Strategy and Stats for 04/16/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is brimming with excitement as we gear up for a full slate of 15 games, kicking off at 1:10 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly note the marquee matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, starting at 8:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 10.0, this game promises a plethora of scoring opportunities, making it a goldmine for those looking to capitalize on high-performing players. As we delve deeper into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose statistical prowess could make or break your fantasy lineup. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Matt Olson ($9400), Atlanta Braves – Projected 14.2 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves shows a promising uptick in his recent performances, making him a player to watch in today’s games. Over his last 10 games, Olson has averaged 11.0 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous 10-game stretch where he averaged 8.67 points. This 26.9% increase is backed by a rise in total bases per game from 2.11 to 2.5 and a dramatic increase in walks per game, soaring by 354.5%. However, despite these improvements, his projected DFS value score stands at 1.5, influenced by his high DraftKings salary of $9400. Olson is facing Hunter Brown, who ranks 9th in hits allowed per game, presenting a challenging matchup but also a potential opportunity for Olson to capitalize on.

Bryce Harper ($3400), Philadelphia Phillies – Projected 13.9 pts

Bryce Harper, now at first base for the Phillies, presents an intriguing value in today’s DFS landscape. Despite a rough recent stretch where his DraftKings points per game dipped to 3.5 from an earlier 11.44, Harper’s low salary of $3400 and a projected point total of 13.9 translate to a DFS value score of 4.1. This marks him as a strong value pick, especially considering he’s up against Austin Gomber of Colorado, who is ranked third for hits allowed per game. Harper’s performance has notably declined in hits, total bases, and home runs, yet his relatively low cost and potential for high returns make him a compelling choice for today’s games.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Spotlight

Ketel Marte ($3600), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 13.8 pts

Ketel Marte’s recent performance shows a mixed bag with a slight decline in hits and runs but a significant increase in doubles and total bases. His DraftKings points per game have dipped by 7.5% over the last ten games, and his FanDuel points have seen a similar decrease. Despite these fluctuations, Marte’s projected DFS value score stands at an impressive 3.8, categorizing him as an elite value pick for today’s slate. Facing Kyle Hendricks, who ranks 14th in hits allowed per game, Marte’s potential for high fantasy points makes him a top consideration for your 2B slot.

Ozzie Albies ($8600), Atlanta Braves – Projected 13.5 pts

Ozzie Albies has experienced a notable decline in his performance metrics across the board compared to his previous ten games. His DraftKings and FanDuel points per game have decreased by over 40%, and his total bases have nearly halved. Despite these downturns, Albies is still projected to score 13.5 points. However, his high DraftKings salary of $8600 paired with a DFS value score of 1.6 positions him as a risky choice. Given his current form and the matchup against Hunter Brown, who is tough on hitters, fantasy managers might consider other options or use Albies with caution.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Austin Riley ($8800), Braves – Projected 13.5 pts

Austin Riley, the Braves’ hot corner guardian, has shown consistent fantasy production with an average of 9.8 DraftKings points over his last ten games. Despite a slight dip from his previous ten-game average of 10.44, Riley’s ability to adapt and score is evident. His matchup against Hunter Brown, who ranks ninth in hits allowed per game, presents a challenging yet potentially rewarding scenario. Riley’s projected DFS value score of 1.5 might raise eyebrows considering his high salary, suggesting a cautious approach for DFS players banking on high returns.

Matt Chapman ($3100), Giants – Projected 12.5 pts

On the other side of the spectrum, Matt Chapman of the Giants offers a fascinating case at a significantly lower DraftKings salary of $3100. Despite a recent slump in performance, with a stark decrease in DraftKings points per game from 10.89 to 5.6, Chapman’s upcoming game against Ryan Weathers could be a turning point. Weathers, ranking fourth in hits allowed per game, might just be the break Chapman needs to rebound. With a DFS value score of 4.0, he emerges as a strong value pick, potentially providing excellent return on investment for those willing to bet on his recovery.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Trea Turner ($3400), Phillies – Projected 13.1 pts

Trea Turner’s recent performance has been a beacon of consistency and improvement, making him a top pick for today’s DFS slate. Over his last 10 games, Turner has seen a 10.3% increase in DraftKings points per game, now averaging 8.7 points. His matchup against Austin Gomber, who ranks third in hits allowed per game, positions Turner for potential high scoring. His hitting has improved significantly, with a 50.4% increase in total bases per game. Turner’s DFS value score stands at an 3.9, categorizing him as an elite value pick at shortstop.

Dansby Swanson ($3100), Cubs – Projected 12.9 pts

Despite a slight dip in recent games, Dansby Swanson remains a strong contender in today’s DFS lineup. Swanson’s DraftKings points per game have decreased by 11.5% over the last 10 games, now averaging 5.9. However, his matchup against Arizona’s pitching, which is ranked 17th in hits allowed per game, could offer him a chance to bounce back. Notably, Swanson has maintained a steady hit rate and even shown a 17.1% increase in total bases per game. With a DFS value score of 4.2, Swanson is considered an elite value play, providing a potentially lucrative option for DFS players focusing on cost-efficiency.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($3000), Orioles – Projected 11.6 pts

Adley Rutschman’s recent performance has shown a slight dip in production, with his DraftKings points per game dropping by 18.0% from 8.78 to 7.2 in the last ten games. Despite this, his ability to consistently hit, evidenced by a 17.1% increase in hits per game, positions him well against Chris Paddack of the Twins, who ranks first in hits allowed per game. Rutschman’s projected DFS value score of 3.9 reflects his elite value at a DraftKings salary of $3000, making him a compelling choice for today’s lineup.

J.T. Realmuto ($2900), Phillies – Projected 11.3 pts

J.T. Realmuto has experienced a more significant reduction in his fantasy output, with a 41.7% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten-game stretch. However, facing Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who is third in hits allowed per game, provides a favorable matchup that could see Realmuto capitalize. His consistent ability to get on base, albeit slightly reduced, combined with a DFS value score of 3.9, suggests that Realmuto remains an elite option for today’s games, especially given his slightly lower salary of $2900.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6400), Braves – Projected 18.5 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr. continues to be a pivotal player for fantasy managers, especially going into today’s game against Hunter Brown of the Astros. Over his last ten games, Acuna has averaged 11.2 DraftKings points, slightly down from his previous ten-game average of 12.67 points. Despite a minor dip in his performance metrics, such as a -18.9% decrease in singles per game, Acuna has maintained a steady production of hits and walks. His resilience at the plate is notable, with a slight increase in doubles per game by 36.4%. Facing Brown, who ranks 9th in hits allowed per game, Acuna’s matchup is favorable, reflected in his 2.9 DFS value score, marking him as a strong value pick today.

Corbin Carroll ($5700), Diamondbacks – Projected 15.8 pts

Corbin Carroll offers an intriguing option for DFS players today as he faces Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs. Carroll’s recent performance shows a promising uptick in hits per game, up 28.2% from his previous ten games, and a significant increase in singles per game by 81.8%. However, his overall DraftKings points have decreased by 17.3%, averaging 8.0 points in his last ten outings. Despite the decrease in walks and a notable drop in triples, Carroll’s ability to secure bases and contribute to runs positions him as a viable player. With a 2.8 DFS value score, Carroll stands out as a strong value pick, especially considering Hendricks’ ranking of 14th in hits allowed per game.