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MLB daily fantasy owners are finally getting into a groove, but there’s always room for improvement. Each day brings a new opportunity for DraftKings players to thrive in myriad games, but only if they know how to set up a winning lineup.

Before Tuesday’s slate gets underway, here’s a look at the full strategy for MLB daily fantasy with the top value players to target.

Top Value Players

Pitcher: Daniel Norris, Toronto Blue Jays ($5,600)

Putting stock in young pitchers isn’t always wise for daily fantasy owners. However, Daniel Norris is a special hurler going against a porous lineup on Tuesday.

In his first start with the Toronto Blue Jays, Norris was touched up a bit by the Yankees for three runs over 5.2 innings. During his second start, the 21-year-old pitcher will face a Tampa Bay Rays offense that has been limited to two or less runs in three of the last five games.

Outside of Evan Longoria and Desmond Jennings, Tampa Bay doesn’t really offer many impressive bats. Look for Norris to have a great first outing against the division rivals and post impressive fantasy numbers in his second start.

First Baseman: Adrian Gonzalez, Los Angeles Dodgers ($4,200)

Well, this is obvious. Even after a slightly down weekend—if you call four hits over three games unimpressive—Gonzalez is still the hottest hitter in the game.

Just how hot has A-Gone been thus far? The Dodgers slugger was historically hot through the first three games, per Bleacher Report:

Somehow priced at his lowest salary hit of the season, Gonzalez can be had for a reasonable price on Tuesday night. Punch him into your lineup and expect solid numbers even against Hisashi Iwakuma.

Third Baseman: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies ($4,100)

Through seven games this season, Nolan Arenado already has six extra-base hits. Even with two games where he’s been stifled at the plate, Arenado still has the plate presence to do damage against good pitching.

Facing Tim Hudson, Arenado has a chance to get back on track. Hudson is a veteran on the mound, but he doesn’t have overpowering stuff at 39 years old. This young third baseman has the potential for another stellar night in San Francisco.

Shortstop: Andrelton Simmons, Atlanta Braves ($3,500)

Known for his stellar defensive play, Andrelton Simmons has been great at the plate so far this season. Simba had an off night on Monday, but his average of 11 fantasy points per game over the weekend is certainly welcomed by daily owners.

Given his consistency to start the season, Simmons should be plugged into nearly any fantasy lineup. If he comes away with numbers similar to the ones he posted over the weekend, spending low for him will pay off in this matchup.

Outfielder: Steve Pearce, Baltimore Orioles ($4,000)

Even at a position with so much depth, picking a perfect outfielder can still be an arduous task. Luckily, Steve Pearce has been blazing hot to start the year for the Orioles.

In fact, he started the year with similar numbers to two other memorable Orioles over the last several years, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Despite cooling down some since those first two games, Pearce is still slotted just ahead of Chris Davis. With pitchers all but forced to throw to him, look for Pearce to light up CC Sabathia to help daily owners thrive on Tuesday.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The second full day of the MLB season doesn’t exactly have the same luster as Opening Day. Half of the franchises are 0-1, while the other half are undefeated. It does mean that daily fantasy owners already have a better perspective on which stars to choose.

DraftKings players won’t be able to identify trends with pitchers, but some hitters are already torching hot. Not every batter will continue those trends, but some will face far less impressive starters. Leading up to Tuesday’s slate, here’s a look at some strategy for Game 2 of 162 for most MLB teams.

Top Players to Target

Pitcher: Zack Greinke, Los Angeles Dodgers ($8,800)

Sure, the San Diego Padres are completely retooled with Matt Kemp, Justin Upton and others added to the lineup. Going against Zack Greinke, however, could potentially expose some weaknesses in the offense.

Greinke has been phenomenal during his career at Dodger Stadium, as author Joel Luckhaupt notes:

The right-hander faces a reloaded Padres lineup that relies on right-handed batters for strength. If Greinke can keep up his masterful performances at home against San Diego, he’ll be the clear No. 1 starter for daily owners.

First Baseman: Matt Adams, St. Louis Cardinals ($4,200)

This is one of those predictions we’re not entirely basing on the season opener. Matt Adams went hitless in the first game against the Chicago Cubs, but he is still typically a Cub-crusher.

Facing right-handed hurler Jake Arrieta, Adams was set to get going on Tuesday for daily fantasy owners. In 11 at-bats against Arrieta, Adams has five hits with a double and three RBI. Though he doesn’t have a home run against the Cubs’ No. 2 starter, Adams’ 15 home runs from last year prove he has pop in his bat.

However, the game has been postponed, the Cubs announced on Tuesday.

