MLB DFS Ace Matrix – Top 5 Pitchers for August 18, 2025 (Main Slate)
Ranked by the Ace Matrix — a sharp grading system crafted by a veteran DFS grinder — blending K Upside, Run Prevention, Win Equity, Leverage, and Role/Pitch Count. This tool distills pitching data into one clear view, layering recent form and opponent splits so you can anchor cash builds and unlock contrarian GPP upside.
Quick Take
- #1 Nestor Cortes – Ace 6.36, FD Salary $7,600, FPPG 20. Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path. Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
- #2 Robbie Ray – Ace 6.36, FD Salary $9,500, FPPG 34.68. Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path. Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
- #3 Jack Leiter – Ace 6.29, FD Salary $8,200, FPPG 25.09. Trending form aligns with workload; path to QS if command holds and pitch count stretches. Lineup has chase-prone segments vs righties; success hinges on execution of primary offspeed.
#1 Nestor Cortes (LHP) — Matchup: SF@SD | Ace Matrix: 6.36
Component Score
Recent: Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path.
Opp Splits: Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
#2 Robbie Ray (LHP) — Matchup: SF@SD | Ace Matrix: 6.36
Component Score
Recent: Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path.
Opp Splits: Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
#3 Jack Leiter (RHP) — Matchup: TEX@KC | Ace Matrix: 6.29
Component Score
Recent: Trending form aligns with workload; path to QS if command holds and pitch count stretches.
Opp Splits: Lineup has chase-prone segments vs righties; success hinges on execution of primary offspeed.
#4 Michael Wacha (RHP) — Matchup: TEX@KC | Ace Matrix: 6.29
Component Score
Recent: Trending form aligns with workload; path to QS if command holds and pitch count stretches.
Opp Splits: Lineup has chase-prone segments vs righties; success hinges on execution of primary offspeed.
#5 Brady Singer (RHP) — Matchup: CIN@LAA | Ace Matrix: 6.26
Component Score
Recent: Trending form aligns with workload; path to QS if command holds and pitch count stretches.
Opp Splits: Lineup has chase-prone segments vs righties; success hinges on execution of primary offspeed.
Ace Matrix Conclusion
The Ace Matrix spotlights Nestor Cortes (FD $7,600, 20 FPPG) as the cash anchor with premium strikeout projection and stable workload. Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path. Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
Robbie Ray (FD $9,500, 34.68 FPPG) profiles as a balanced SP1/2 with win equity. Pitcher-friendly environment supports run prevention; efficiency matters for QS/W path. Opponents show exploitable K pockets vs lefties; neutral-to-positive platoon profile overall.
Jack Leiter (FD $8,200, 25.09 FPPG) offers mid-tier leverage with a live ceiling if ownership trails. Trending form aligns with workload; path to QS if command holds and pitch count stretches. Lineup has chase-prone segments vs righties; success hinges on execution of primary offspeed.
Strategy: lock the strongest Ace for cash builds and pivot to secondary Aces in tournaments, especially where park context (e.g., Coors vs Petco) swings variance and leverage.