Opening Day for the 2023 MLB season starts with a bang, featuring 11 games beginning at 1:05 pm ET. The sizable slate creates a vast player pool to pick from. However, the following options will allow gamers to narrow down their choices.
- Weekly Trade Value Chart
- Weekly Waiver Wire Advice
- Dynasty Fantasy Baseball Trade Value Chart
- MLB Prop Bet Cheat Sheet
Thursday's Starting Pitcher Strategy
The most expensive hurler on FanDuel is an excellent choice and a better bargain on DraftKings. The other three pitchers above have favorable matchups and betting information.
Cash Game Recommendations
Corbin Burnes (MIL) at CHC
Burnes built up to 5.0 innings in his final spring start and pitched 19.0 innings in spring training. He also says he is ready to go.
Sadly, Burnes couldn't duplicate his 2021 NL Cy Young Award-winning campaign. Still, per FanGraphs, he had a 2.93 ERA, 2.85 xFIP, 0.97 WHIP, 6.4 BB%, 30.5 K% and 32.1 CSW% in 33 starts spanning 202.0 innings.
The Cubs are a non-threatening offense with a few high-strikeout hitters to bolster Burnes' floor and ceiling. In addition, the betting info is ideal. Per Betting Pros, the game's total is only 7.5 runs, and the Brewers are -145 favorites. As a result, Burnes is the most exciting DFS pitcher in all game types.
Thursday's Hitter Strategy
The Braves are the cream of the crop for hitters on Opening Day. Mixing in a hitter or two from Atlanta is encouraged even on rosters where gamers don't stack them. The Twins and Reds are also inviting sources for hitters and salary cap relief.
Best MLB Player Prop Bets
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Whether you're new to fantasy baseball or a seasoned pro, our Fantasy Baseball 101: Strategy Tips & Advice page is for you. You can get started with our Sabermetrics Glossary or head to a more advanced strategy - like Maximizing Your Potential in Multi-Lineup Contests - to learn more.
Josh Shepardson is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Josh, check out his archive and follow him @BChad50.