Strategy and Stats for 04/17/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with action as 16 games kick off, starting at 12:10 PM EST, promising a day filled with pivotal plays and standout performers. All eyes are on the Chicago Cubs as they face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field at 3:40 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 9.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a critical focus for fantasy players. As we delve into the player projections, watch for top performers at each position who are set to make significant impacts, leveraging their recent stats and current form to guide our picks. This comprehensive breakdown will not only highlight potential fantasy studs but also set the stage for strategic decision-making in today’s exciting game lineup.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5900), Phillies – Projected 13.7 pts

Bryce Harper’s recent performance shows a significant dip compared to his previous games, with a decrease in almost all statistical categories. Despite this, his matchup against Austin Gomber, who ranks fourth in hits allowed per game, offers a potential rebound. Harper’s DraftKings points per game have fallen from 12.44 to 5.1, and his home run rate has notably decreased by 77.3%. However, his ability to draw walks has improved slightly. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Harper remains a core value pick whose current slump might mislead some DFS players, potentially making him a less popular but strategically valuable play.

Freddie Freeman ($5900), Dodgers – Projected 13.6 pts

Freddie Freeman also shows a downturn in his recent outings, with a 52.8% drop in DraftKings points per game. His hits and total bases have decreased, but a significant increase in walk rate suggests he’s still finding ways to get on base. Facing Jake Irvin, who is not among the top pitchers in terms of limiting hits, could be an opportunity for Freeman to correct his course. Despite the recent struggles, Freeman’s consistent ability to reach base and his DFS value score of 2.3 classify him as a core value player. This could be a pivotal game for Freeman to leverage his on-base skills and regain his typical form.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Standouts

Ozzie Albies ($5800), Braves – Projected 14.1 pts

Ozzie Albies has been a notable player for the Braves, especially considering his recent performance metrics. Over the last 10 games, Albies has averaged 9.0 DraftKings points, a decrease from his previous 10-game average of 15.44 points. This decline in fantasy production, marked by a -41.7% change, could be concerning for DFS players. However, his matchup against Hunter Brown, who ranks #18 in hits allowed per game, might offer some rebound potential. Despite the recent dip, Albies’ ability to secure doubles has impressively increased by 263.6%. With a DraftKings salary of $5800 and a DFS value score of 2.4, Albies presents a core value option for the upcoming slate.

Ketel Marte ($5500), Diamondbacks – Projected 13.0 pts

Ketel Marte, playing for the Diamondbacks, shows a mixed bag in his recent performances. In the last 10 games, Marte has managed an average of 8.9 DraftKings points, slightly down by -12.0% from his earlier performances. His ability to hit home runs has seen a significant increase of 81.8%, which might intrigue DFS enthusiasts looking for potential high-reward players. Despite a slight decrease in overall hits and runs, Marte’s consistent performance in walks and total bases could make him a viable pick. With a DFS value score of 2.4 at a $5500 salary, Marte also stands out as a core value player against a weaker Chicago Cubs pitching lineup.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Austin Riley ($5900), Braves – Projected 13.3 pts

Austin Riley has been a consistent performer for the Braves, averaging 10.5 DraftKings points over his last ten games, showing a slight improvement from his previous set of ten games. His ability to hit effectively, with an average of 1.5 hits per game recently, makes him a reliable choice. Despite facing Hunter Brown, who ranks mid-pack in hits allowed, Riley’s recent uptick in singles and total bases suggests he could exploit any lapses from Brown. His DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value pick in today’s lineup, especially given his slight increase in runs and stable power-hitting metrics.

