Strategy and Stats for 04/20/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate: Unlock Winning Picks

As the clocks strike 1:05 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 16-game slate, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. Fantasy aficionados, mark your calendars for the pinnacle event at 8:10 PM EST, where the Seattle Mariners clash with the Colorado Rockies at the hitter’s paradise, Coors Field. With an Over/Under set at a lofty 10.0, expect bats to blaze in what’s projected to be a high-scoring affair. This game not only offers a treasure trove of fantasy points but also sets the stage for evaluating top-tier talent across all positions. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each matchup, spotlighting players who are poised to dominate their positions and swing your fantasy lineups into the winning column.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Matt Olson ($5900), Braves – Projected 14.0 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves presents a 2.4 DFS value score today, positioning him as a core value pick. Over his last ten games, Olson has seen a dip in performance with a 37.8% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to the previous ten-game stretch. Despite this, his matchup against Nathan Eovaldi, who ranks 41st in hits allowed per game, could provide a rebound opportunity. Olson’s recent increase in walks, up 142.4%, shows his eye at the plate is sharp, which could translate into scoring opportunities. However, fantasy managers should be cautious, considering his significant drop in power metrics like home runs and total bases.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($4600), Blue Jays – Projected 12.2 pts

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. offers a 2.7 DFS value score, making him a strong value play in today’s slate. Guerrero has shown improvement in his recent performances, with a 17.4% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten games compared to the ten before that. Facing Matt Waldron of the Padres, who is 9th in hits allowed per game, Guerrero’s recent uptick in hits and singles could continue. Although his home run rate has decreased, his consistent contact and ability to get on base provide a solid foundation for fantasy points accumulation. At a lower DraftKings salary, Guerrero represents a potentially lucrative option for DFS players looking to maximize value.

Top 2B Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Jorge Polanco ($4900), Mariners – Projected 13.5 pts

Jorge Polanco has shown a significant uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 7.4 DraftKings points, a notable improvement from his previous 2.67 points. This surge is highlighted by a 400% increase in walks per game and a 79.1% increase in total bases per game. Facing Dakota Hudson, who ranks 26th in hits allowed per game, Polanco’s matchup looks favorable. His ability to capitalize on Hudson’s vulnerabilities could be key. With a DraftKings salary of $4900 and a projected point total of 13.5, Polanco offers a 2.8 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick for today’s games.

Jose Altuve ($5100), Astros – Projected 12.8 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a reliable source of fantasy points, with an average of 12.0 DraftKings points over his last ten games, slightly up from 11.22 in the previous set. His consistent hitting, evidenced by a 9.0% increase in hits per game, positions him well against Mackenzie Gore, who is ranked 21st in hits allowed per game. Although there is a slight decrease in total bases and runs, Altuve’s overall performance remains strong. With a DraftKings salary of $5100 and a projected point total of 12.8, Altuve is assessed with a 2.5 DFS value score, categorizing him as a core value for today’s lineup.

Top 3B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Patrick Wisdom ($3200), Cubs – Projected 13.0 pts

Patrick Wisdom has shown significant improvement in his recent performances, making him a compelling choice for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Wisdom has averaged 5.6 DraftKings points, a notable increase from his previous average of 2.78 points. This uptick is highlighted by a 101.4% increase in DraftKings points and a 119.5% increase in FanDuel points. His hitting has also improved, with a 36.4% increase in hits per game and a substantial 81.8% increase in home runs per game. Facing Jesus Luzardo, who ranks 21st in hits allowed per game, Wisdom’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of just $3200 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 4.1, he represents elite value in today’s slate.

