despite a challenging matchup against Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan, Abreu's recent performance of back-to-back 30-plus DFS points makes him a compelling pick based on his hot streak Source.

Outfield Value Plays

OF Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT), $3,900: Esmerlyn Valdez's price has yet to catch up to his production. The Pirates rookie has homered for the fifth time in five games, recording seven runs and 12 RBIs over that span. While a regression is expected, his current hot streak makes him a strong value play.

OF Griffin Conine (MIA), $3,200: Griffin Conine has been another hot batter for Miami, with home runs in three consecutive games, raising his OPS to .947. Given his recent performance, manager Clayton McCullough is likely to keep Conine in the lineup, offering significant upside at a low price.

Review these targets and values to optimize your DraftKings MLB DFS lineups before Sunday's game lock.

Key takeaways

  • 01Pitching studs Sonny Gray and Nolan McLean offer reliable performances with favorable matchups for Sunday.
  • 02Grant Holmes presents a budget-friendly pitching option for salary relief, consistently delivering 4-5 innings.
  • 03Miami's Xavier Edwards and Otto Lopez (SS) are strong infield stack options against a struggling pitcher.
  • 04Value bats like Francisco Alvarez (C), Josh Bell (1B), and Nick Gonzales (2B/3B) offer high upside for their price.
  • 05Outfielders Wilyer Abreu, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Griffin Conine are on significant hot streaks, providing strong DFS points.

Frequently asked

What are the key pitching recommendations for Sunday's DraftKings MLB DFS slate?+

Sonny Gray (BOS, $8,800) and Nolan McLean (NYM, $8,700) are highlighted as top pitching options due to their consistent performance and favorable matchups. Grant Holmes (ATL, $6,600) is a value play for salary relief.

Which infielders are projected to perform well and offer value?+

Xavier Edwards (MIA, $4,500) and Otto Lopez (MIA, $4,700) are strong stud options, especially when stacked. Francisco Alvarez (NYM, $3,700), Josh Bell (MIN, $3,300), and Nick Gonzales (PIT, $4,200) are identified as high-value infield plays.

Are there any outfielders currently on a hot streak worth rostering?+

Yes, Wilyer Abreu (BOS, $4,500) is on a four-homer streak, while Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT, $3,900) has five homers in five games. Griffin Conine (MIA, $3,200) also has home runs in three straight, making them strong offensive targets.

How can DFS players balance high-priced studs with value plays in their lineup construction?+

The article suggests pairing a top-tier pitcher like Gray or McLean with value hitters, or if playing two aces, utilizing the significant value available in the infield and outfield to manage the salary cap effectively.

Sources

Every briefing is drafted from primary sources - official announcements, vendor blogs, and reputable industry reporting - then edited by our pipeline.

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