Jose Ramirez ($5700), Indians – Projected 12.3 pts

Jose Ramirez, on the other hand, presents a slightly riskier option with a DFS value score of 2.2. His performance has seen a modest rise in DraftKings points, now averaging 7.8 over his last ten games. Although his hits per game have dipped slightly, Ramirez has increased his home run rate, which could be crucial against Tanner Houck of the Red Sox, who is ranked #24 in hits allowed per game. However, his reduced walk rate and runs could be areas of concern. Ramirez’s ability to contribute across multiple categories, albeit inconsistently, still makes him a viable core value pick for today’s games.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Spotlight

Corey Seager ($6100), Texas Rangers – Projected 13.3 pts

Corey Seager, the Texas Rangers’ stalwart at shortstop, has been showing consistent performance in his recent games. With an average of 6.1 DraftKings points over his last 10 games, Seager is facing Tarik Skubal, who ranks #50 in hits allowed per game at 6.6. Despite a slight decrease in hits and singles compared to the previous 10 games, Seager’s walks and runs have seen significant increases, suggesting a growing patience and selectivity at the plate. His DraftKings salary stands at $6100, with a DFS value score of 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick in today’s DFS lineups.

Trea Turner ($5800), Philadelphia Phillies – Projected 13.2 pts

Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies enters today’s game as a slightly more enticing option. Over his last 10 games, Turner has averaged 8.4 DraftKings points, showing a modest improvement over his previous performance. He’s up against Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who is notably generous with hits, allowing an average of 10.62 per game. Turner’s recent stats reveal an uptick in singles and total bases, which is crucial for DFS scoring. With a DraftKings salary of $5800 and a DFS value score of 2.3, Turner represents a strong core value play today, especially considering his consistent hitting and potential for scoring.

Top Catchers for Today’s DFS Slate

Will Smith ($4600), Dodgers – Projected 13.3 pts

Will Smith of the Dodgers is showing a promising setup for today’s game. Despite Los Angeles ranking #187 in MLB for generating fantasy points, Smith’s individual performance remains robust. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaged 7.9 DraftKings points, slightly down from 8.67 in the previous set of 10 games, marking a decrease of 8.9%. However, his matchup against Jake Irvin, who ranks #26 in hits allowed per game with an average of 8.78, positions Smith for potential success. His projected DFS value score is 2.9, categorizing him as a strong value pick at a DraftKings salary of $4600. His consistent hitting and slight uptick in total bases per game suggest a solid performance could be on the horizon.

J.T. Realmuto ($4900), Phillies – Projected 11.8 pts

J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies also enters today’s slate as a noteworthy option, albeit with a slightly lower value projection. Philadelphia ranks #141 in generating fantasy points, and Realmuto has averaged 7.0 DraftKings points over his recent 10 games, a 13.7% drop from his prior performance. Facing Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who allows a high 10.62 hits per game, could provide Realmuto opportunities to improve his stats. However, his recent decline in walks and singles might concern potential investors. With a DFS value score of 2.4, Realmuto is positioned as a core value at a DraftKings salary of $4900. His ability to capitalize on Gomber’s vulnerabilities will be key to exceeding his projected points.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6500), Braves – Projected 18.2 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr. continues to be a standout player for the Braves, demonstrating consistent performance in the outfield. Over his last ten games, Acuna has seen an uptick in his daily fantasy points, averaging 11.5 on DraftKings, which is a 10.2% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to secure hits has slightly improved, and while his power stats (home runs, triples) haven’t spiked, his base-reaching capability through singles and total bases shows reliable growth. Facing Hunter Brown, who ranks middle-of-the-pack in hits allowed, Acuna’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.8, positioning him as a strong value pick in today’s games.

Corbin Carroll ($5400), Diamondbacks – Projected 15.3 pts

Corbin Carroll of the Diamondbacks presents an intriguing option in DFS today. Despite Arizona’s lower overall ranking in fantasy point generation, Carroll has managed to increase his performance metrics subtly but significantly. His DraftKings points per game have risen to 9.7, a slight 1.5% increase. Notably, his singles per game jumped by 60.7%, showcasing his ability to get on base more frequently. Although there’s a notable drop in walks and triples, his total bases per game have increased by 12.8%. Facing a pitcher from the Cubs who ranks low in hits allowed per game could provide Carroll with more opportunities to score. With a DFS value score of 2.8, Carroll also emerges as a strong value play for today’s slate.