3 MLB FanDuel Value Plays for Monday 7/3/23

Value is king for DFS, and finding a diamond in the rough can be the ultimate difference-maker.

For hitters, we want players with the capacity to put up big numbers, favorable matchups, and a supporting cast that can increase their chances for runs and RBI. Looking at pitchers, strikeouts are king -- although, inning-eaters and win potential can't be ignored.

Let's look at some of the top value plays for Friday's main slate on FanDuel, which begins at 7:05 p.m. EST.

Bryan Woo, SP, Seattle Mariners ($9,200)

Rookie Bryan Woo kicks things off for us in a slate chock-full of high-salaried pitchers. The Seattle Mariners‘ rookie has been rock-solid after a rough debut -- allowing two runs or fewer in each of his last four starts.

Woo's 4.37 ERA looks meh, but his 2.99 skill-interactive ERA (SIERA) tells a much different story. He's done an excellent job generating punchouts, racking up at least seven strikeouts in three of his last four outings while maintaining a 33.3% strikeout rate overall.

Perhaps his most impressive traits are his strong control and ability to limit hard contact. Despite his high strikeout rate, Woo's walked multiple batters only once in his five starts. In addition to a 6.3% walk rate, Woo's maintained a 34.5% hard-hit rate -- a number that would rank in the 79th percentile among qualified pitchers.

The rookie has impressed thus far but faces one of his toughest tests yet, on the road against the San Francisco Giants. The Giants' lineup is no cakewalk, but their 24.6% strikeout rate against righties is the fourth-highest in baseball.

numberFire projects 23.5 FanDuel points for Woo -- but just 2.31 earned runs allowed.

Considering his potential to flirt with double-digit strikeouts, Woo is an excellent value play for those wanting to devote more of their budget toward hitters.

Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves ($3,000)

Reigning NL Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II slots in as our first value hitter for today's main slate. Harris is a high-risk, high-reward target considering his matchup with the Cleveland Guardians.

The Guardians trot out top prospect Gavin Williams for his third career start. While Williams has allowed only four runs over his first 12.2 innings, those came against the Athletics and Royals -- two of the worst offenses in the league. His 4.63 SIERA suggests some potential trouble tonight against the red-hot Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta's offense exploded in June with 7.0 runs per game and a .943 OPS. That coincided with Harris' breakout as he was batting just .174 prior to June.

After batting .372 over their last 25 games, Harris' season average has climbed all the way to .263. He ranked in the top 15 with a .425 weighted on-base average (wOBA) over that span -- dropping his strikeout rate to just 12.2% in the process.

numberFire projects Harris for 11.4 FanDuel points tonight, the ninth-most among outfielders. With double-digit FanDuel points in five of his last seven games, Harris makes for a quality value option.

Carlos Correa, SS, Minnesota Twins ($2,900)

Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa has struggled this season but, at 28 years old, he's likely going through an extended slump rather than being completely washed.

While he isn't hitting the ball as hard and he's walking more than in years past, Correa also has an abysmal .255 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) -- the lowest mark of his career and an indicator of some bad luck.

He finally showed some pop last month when he nearly doubled his home run total with five dingers along with a .467 slugging percentage. That marked the third consecutive month his slugging percentage has gone up after a putrid .360 mark in April.

Correa's biggest appeal tonight is his salary and matchup. Against the lowly Kansas City Royals, the Twins have the highest non-Dodgers implied team total of the slate at 5.34 runs.

numberFire projects Correa for 9.8 FanDuel points tonight. With a ceiling as high as anyone's and a favorable matchup, he serves as one of the best value plays for Monday's main DFS slate.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.