Second Baseman: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners ($4,200)

He seems like the obvious choice on Tuesday night, so why steer clear of Robinson Cano? Even against a left-hander like C.J. Wilson, Cano has still enjoyed some success against the Angels’ No. 2 starter.

Though he’s never hit one over the wall against Wilson, Cano has been productive against him. After getting a hit and an RBI in the season opener, expect Cano to go off on Tuesday and warrant the high price owners will be paying for him.

Outfielder: Carl Crawford, Los Angeles Dodgers ($3,900)

Starting off the season with a double and an RBI against the San Diego Padres, Crawford already gave daily owners great value. Now he faces pitcher Tyson Ross, whom he has destroyed in a short sample size during his career.

Crawford won’t always be a great choice with his inconsistencies at the plate, but he’s a great option at a reasonable price for owners on Tuesday. Slot the Dodgers outfielder in a No. 2 or No. 3 spot and look for solid production.

Outfielder: Nelson Cruz, Seattle Mariners ($4,100)

The season got off to a silent start for Nelson Cruz, but he’s ready to break out with his new team. Cruz got off to a torrid pace last April, belting six home runs and 24 RBI with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s bound to reach those levels again soon on the West Coast.

Hitting behind Cano, both batters should see strikes from Wilson. Already having a homer against him with just 10 at-bats and a .314/.407/.569 against left-handed pitchers, there will be plenty of pop from Cruz’s bat.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Whether you’ve played before, won a million dollars or have never even heard of DraftKings before now, MLB daily fantasy is for you. Anyone who loves the sport and knows how the game works can succeed with a little time and effort.

Daily fantasy is a huge deviation from regular fantasy baseball in several aspects. Filling out a roster is based on a fixed salary cap of $50,000 per 10-man roster. Each owner chooses two pitchers, a first-baseman or designated hitter and all eight other positions to make a complete lineup.

Once an applicable lineup is set, owners can enter myriad different contests including head-to-head, 50/50 and multipliers on a daily basis. Hence the name daily fantasy, where no day is the same and lineups are constantly changing.

Now that the standard rules are out of the way, here’s a look at some advice to dominate in DraftKings MLB leagues this year.

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A year after signing Marlon Byrd to a two-year contract, the Philadelphia Phillies have dealt the outfielder to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Reds confirmed the move via their Twitter account:  

Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported earlier on Wednesday that a deal was in place to send Byrd to the Reds.

Byrd had a standout 2014 season with the struggling Phillies, posting a career-high 25 home runs while hitting .264 with 85 RBI. That production made him a valuable free-agent asset.

John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer shared some statistical perspective on the move:

Prior to the deal taking place, David Murphy of the Philadelphia Daily News offered his thoughts on Byrd:

For teams in need of a right-hand hitting corner outfielder, Marlon Byrd is the most attractive candidate on the market, regardless of his contract. As long as Byrd is willing to waive his limited no-trade clause … he could be the first Phillie out the door.

Corey Seidman of CSN Philly noted just how well Byrd was performing during last season:

Cincinnati will be Byrd’s eighth MLB team. 

Before being dealt, Byrd spoke about wanting to remain with the team that drafted him, per Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly:

“I don’t want to get traded,” Byrd said in July. “I signed a two-year deal here for a reason. The thought process was to retire as a Phillie. At the same time, this is a business and I know how it works. If trading me makes the organization better, I have to go with it.”

In his contract with the Phillies, Byrd had a four-team no-trade clause. Of those teams, the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners—two teams that coveted the outfielder before the 2014 trade deadline—were on the list, according to Salisbury.

What Byrd brings to Cincinnati is a strong right-handed bat and a consistent defensive player in the outfield. 

The Phillies add a prospect that can help them build toward the future. Philly is in desperate need of a turnaround after finishing 73-89 and in the cellar of the National League East.

The two teams are heading in completely opposite directions, but the deal ultimately helps both franchises. Byrd, who was also dealt by the Phillies in 2005, has another chance to compete on a team with hopes of contending in the postseason.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez provided an early Christmas gift for fans of the franchise. Gonzalez suffered a season-ending knee injury in September, but he was healthy enough to take swings Tuesday.

The announcement was made over Twitter and Instagram from Gonzalez:

Gonzalez, 29, is a two-time All-Star for the franchise who finished .238/.292/.431 with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 70 games last season. If he can return to full health next season, Gonzalez’s contributions would make the Rockies offense much more dynamic.

For now, Colorado fans have to be happy to see him healthy enough to take hacks before the holidays.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

After a consistent season in a limited role during the 2014 season, free-agent outfielder Delmon Young signed a one-year deal to remain with the Baltimore Orioles.

