Charlie Cummings shares his top DraftKings MLB DFS stud plays, values, and targets for Sunday’s slate on 5/24/26.

Welcome to my weekly Sunday DraftKings MLB DFS plays. I’ll break down some of the prime picks on the board, including studs and value plays, and break down why these players can lead your lineup to victory.

Set your DraftKings MLB DFS lineups here: MLB $175K Bat Flip [$50K to 1st]

Top MLB DFS Targets

Pitcher Studs

SP Parker Messick (CLE), $8,500: The Guardians just keep doing it. Parker Messick is the latest graduate from Cleveland’s farm system to hit the ground running, posting a 2.45 ERA in his first full season in the big league rotation. Messick has punched out at least six batters in five straight starts, surrendering 10 total earned runs during that span. He can provide solid length, giving him a serious floor, and the upside is always there. With 24-plus fantasy points in three of his last five starts, Messick is a quality stud play here.

Pitcher Value Plays

SP Bailey Ober (MIN), $7,500: This is an especially shallow SP group, and the bottom falls out in a hurry. You’re hard-pressed to find a quality arm that doesn’t cost, well, an arm and a leg. Bailey Ober has been respectable in the Twins’ rotation this year and has a Sunday date with a Red Sox offense that has been putrid. Capable of pitching deep into the game — as evidenced by his complete game shutout two starts ago — Ober should be locked into your SP2 spot. If you go any cheaper, you’re risking serious damage.

Infield Studs

C Ivan Herrera (STL), $4,400: This is a great time for Ivan Herrera to get hot. The St. Louis DH is always a great extra-base threat, picking up an extra-base knock in three of his last four games, including two home runs. On Saturday against the Reds, Herrera racked up 26 fantasy points with two hits, a triple, two walks, two runs, and a stolen base. The weather in Cincinnati does merit watching, but if he gets his date with Brady Singer, we might see fireworks.

2B J.J. Wetherholt (STL), $5,000: Second base is awfully dire for this slate. You’ll either have to punt entirely or pony up for one of the best players on the board. I’m choosing the latter by picking another hitter facing Brady Singer. Wetherholt has performed admirably as a rookie, providing a special balance of power and speed. The run-scoring potential here is awfully high at the top of St. Louis’ lineup. But, again, make sure to check the weather.

Infield Value Plays

1B Kyle Manzardo (CLE), $2,900: Last Sunday, Manzardo was one of my value plays. He made me look like a DFS kingpin by smashing two homers and racking up 30 fantasy points. A strict platoon bat these days, Manzardo should get into the lineup facing struggling rookie right-hander Andrew Painter. For bottom-barrel value, Manzardo needs one good swing of the bat to deliver — and he’s had a few of those recently.

OF/SS Ryan Kreidler (MIN), $2,900: With the value we’re putting into catcher and second base, the value has to come from somewhere. Minnesota sent Royce Lewis down to the minors to work on things, opening the door for Ryan Kreidler to get some extra playing time. Before going 0-for on Saturday, Kreidler had had an extra-base hit in two straight games, driving in four total runs. Sox starter Sonny Gray has been awfully good, but Kreidler is putting together some great swings and could provide real value here.

SS Brayan Rocchio (CLE), $3,300: Why not go back to the well again? Rocchio delivered in a big way last Sunday as a value play and has stayed hot. Over the last week, Cleveland’s shortstop is 5-for-14 with five runs scored, three extra-base hits, three walks, a steal, and an RBI. Rocchio always finds a way to get something on the board, and he’s a great way to round out your lineup.

Outfield Studs

OF Juan Soto (NYM), $6,300: Yes, the price of admission is high, but Juan Soto is the best show in town. The Mets slugger is scorching hot, blasting four home runs in his last five games. Soto is matchup-proof when he’s this hot, and with the Marlins due for a bullpen game on Sunday, he will feast.

Outfield Value Plays

1B/OF Spencer Steer (CIN), $4,000: This is arguably the best value on the board. Spencer Steer is batting over .300 with an OPS over 1.000 against left-handers this year, with seven extra-base hits in under 50 at-bats. He gets a date with Matthew Liberatore on Sunday, who is sporting a 4.70 ERA and has generally been a punching bag for the Cardinals his entire career. This is a great spot for the Cincy left fielder.

OF Owen Caissie (MIA), $2,900: Here’s a real bargain if you want to find the money for Soto. Christian Scott will make the start for the Mets and has had mixed results in limited big league action. Caissie is still getting used to the big leagues, but has serious power, and the results are clicking in his last few starts. Caissie has a modest three-game hit streak in which he’s recorded at least 9 fantasy points in each contest, driving in five runs with a home run and a double. If you need cheap production at the end of the lineup, Caissie is your man.