Austin Riley ($5800), Braves – Projected 13.0 pts

Austin Riley, while more expensive at a DraftKings salary of $5800, still holds considerable value for DFS players. Riley has averaged 8.1 DraftKings points over his last ten games, although this is a slight decrease from 9.67 points in the previous ten-game stretch. Despite a -16.2% decrease in DraftKings points and a -18.4% decrease in FanDuel points, Riley maintains a strong hitting profile with an average of 1.2 hits per game recently. He is set to face Nathan Eovaldi of the Rangers, who ranks 41st in hits allowed per game. Given his consistent hitting and the potential for scoring, Riley’s projected points remain high at 13.0, translating to a DFS value score of 2.2, marking him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Gunnar Henderson ($5300), Orioles – Projected 15.3 pts

Gunnar Henderson has been a revelation in recent games, showcasing a significant uptick in his performance metrics. Over the last ten games, Henderson has notched an impressive 12.7 DraftKings points per game, a substantial increase from his previous ten-game average of 9.33 points. This 36.1% surge is backed by a notable rise in hits per game from 0.78 to 1.4. His power metrics have also seen a boost, with home runs per game nearly doubling from 0.22 to 0.4. Despite a slight decrease in walks per game, his total bases climbed from 1.67 to 2.9 per game. Facing Cole Ragans, who ranks 29th in hits allowed per game, Henderson’s matchup is favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected point total of 15.3, his DFS value score stands at 2.9, making him a strong value pick for today’s slate.

J.P. Crawford ($4200), Mariners – Projected 13.3 pts

J.P. Crawford, while not as explosive as Henderson, has shown consistent improvement in his recent performances. His DraftKings points per game have increased by 39.8%, moving from 4.22 to 5.9 over the last ten games. This growth is supported by a rise in hits per game from 0.56 to 0.8 and a significant jump in runs per game, which has more than tripled from 0.22 to 0.7. Additionally, Crawford’s walk rate has seen a remarkable increase, enhancing his on-base potential. Facing Dakota Hudson, who is 26th in hits allowed per game, Crawford finds himself in a favorable position to exploit these weaknesses. With a lower DraftKings salary of $4200 and a projected point total of 13.3, Crawford’s DFS value score is 3.2, categorizing him as an elite value play for today’s games.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($4700), Orioles – Projected 13.4 pts

Adley Rutschman has shown a consistent uptick in his performance, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Rutschman has averaged 8.3 DraftKings points, a slight improvement over his previous set of games. His ability to get on base has increased, evidenced by a 31.9% increase in total bases per game. Facing Cole Ragans, who ranks 29th in hits allowed per game, Rutschman’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 2.9 makes him a strong value pick at the catcher position.

Mitch Garver ($4100), Mariners – Projected 12.2 pts

Mitch Garver, though facing challenges earlier in the season, has shown significant improvements in recent games. With a 59.2% increase in DraftKings points per game in his last ten outings compared to the ten before that, Garver is finding his rhythm at the plate. His matchup against Dakota Hudson, who is 26th in hits allowed per game, positions him well to potentially exceed expectations. Garver’s DFS value score of 3.0 categorizes him as an elite value option today, making him an excellent choice for those looking to maximize value at the catcher spot.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6400), Braves – Projected 15.8 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr. has been on a tear lately, averaging 12.6 DraftKings points over his last ten games, a significant increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Nathan Eovaldi, who ranks #41 in hits allowed per game, positions Acuna well to exploit this vulnerability. Despite the Braves’ overall lower ranking in fantasy point generation, Acuna’s personal performance and his 2.5 DFS value score make him a strong candidate for today’s roster. His ability to consistently get on base, coupled with a slight uptick in walks, underscores his potential to rack up points in multiple categories.

Mike Trout ($6300), Angels – Projected 14.7 pts

Mike Trout, a perennial fantasy favorite, shows a stable performance with 10.2 DraftKings points per game in his recent outings. Facing Nick Lodolo might seem daunting, but Trout’s ability to adapt and capitalize on pitchers’ weaknesses is well-documented. His slight improvements in hits and runs compared to the previous ten games highlight his consistency and potential upside. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Trout remains a core player in DFS lineups, particularly given his track record and the Angels’ decent rank in fantasy point production.