Top MLB DFS Picks for August 16: DraftKings ft. Spencer Schwellenbach, Manny Machado & more

With all 30 MLB teams in action on Friday, fans will have ample opportunities to witness some of the very best players in the game. As it happens, those MLB stars also provide a chance to get ahead in various fantasy sports leagues.

Using odds supplied by DraftKings Sportsbook, here's a closer look at the top Daily Fantasy Sports picks across MLB for Aug. 16.

Top MLB DFS Picks - Aug. 16

Pitchers

#1. Corbin Burnes ($9,700 on DraftKings)

Earlier this month, Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes registered his 1,000th career strikeout. Now his club's strikeout leader, Burnes' 2.71 ERA is his lowest since 2021, when he was awarded the NL Cy Young Award. Against Friday's opponents, the Red Sox, Burnes is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA and sixteen strikeouts in nineteen innings.

#2. Spencer Arrighetti ($8,500 on DraftKings)

Over his past 13 innings of work, Houston Astros' Spencer Arrighetti has compiled 25 strikeouts. Moreover, in his last outing against the Red Sox, Arrighetti posted seven innings, allowing just two earned runs and obtaining a career-high strikeout number of 13. He is now 5-10 with a 5.14 ERA this year.

"Lucky No. 13! A new career high in strikeouts for Spencer Arrighetti" - MLB

#3. Spencer Schwellenbach ($9,800 on DraftKings)

Rookie Spencer Schwellenbach has been one of the Atlanta Braves' best pitchers of late. Now boasting 28 strikeouts over his past 20 innings of MLB action, Schwellenbach is now 4-5 with a 3.95 ERA. He will take the mound as the Braves take on the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.

Top Hitters

#1. Manny Machado ($5,600 on DraftKings)

The San Diego Padres' 18-4 record since the All-Star break is the best in MLB, and third baseman Manny Machado has played his part. Over his past 22 games, Machado is hitting .270/.316/.517 with five home runs and 18 RBIs. A former Silver Slugger, Machado will bring a career .275 average alongside 17 home runs and 63 RBIs to his 103rd career game against the Colorado Rockies on Friday.

"2024 Manny Machado is looking very similar to 2022 Manny Machado" - Al Scott

#2. Corey Seager ($5,600 on DraftKings)

While Corey Seager struggled early, the Texas Rangers shortstop's hitting game is picking up steam. A .286/.355/.561 hitter over the course of his past 25 games, Seager's eight home runs and 15 RBIs leads his club over that period. Moreover, his 26 home runs puts Seager within distance of reaching his career-high figure of 33, a number he logged in each of the past two seasons.

#3. Gunnar Henderson ($5,900 on DraftKings)

Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Gunnar Henderson is putting his stellar 2023 performance to shame. A .289/.374/.558 hitter on the season, the Baltimore Orioles shortstop has logged two home runs and four RBIs in his past four games. Additionally, Henderson also leads MLB in slugging percentage on breaking ball pitches.

"Homers in back-to-back games for Gunnar Henderson!" - Talkin' Baseball

Budget Picks

#1. David Peralta ($3,400 on DraftKings)

Padres outfielder David Peralta has also contributed to his team's hot streak since the All-Star break. A .295 hitter over his past nineteen games, the Venezuelan veteran has also contributed with five home runs and 12 RBIs over that time. In the Padres' recent series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Peralta went 4-for-9 with two home runs and three RBIs in three games.

#2. Michael Harris II ($3,800 on DraftKings)

On Wednesday, Braves outfielder Michael Harris II returned from two months on the IL and proceeded to hit his first career grand slam in the 13-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.

"MICHAEL HARRIS II HITS A GRAND SLAM IN HIS 1ST AT BAT OFF THE IL" - Talkin' Baseball

A speed threat with a pop in his bat, Harris II is hitting .249/.293/.364 this season.

#3. Carlos Santana ($3,700 on DraftKings)

Veteran Carlos Santana is still getting it done. In 112 games for the Minnesota Twins this season, the catcher is hitting .242/.328/.422 with 51 RBIs and 16 home runs.