Roch Kubatko of MASN reported the news on Young’s decision:

CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman added financial details:

Young, 29, has been a journeyman throughout his career, playing with five different teams over the last nine seasons. Last season was one of his best, batting .302/.337/.442 with seven home runs and 30 RBI in just 83 games with the Baltimore Orioles.

Following that season, Young made it known that he wanted at least a two-year deal, per Orioles on MASN:

During his career, Young has been a formidable player but comes with some baggage. Most recently, Young was charged with a hate crime in 2012 after a few minor league incidents when he was 19 and 20 years old.

Orioles manager Buck Showalter spoke about taking the risk on Young last season, via John Lott of the National Post:

If you look at Delmon, he would be the first to tell you that some of his challenges have been self-inflicted. But you look at him just purely statistically, and you go, ‘Why is this guy available? … What are we missing here?’

We’re always one bad decision away from something, you know? Like I told him, none of us like to have our lives judged by our worst decision. And the big thing is, if you get an opportunity, you better run through that door, and he has. I’m proud of him.

His talent overshadowed the question marks during the 2014 season, as he came up clutch again in the postseason. Now, the Orioles have him in the lineup for late-game at-bats and potential playoff heroics.

ESPN Stats & Info points out how well Young has performed as a pinch-hitter and in the postseason:

Luckily for Baltimore, the team gets back a critical player to the lineup. After already losing both Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz this offseason, Young will be an integral part of the team.

It should be interesting to see whether or not he gets more at-bats next season. Regardless of his role, Young is another asset for the defending American League East champions.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Coming off a strong 2014 MLB season, Minnesota Twins starter Phil Hughes reportedly agreed to a contract extension with the club on Monday.    

MLBRosterMoves provided the latest on the agreement between the two sides:

Hughes, 28, emerged last season as a true ace despite another down season for the franchise. Finishing 16-10 with a 3.52 ERA and a career-high 186 strikeouts, Hughes completely turned things around from his horrid 2013 campaign with the New York Yankees.

Prior to the confirmation of the deal, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reported an agreement was in place.

Craig Calcaterra of NBC Sports offered his take on the deal for Hughes:

Last season, Hughes had a chance to cash in on a $500,000 bonus if he recorded one more out. However, he decided to look toward helping in the future with the franchise, as he told ESPN.com.

“I just didn’t think it was right,” Hughes said. “I owe too much to this organization for the next two years to risk getting hurt for an incentive. For whatever reason it wasn’t meant to be. There’s a lot bigger problems out there. I’m proud of my season.”

In the end, Hughes still comes out with a big payday thanks to last year’s performance.

Under team control until 2019, the Twins now have the pieces to make the AL Central one of the most competitive in the MLB. Already acquiring Torii Hunter and getting a healthy Joe Mauer back, 2015 should be an intriguing season in Minnesota.

In an increasingly competitive division, the Twins still have a tough road ahead. Bringing back Hughes gives Minnesota a true ace, but it is still in a tough division to make a playoff run.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Still months away from pitchers and catchers reporting, the MLB rumors surrounding some of the biggest trade targets are hotter than ever.

The hot stove has been set ablaze with rumors swirling about both Cole Hamels and Troy Tulowitzki. Even recent acquisitions by teams might be up for discussion with the San Diego Padres looking to deal one of their biggest assets.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves might actually be keeping one of their most coveted players heading into the season. Prior to the start of the new year, here’s a look at the latest rumors surrounding the MLB.

Cole Hamels

This offseason, the hotbed for trade rumors has been in San Diego. The Padres have been dealing for several huge bats, but they might now be looking to acquire a true ace for their rotation.

San Diego’s latest inquiry has reportedly been on Hamels, who is coming off a career year with the Philadelphia Phillies. Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News passes along the latest on Hamels: 

“The Padres have had discussions about trading for the lefthanded ace, who happens to be a San Diego native,” Lawrence writes. “With newly acquired outfielder Wil Myers as potential bait, according to a baseball source.”

Hamels, 30, posted a career-low 2.46 ERA last season with 198 strikeouts and finished sixth in the Cy Young voting, per Baseball-Reference. Even on a team that finished 16 games under .500, Hamels was sensational on the rubber.

He might also be a great fit for San Diego due to his contract, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today:

While the Padres have made great strides with the additions of outfielders Matt Kemp and Justin Upton, they still need to upgrade the rotation. In a division that includes the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants—each of which have true aces—Hamels would immediately add that presence for San Diego.

Even if it gives up Wil Myers, the return in Hamels seems worth it. This is a deal the Padres need to make to not only compete in the NL West but also in the postseason.

Troy Tulowitzki

Unlike the Padres and the Phillies, the Colorado Rockies have been mostly reluctant to deal their biggest names.

