MLB Fantasy Picks: Best Starts, Sits & Value Plays — 2026-06-16

Welcome back to "DFS Deep Dive" at SportsPulse.com, your weekly guide to navigating the DraftKings and FanDuel MLB landscape. That Dodgers-Rays nail-biter reminded us anything can happen, but with my picks, we're aiming for consistency and upside. Let's maximize those lineups!

Top 3 Players to START This Week

1. Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers): Even without his pitching, Ohtani is a DFS cheat code. He’s been scorching hot, hitting .350 with 3 home runs and 8 RBIs over his last seven games. Facing a series of vulnerable right-handed pitching this week, expect multiple extra-base hits and runs scored. His floor is high, and his ceiling is astronomical in any format. Don't overthink it, lock him in.

2. Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves): While he can give up a long ball, Strider's strikeout upside is unparalleled. He's recorded 12+ strikeouts in two of his last three starts, posting a dominant 1.80 ERA over that span. This week, he faces a team with a high strikeout rate against right-handers. Despite his high salary, his K/9 rate offers a fantastic return on investment, making him a cornerstone for your pitching rotation.

3. Juan Soto (New York Yankees): Soto is a consistent on-base machine with burgeoning power in the Bronx. He's posted a .400 OBP, 2 home runs, and 7 runs scored just last week. The Yankees have a favorable schedule against some middling pitching staffs, and Soto, batting in a potent lineup, is primed for multiple hits, walks, and run production. He's a premium bat delivering premium results.

1. Xander Bogaerts (San Diego Padres): Bogaerts is a fantastic player, but he's currently in a slump that's hard to ignore for his high salary. He's batting a paltry .180 with just 1 home run and 10 strikeouts in his last 10 games. This week, he faces a couple of top-tier aces, making his path to fantasy relevance extremely challenging. Save your cap space and look elsewhere until he finds his rhythm.

2. Luis Castillo (Seattle Mariners): "La Piedra" is usually a DFS stalwart, but his recent form has been shaky, with a 5.50 ERA over his last two starts. This week, he's projected to face a red-hot offense with a high xwOBA against right-handers. For his significant salary, the risk of a short outing or inflated runs allowed is too high. Fade him and pivot to pitchers with better recent form or matchups.

1. J.P. Crawford (Seattle Mariners): Batting leadoff, Crawford offers a reliable floor for a low salary. He consistently gets on base and can swipe a bag. This week, he faces a couple of weaker right-handed pitchers, providing ample opportunities to score cheap points through walks and singles. He’s a solid, budget-friendly option to round out your lineup.

2. Brendan Donovan (St. Louis Cardinals): Donovan's multi-position eligibility and consistent contact make him a sneaky good value. He's been hitting well against righties lately, and the Cardinals have a series in a hitter-friendly park. At his low price, his ability to collect hits and score runs makes him an excellent salary saver with decent upside.

Nestor Cortes (New York Yankees): "Nasty Nestor" has had a rollercoaster season, leading many to shy away. However, his underlying metrics (like xFIP) suggest he's been somewhat unlucky, and his strikeout stuff is still there. This week, he faces a team that strikes out at a high clip against left-handers. While his recent ERA

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