FantasyPros

Mike Maher encouraged fantasy managers to take advantage of panic-induced low-cost availability of William Contreras. Contreras has started extremely slow, batting just .125 (2-for-16) entering the season, making his owners anxious. Maher combats this panic by highlighting Contreras' solid historical production and the relative scarcity of consistent, everyday catcher production. He advocates staying patient and capitalizing on other managers' overreactions by acquiring Contreras cheaply.

Chris Mitchell tagged Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain as an optimal sell-high candidate, noting McLain is currently outperforming expectations dramatically—ranking 11th overall on Yahoo following a hot start including three homers and a .313 batting average. Mitchell believes McLain was already heavily over ranked prior to the season (at #80 ahead of more established players like Jake Burger, Christian Walker, Willy Adames, and Mark Vientos), and considers his current power pace highly unrealistic. Mitchell recommended trading McLain now, targeting steadier performers with better track records or speed-driven hitters like Xavier Edwards or Brice Turang before inevitable regression hits.

Brandon 'B_Don' Myers emphasized Matt Olson as a prime target for concerned fantasy owners looking to buy low. Despite Olson's underwhelming statistical start due to factors like a low .231 BABIP and bad luck (one HR robbed by Tatis), Olson's advanced metrics such as career-best hard-hit rate (69.2%), barrel rate (30.8%), and average exit velocity (97.4 mph) signal positive upcoming regression. Myers also pointed out Olson is showcasing improved plate discipline with his lowest strikeout rate in four years and highest walk rate (25%) of his career. Myers suggested trading players like Josh Naylor, Seiya Suzuki, Jose Altuve, or even Freddie Freeman to obtain Olson before he inevitably rebounds.

Joe Pisapia strongly recommended fantasy managers sell Rafael Devers early, citing alarming underlying concerns despite the player's established brand reputation. Devers has struggled heavily early this season, going hitless in several games with an unusually high strikeout total. Pisapia attributes these struggles to Devers appearing out of shape, experiencing a significant 3-mph decline in swing speed likely due to ongoing shoulder issues, and showing visible displeasure with Boston transitioning him primarily to DH. Due to Devers' strong name recognition still granting solid trade value, Pisapia advises dealing him swiftly rather than waiting for further value deterioration.

Chris Welsh strongly advised selling Jackson Holliday after a superficially hot start, noting severe underlying red flags. Even though Holliday is hitting above .300 in April, his expected batting average is under .200, coupled with a declining hard-hit rate and concerning 40% strikeout rate. Welsh also observed Holliday's bat speed dropping by one mile per hour while becoming shorter at the same time, revealing inefficient mechanics. He recommended proactively trading Holliday for less-heralded assets experiencing temporary downturns, such as Jeremy Pena or Xavier Edwards.

Chris Mitchell is targeting Bowden Francis as a prime buy-low pitcher due to his dual SP/RP eligibility and drastically improved second-half performance last season. After a disastrous start to 2024, Francis turned around strongly in the second half, dominating with high strikeout numbers and elite ratios which Mitchell compares favorably to Cy Young-caliber pitching. He notes Francis started 2025 strong already with a quality start and four strikeouts. Mitchell anticipates Francis being virtually untouchable trade-wise once he accumulates around six starts, strong ratios, and high strikeout totals by May. He recommends offering second-tier closers or hot-starting arms like Robbie Ray or Zach Eflin to acquire Francis early.

Joe Pisapia identified Bailey Ober as an excellent buy-low pitching candidate due to his track record of horrific season debuts. Historically, Ober has a 12.36 ERA and 2.14 WHIP in his first start of every season. Removing these first starts shows a drastically improved career mark (3.42 ERA, 0.98 WHIP). Pisapia cited Ober's progress made in 2024 and expects a rapid rebound, urging fantasy managers to acquire Ober quickly before the opportunity window closes.

Chris Welsh advised buying Alex Bregman after his sluggish early performance with Boston this season. Bregman is hitting just .221 with no runs or RBI going into April, partially impacted by teammates struggling around him like Rafael Devers' frequent strikeouts. Welsh maintains confidence that Bregman will significantly improve, expecting notable home run and RBI totals by year's end. He even mentions Bregman recently tweeting an order for a new Torpedo bat, signaling possible adjustments. Welsh indicated he would trade valuable but hot-starting players such as Jesus Luzardo to acquire Bregman at 90-95% perceived value, urging fantasy managers to seek potential sellers.

Matthew MacKay identified Rickie Fowler as a DFS option with appealing upside at Memorial Park Golf Course, despite a relatively modest season thus far (best finishes are T18 and T21). Fowler ranks 29th in total driving, 36th in birdie average, and 42nd in performance on long approach shots over 200 yards—all qualities beneficial at this particular venue. Even though his short game has been weak this season, MacKay believes Fowler can offset this deficiency at Memorial Park by leaning heavily on his consistent driver and total driving ability. MacKay expects at least a top-25 finish, potentially even cracking the top-ten, strongly suggesting Fowler at $9,000 on FanDuel.

Matthew MacKay is confident Alex Smalley can overcome his recent struggles, including a missed cut last week at Valspar and at Memorial Park last year. Smalley remains an appealing DFS play due to his consistently strong metrics, blending accuracy and power off-the-tee, a crucial skillset at the Houston Open venue. MacKay also highlighted Smalley's high performance in scrambling and in scoring average, further supporting confidence in a bounce-back. Despite costing $9,900 on FanDuel, MacKay views Smalley as a worthwhile investment in DFS lineups.

Matthew MacKay recommended Kurt Kitayama as a solid DFS option for the Texas Children's Houston Open, citing promising statistics despite Kitayama's recent struggles, which include missing three of his last four cuts. Kitayama ranks 12th in driving distance, 30th in strokes gained off-the-tee, and 34th in proximity to the hole, all key metrics for success at Memorial Park Golf Course. Additionally, he excels at approach shots over 200 yards, a frequent scenario at this course with its lengthy par 3s. With a discounted DraftKings salary of $7,600, MacKay believes Kitayama offers a strong DFS upside this week.

Matthew MacKay highlighted Thomas Detry as an exceptional DFS value this week at the Texas Children's Houston Open, due to his proven performance at Memorial Park Golf Course and recent form. Detry won earlier this season at the WM Phoenix Open and finished T2 at the 2024 Houston Open, demonstrating comfort and success at this venue. His great length and driving accuracy off-the-tee are critical advantages at the Memorial Park layout, making his $8,600 DraftKings salary particularly appealing. MacKay strongly advised fitting Detry into DFS lineups for this event.