If you have played daily fantasy sports for a while, you realize by now the importance of being contrarian, especially in large-field tournaments. Being able to recognize which players are going to be owned by the majority of the field and to find players who you think have a similar point projection but will come at much lower ownership can really separate yourself from your opponents.
The purpose of this article will be to bring you some high-upside players who will likely go overlooked and give you an edge.
Aaron Sanchez, SP, Toronto Blue Jays
FanDuel Price: $7,100
Why He Will Go Overlooked:
Aaron Sanchez struggled his last time out and is part of a deep starting pitching player pool today. Stephen Strasburg always demands attention, and Corey Kluber draws the Phillies. Among cheaper options, Alex Wood is sure to get some buzz against the Padres. Expect Sanchez to fly under the radar tonight.
Why You Should Use Him:
While Sanchez struggled in his last start, he showed immense upside in his first three starts of the season, striking out 20 batters in 20 innings and allowing just 3 total runs.
His opponent tonight, the Rays, ranked 5th in wOBA against lefties but just 23rd against righties. They also posted a 21.4 percent strikeout rate against righties, which was the seventh-highest mark in the league. This season, the Rays have ranked 26th in wOBA against righties, while also having a 28.1 percent strikeout rate, which is the highest in the league.
Give Sanchez a look tonight in tournaments: he possesses elite upside but comes at a low price and ownership.
Curtis Granderson, OF, New York Mets
FanDuel Price: $3,500
Why He Will Go Overlooked:
There are several appealing outfield options tonight, and the Mets are projected for a meager four runs. If picking a Mets' outfielder, daily fantasy players are more likely to roster Michael Conforto than Curtis Granderson.
Why You Should Use Him:
Outside of Wednesday's game, in which Granderson only pinch-hit, he has a seven-game hit streak going and has averaged 20.44 FanDuel points during that span.
He looks to stay hot tonight against right-hander Jake Peavy, who posted a 4.33 SIERA last season. Peavy also struggled on the road, posting an ERA that was 1.22 points higher when he pitched outside of AT&T Park.
Granderson, a lefty, has posted much-improved numbers against righties. He should put up some big numbers tonight and comes at quite the discount on FanDuel.
Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox
FanDuel Price: $3,200
Why He Will Go Overlooked:
First base is as deep as ever today, and Jose Abreu is unlikely to be a popular option with the way he has started the season -- especially with Miguel Cabrera just $500 more expensive and in a terrific matchup.
Why You Should Use Him:
Abreu's opponent today, Mike Wright, posted a 5.28 SIERA last season, the worst mark among today's pitchers. He allowed some reverse-splits last season, actually getting hit harder by right-handed batters.
Similar to his counterpart, Abreu posted some reverse-splits last year, hitting right-handed pitching much better than left-handed pitching. Against righties, he elevated his slugging percentage from .352 to .548, his ISO from .120 to .240, and his wOBA .288 to .384. He also posted a 33.1 percent fly-ball rate and 34.2 percent hard-hit rate against righties, which helps to explain why 27 of his 30 home runs came against right-handed pitching.
Kyle Seager, 3B, Seattle Mariners
FanDuel Price: $3,100
Why He Will Go Overlooked:
Kyle Seager has a .143 batting average. Jake Lamb is the exact same price and is likely to be a popular option tonight.
Why You Should Use Him:
Seager has been due for some positive regression and has shown signs of life at the plate recently. He has hits in three of his past four games -- two home runs and a double.
His opponent on the mound tonight is Kris Medlen, who had a 4.28 SIERA last season and was bombed in his last start. Medlen, a righty, has struggled against lefties in his career, which bodes well for Seager.
Seager has posted improved numbers against righties throughout his career and should be able to produce tonight against Medlen. Give him a look in tournaments -- this slump won't last much longer.
Rafael Ortega, OF, Los Angeles Angels
FanDuel Price: $2,300
Why He Will Go Overlooked:
Rafael Ortega has played reasonably well recently but hasn't done anything flashy. Most daily fantasy players have no idea who he is and won't even notice him at the bottom of the barrel.
Why You Should Use Him:
Ortega has hit safely in six straight games and has averaged 8.8 FanDuel points over that span. Not bad for a near-minimum priced player.
He will continue to hit near the top of the lineup for the Angels, who face a susceptible right-hander in Colby Lewis tonight. Lewis had a 4.43 SIERA last season and struggled more against lefties than righties. At this price, Ortega is hard to pass on.