Sunday MLB DFS slate features nine games with the first pitch at 1:05 p.m. EDT. Zack Wheeler anchors the top end of cash-game rosters as the primary pitcher of the day, supported by solid underlying metrics and a favorable matchup against Texas, which lags in scoring. Mid-range options Zack Littell and Slade Cecconi project for efficient innings and useful peripherals against Pittsburgh and Chicago, respectively, giving you salary relief without sacrificing upside. Jose Ramirez and Anthony Volpe provide strong multi-category upside at premium salaries, with Volpe showing home/lefty splits that boost his DFS appeal. Colton Gordon and Eli White offer salary-efficient upside in cozier environments or favorable matchups, expanding lineup flexibility. A few bold stacks emerge: Oakland against lefty Cade Povich, and a Baltimore trio—Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, and Jackson Holliday—despite mixed results, due to their upside and recent trends. Osvaldo Bido steps in as a streaming option for the A’s against Baltimore, bringing depth to the Rapid-Play pool. The narrative hinges on home/road splits, OPS trends, and the day’s starter mix, all guiding the DFS decision-making.

As we head into another bustling Friday of MLB action, the DFS landscape is ripe for opportunity. With 14 games on the slate, it's critical to optimize your lineup for success. Notably, Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins is a top pitching option against the Kansas City Royals, boasting a 2.83 ERA and a stellar K/BB ratio. Luis Castillo of the Seattle Mariners is another strong choice, particularly at home, where he has a much lower ERA. Zac Gallen, despite his recent struggles, faces the hapless Colorado Rockies, who are struggling offensively.

Offensively, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stands out as an excellent play with impressive stats against left-handed pitching. Geraldo Perdomo, hitting well against lefties at home, is also a valuable option. For those looking to save, consider Kerry Carpenter, who is showing great power against right-handed pitchers. Liam Hicks at catcher provides solid value with a high OBP against righties, making him a smart addition to your lineup.

The Atlanta Braves are re-evaluating their pitching staff after a disappointing performance against the San Francisco Giants, where right-handers Davis Daniel and Wander Suero combined to give up nine runs in a 9-0 loss. Following this outing, Daniel was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after posting a 5.40 ERA, while Suero faces a similar fate after allowing four runs in just two innings.

In response, the Braves have recalled Dylan Dodd and Hunter Stratton, seeking fresh arms for their bullpen. Dodd has shown promise with a 3.75 ERA across 11 relief appearances, while Stratton, acquired from Pittsburgh earlier, is expected to bolster the roster as the team looks to bounce back.

The 2025 MLB trade deadline is approaching, set for July 31 at 6 PM ET, allowing teams to boost their postseason chances. Major trades can shift the landscape, but often, it's the quieter moves—a reliever with postseason heroics—that make a significant impact. The past decade has seen stars like Justin Verlander and Aroldis Chapman change teams and play pivotal roles in championship runs.

This year, key trade targets include Eugenio Suárez from the Diamondbacks and pitchers like MacKenzie Gore of the Nationals and Sandy Alcantara of the Marlins. One intriguing name is Paul Skenes, the ace for the Pittsburgh Pirates, whose impressive 1.91 ERA might entice teams despite the Pirates’ reluctance to trade their top talent.

As the MLB season heats up, now is the perfect time for fantasy baseball enthusiasts to engage in dynasty trades. For contenders, targeting players from rebuilding teams can significantly enhance your roster. Notably, players like Eugenio Suárez, George Springer, and Carlos Rodón are valuable trade candidates.

Additionally, younger players on the verge of breakout seasons are worth acquiring for future success. Catcher Drake Baldwin of the Atlanta Braves has been quietly impressive this season, boasting a 132 WRC+ with solid offensive metrics. Addison Barger of the Toronto Blue Jays is another prospect poised for a strong second half, showing elite contact ability and power potential. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals’ Jac Caglianone may be a buy-low target following a slow start, but his underlying metrics suggest potential for a rebound. For rebuilders, players like Jordan Lawlar, Joe Boyle, and Denzel Clarke hold substantial future value despite current struggles, making them ideal targets for teams looking to build for the long term.