In Colorado, Tulowitzki remains the best potential trade target for any team looking for a power bat. Now, the Rockies are talking about a move involving Tulo with a familiar team, as Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports:

The Mets and Rockies have been quietly discussing a potential Troy Tulowitzki blockbuster for weeks, though it isn’t known yet whether New York will have a decent chance to complete such a deal.

Prized Mets pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard is said to be the centerpiece of discussions revolving around a potential package of young players in a possible deal for Tulo, though it seems like there is still quite a ways to go to have a chance to complete such a monster trade.

In the early portion of last season, Tulowitzki looked like a MVP candidate for Colorado. Through 91 games, the 30-year-old finished with a .340/.432/.603 slash line and 21 home runs, but injuries cut his season short.

The New York Mets have already signed Michael Cuddyer and could be looking to pair him with a familiar face at shortstop; however, injury concerns for Tulo should eventually outweigh the Mets’ need to acquire his offense in their lineup.

Evan Gattis

This offseason has been similar to a fire sale for in Atlanta. Already dealing away the likes of Jason Heyward and the aforementioned Upton, the Braves might actually be keeping one of their best young remaining bats.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post offered the latest rumor about Evan Gattis:

Given the way the offseason has gone for Atlanta, moving Gattis might seem like a good idea to continue the rebuild; however, he is just 28 years old and hit 22 home runs last year while improving his batting average, OBP and slugging percentage.

Having Nick Markakis in right field and Gattis in left, Atlanta would still have a supply of power in the lineup. If Christian Bethancourt can grab the reins behind the plate, this might be a young team that can still compete—even in a rebuilding year.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Just when it seemed like Wil Myers might have found a new home, the young outfielder is the subject of trade rumors again. The San Diego Padres have been extremely active this offseason, and Myers might be moved for an ace pitcher. 

Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News reports the latest on Myers.

“The Padres have had discussions about trading for [Cole Hamels], who happens to be a San Diego native,” Lawrence writes, “with newly acquired outfielder Wil Myers as potential bait, according to a baseball source.”

Myers, 24, was named the American League Rookie of the Year during his 2013 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, he was hampered by injuries in 2014 and hit just .222 with six home runs in 87 games with the Rays.

The recent trade gave the Padres more potential power, but a trade would fill another need in the rotation. Those talks might be a bit premature, as Dennis Lin of U-T San Diego points out.

“Indications from sources within the organization, however, are that the Padres intend on playing all three of their newest outfielders, including Myers,” Lin writes. “The early plan is for the 2013 American League Rookie of the Year to start in center field, flanked by fellow power-hitting right-handers Justin Upton and Matt Kemp.”

C.J. Nitkowski of Fox Sports 1 offers his take on a potential move for Myers, per MLB Network Radio:

Regardless of where Myers begins the upcoming season, he will need to turn things around to live up to his production from his rookie campaign. If he can touch anywhere close to the numbers he posted in 2013, Myers would be a good fit for any team.

Already equipped with the likes of Justin Upton and Matt Kemp, the Padres would have a wealth of talent in the outfield if they kept Myers. In a division with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants, they might need more than just power bats to compete.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Free-agent infielder Jed Lowrie has signed a three-year contract with the Houston Astros after spending the last two seasons with the Oakland Athletics.    

The Astros’ official Twitter account passed along the official report:

Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle and Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports noted more contract details:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided the yearly breakdown of the deal:

Drellich also passed along what position Lowrie will be playing moving forward:

Lowrie sounded optimistic about the direction his new team is headed, via Brian McTaggart of MLB.com:

Lowrie has enjoyed solid production over the last two years after spending 2012 with the Astros. The 30-year-old hit just .249/.321/.355 last season but had 15 home runs and a career-high 75 RBI the previous year, which speaks to his upside.   

Richard Justice of MLB.com shared his thoughts on the move while also providing a comment from general manager Jeff Luhnow:

Last season, Lowrie took issue with his former and now current club. Former Astros pitcher Paul Clemens was ejected in April after plunking Lowrie in the seventh inning of a game.

Following that game, the infielder called the incident “flat-out embarrassing.” The hit by pitch reportedly resulted from his decision to bunt in the seventh inning of a previous game.

However, the two main culprits from those antics, including former manager Bo Porter, are no longer with the team, as McTaggart notes:

In Houston, Lowrie may serve as a stopgap with Carlos Correa potentially taking over in the future. Correa suffered a season-ending injury last year but is still the Astros’ top prospect, according to Baseball America.

Lowrie has familiarity with the Astros and joins a team that has already made several moves this offseason. Houston may be in the difficult AL West but is slowly adding talent to emerge as contenders in the division.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com