Strategy and Stats for 04/14/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

As the clock strikes 1:35 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy slate kicks off with an exhilarating lineup of 15 games, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. Highlighting today’s action, the Los Angeles Angels gear up to face the Boston Red Sox at the iconic Fenway Park. With an Over/Under set at 9.5, this clash is anticipated to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a focal point for fantasy players scouting for high-scoring assets. From the mound to the batter’s box, our analysis will delve into the top projected players at each position, ensuring you have the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the ultimate guide to today’s MLB fantasy landscape.

Top 1B Players to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Freddie Freeman ($9200), Dodgers – Projected 13.3 pts

Freddie Freeman, despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, remains a pivotal player for the Dodgers. Over his last ten games, Freeman has seen a decrease in his DraftKings points per game, dropping by 42.1% from a previous average of 10.89 to 6.3. Similarly, his FanDuel points have fallen by 45.2%. His hitting has slightly declined, with total bases per game seeing a significant drop of 45.9%. However, Freeman’s ability to draw walks has impressively increased by 263.6%, indicating a keen eye at the plate. Facing Yu Darvish, who ranks low in hits allowed, might seem an opportunity, but Freeman’s 1.4 DFS value score suggests caution for fantasy players considering his high salary.

Matt Olson ($6000), Braves – Projected 13.1 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves presents a more appealing option in today’s DFS lineup. With a DraftKings salary significantly lower than Freeman’s, Olson has maintained a steadier performance in his recent games. His DraftKings points per game have only slightly decreased by 3.9%, and his FanDuel points by 4.4%. Olson’s ability to contribute across the board, from doubles to runs, has shown minor fluctuations but remains robust. Notably, his walks have increased by 51.5%, enhancing his on-base percentage. Facing Jesus Luzardo, who also ranks poorly in hits allowed, Olson’s 2.2 DFS value score makes him a solid core value pick for today’s games.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5400), Astros – Projected 13.6 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent performance has shown a notable uptick, making him a compelling choice for today’s DFS contests. Over his last ten games, Altuve has averaged 9.5 DraftKings points per game, a 31.6% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to get on base has improved significantly, with a 536.4% increase in walks per game. Facing Nathan Eovaldi, who ranks #50 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s matchup is favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.5, categorizing him as a strong value pick at second base.

Ozzie Albies ($5700), Braves – Projected 13.1 pts

Ozzie Albies, on the other hand, presents a slightly riskier option. His performance has seen a decline in the last ten games, with his DraftKings points dropping by 32.5% to an average of 8.7 points per game. Despite this, Albies has shown resilience in doubles, with a 127.3% increase compared to his previous games. He faces Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins, who ranks #37 for hits allowed per game, potentially giving Albies a chance to bounce back. His DFS value score is 2.3, making him a core value pick for today’s slate.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Rafael Devers ($5100), Boston Red Sox – Projected 13.4 pts

Rafael Devers has shown a remarkable improvement in his performance over the last ten games, with a significant uptick in both DraftKings and FanDuel points per game, showcasing increases of 136.7% and 153.3% respectively compared to his previous ten games. His ability to generate total bases has surged by 167.9%, and his walks have more than doubled, highlighting his enhanced plate discipline. Facing Tyler Anderson, who ranks 17th in hits allowed per game, Devers is poised to exploit this matchup. With a DFS value score of 2.6, Devers presents strong value at his current salary, making him a compelling pick for today’s fantasy lineups.

Austin Riley ($5700), Atlanta Braves – Projected 13.1 pts

Austin Riley continues to be a consistent source of fantasy points, with a 30.2% increase in DraftKings points per game in his last ten outings compared to the ten games prior. His hitting has been solid, with a 20% increase in hits per game and maintaining a steady run production. Despite a slight decrease in walks, Riley’s overall performance against pitchers like Jesus Luzardo—who ranks 37th in hits allowed per game—suggests he can capitalize effectively. Riley’s DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value player, making him a viable option for today’s games, especially given his potential to maximize on total bases and runs.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Corey Seager ($6300), Texas Rangers – Projected 13.7 pts

Corey Seager has been showing a solid uptick in his performance lately, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s games. Over his last 10 games, Seager has averaged 7.3 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of 10 games where he averaged 5.22 points. This 39.8% increase is promising, especially considering his matchup against Ronel Blanco, who ranks #33.0 in hits allowed per game with an average of 8.48. Seager’s ability to capitalize on walks and runs, having increased by 172.7% and 218.2% respectively, positions him as a strong play. His DFS value score stands at 2.2, categorizing him as a core value player in today’s lineup.

Francisco Lindor ($4800), New York Mets – Projected 12.4 pts

Francisco Lindor, on the other hand, presents a slightly different scenario. Despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, with a decrease of 50.9% in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous 10 games, Lindor still holds potential against Cole Ragans of the KC, who allows an average of 6.66 hits per game. Lindor’s current average of 5.4 DraftKings points and a DFS value score of 2.6 make him a strong value pick. His lower salary and the potential for high returns, especially in a matchup favorable for hits, could make Lindor a strategic, budget-friendly option in today’s DFS contests.

Daily Fantasy Sports Analysis: Catchers Spotlight

Ryan Jeffers ($3700), Twins – Projected 11.7 pts

Ryan Jeffers has shown a notable dip in his performance over the last ten games compared to the previous ten, with a decrease in almost all statistical categories. However, his DraftKings points per game have dropped from 11.67 to 8.3, a decline of 28.9%. Despite this, his upcoming matchup against Kenta Maeda of the Tigers, who ranks 40th in hits allowed per game, positions Jeffers favorably. Given his 3.2 DFS value score, Jeffers emerges as an elite value pick for today’s slate. His current form, combined with a favorable opposition, makes him a compelling choice for DFS lineups.

J.T. Realmuto ($4900), Phillies – Projected 11.3 pts

J.T. Realmuto’s recent performance has been less inspiring, with a significant reduction in fantasy points and other key metrics over his last ten games. His DraftKings points have fallen by 28.7%, from 8.0 to 5.7 points per game. Despite facing Mitch Keller, who is 28th in hits allowed per game, Realmuto’s recent form does not instill confidence. His DFS value score stands at 2.3, categorizing him as a core value player. While not at the elite level, Realmuto still holds potential due to his experience and capability to bounce back against weaker pitching.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Juan Soto ($6100), Yankees – Projected 15.8 pts

Juan Soto, despite a recent dip in performance metrics, remains a compelling choice in today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last 10 games, Soto has seen a decrease in production across several categories, including a -35.9% drop in hits per game and a significant -39.4% reduction in home runs per game compared to his previous 10 games. However, his ability to draw walks has slightly improved, showing a 1.1% increase. Facing a middle-ranked Cleveland team in terms of hits allowed, Soto’s matchup is favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $6100 and a projected point total of 15.8, his DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a player with strong value for today’s games.

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6500), Braves – Projected 14.3 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr. is another outfielder who has experienced a downturn in his recent performance, with a -37.5% decrease in hits per game and a stark -100.0% drop in home runs per game. Despite these challenges, Acuna has shown a remarkable 81.8% increase in walks per game, which could play to his advantage against Miami’s pitcher Jesus Luzardo, who ranks #37 in hits allowed per game. Acuna’s DraftKings salary is set at $6500, with a projected point total of 14.3. His DFS value score is 2.2, positioning him as a core value player in today’s fantasy contests.