Strategy and Stats for 05/05/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 1:35 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 15-game slate, promising a spectacle of baseball prowess. Among the highlights, all eyes are on the San Diego Padres as they gear up to face the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field at 4:10 PM EST. With an enticing Over/Under of 9.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a critical focus for fantasy managers. As we dissect today’s matchups, we’ll spotlight top-projected players at each position, starting with this high-octane clash in Arizona. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Top First Basemen in Today’s DFS Slate

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($5100), Blue Jays – Projected 13.1 pts

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Blue Jays, but his recent games show a slight dip in production. Over the last 10 games, he’s averaged 5.0 DraftKings points per game, a decrease from his previous 10-game average of 6.44. Despite this, his matchup against Mackenzie Gore, who ranks fifth in hits allowed per game, suggests potential for improvement. Guerrero’s ability to capitalize on this matchup is critical, especially considering his 2.6 DFS value score, marking him as a strong value pick.

Paul Goldschmidt ($4800), Cardinals – Projected 11.3 pts

Paul Goldschmidt shows a promising uptrend in his recent performances, with a significant improvement in his DraftKings points per game, jumping from 4.0 to 6.7. This increase is backed by a notable rise in total bases and runs per game, highlighting his potential impact against Garrett Crochet of the CWS, who is ninth in hits allowed per game. Despite the challenging team rank in generating fantasy points, Goldschmidt’s 2.4 DFS value score positions him as a core value in today’s lineup.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Marcus Semien ($5500), Texas Rangers – Projected 11.5 pts

Marcus Semien’s recent performance shows a slight dip in productivity, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 10.0 to 7.0, a -30.0% change. His FanDuel points also saw a reduction from 13.27 to 9.02, marking a -32.0% shift. Despite these decreases, Semien’s ability to contribute across various stat lines, such as singles and home runs, albeit inconsistently, keeps him relevant in DFS circles. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.1, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games. His matchup specifics are currently unavailable, which makes his performance slightly unpredictable but considering his overall capabilities and experience, he remains a viable option at second base.

Andres Gimenez ($4900), Cleveland Indians – Projected 11.3 pts

Andres Gimenez, facing Griffin Canning of the LAA who ranks #3.0 for hits allowed per game, presents a promising opportunity despite his recent struggles. Gimenez’s performance has seen a decrease in DraftKings points from 6.78 to 5.5, and a similar trend in FanDuel points. However, his ability to draw walks has significantly improved, showing a 172.7% increase. His hits and runs have decreased, but his consistent ability to reach base through walks enhances his value. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Gimenez stands as a core value player who might exploit Canning’s susceptibility to allowing hits, making him a strategic pick for today’s DFS lineups.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Ramirez ($6000), Cleveland – Projected 11.6 pts

Despite Cleveland ranking low in MLB for generating fantasy points, Jose Ramirez remains a pivotal player. Over the last ten games, Ramirez has posted an average of 6.9 DraftKings points per game, showing a slight improvement from his previous ten-game stretch. However, his hits and total bases have seen a decline, which is concerning. Facing Griffin Canning, who ranks third in hits allowed per game, might provide Ramirez with an opportunity to improve his batting stats. His projected DFS value score of 1.9 reflects a risky pick due to his high salary and recent inconsistent performances.

Josh Rojas ($3200), Seattle – Projected 11.1 pts

Josh Rojas of the Mariners presents a compelling case for inclusion in DFS lineups, especially considering his affordable DraftKings salary of $3200. Rojas has shown significant improvement in his recent performances, averaging 9.0 DraftKings points per game over the last ten games—a substantial increase from his earlier games. His hits, home runs, and total bases have all seen upward trends, making him a potent threat at the plate. Facing Hunter Brown, who leads the league in hits allowed per game, Rojas could capitalize further. His DFS value score of 3.5 categorizes him as an elite value pick for today’s games.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6200), Royals – Projected 12.4 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has shown a notable uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 11.6 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous ten games at 6.56 points. This 76.8% increase in fantasy output is particularly impressive given Kansas City’s overall struggle in the MLB rankings. Facing Jon Gray, who ranks 8th in hits allowed per game, Witt Jr. could exploit this matchup to his advantage. Despite the Royals’ low rank in generating fantasy points, Witt Jr.’s recent form and matchup potential make him a solid pick. His DFS value score stands at 2.0, categorizing him as a core value play in today’s slate.

CJ Abrams ($5900), Nationals – Projected 11.8 pts

CJ Abrams, on the other hand, has seen a dip in his recent performance, with his DraftKings points per game falling from 13.33 to 10.6, a decrease of 20.5%. This decline is mirrored across several statistical categories, including a significant drop in total bases per game. Despite this, Abrams’ matchup against Alek Manoah could still offer some opportunities, although specific stats for Manoah are currently unavailable. With a DFS value score of 2.0, Abrams also fits into the core value category. His slightly lower salary compared to Witt Jr. and the potential for a bounce-back makes him a player to consider for today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Willson Contreras ($5400), Cardinals – Projected 11.3 pts

Willson Contreras has shown a notable uptick in his fantasy performance over the last ten games, averaging 9.7 points on DraftKings, a 13.3% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Garrett Crochet, who ranks ninth in hits allowed per game, positions Contreras favorably for today’s game. Despite a slight dip in hits and singles, his increased walk rate and runs per game highlight his ability to contribute significantly to fantasy lineups. With a DraftKings salary of $5400 and a projected point total of 11.3, Contreras offers a 2.1 DFS value score, making him a core value pick at the catcher position.

William Contreras ($5600), Brewers – Projected 11.3 pts

William Contreras, slightly pricier at $5600 on DraftKings, has maintained a steady fantasy output, with a slight increase of 2.9% in his last ten games compared to the previous set. Facing a pitcher from the Cubs who ranks twelfth in hits allowed per game could provide Contreras with opportunities to capitalize. His performance shows a significant improvement in doubles and a consistent run production, which enhances his appeal in today’s slate. His projected points stand at 11.3, and with a DFS value score of 2.0, William Contreras is positioned as another core value option for DFS players looking to invest in the catcher spot.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Julio Rodriguez ($5000), Mariners – Projected 13.7 pts

Despite Seattle’s low ranking in MLB for generating fantasy points, Julio Rodriguez shows a promising uptick in his performance. Over the last 10 games, Rodriguez has averaged 4.9 DraftKings points, a significant drop from his previous 10-game average of 9.78 points. However, facing Hunter Brown, who ranks first in hits allowed per game, Rodriguez has a favorable matchup that could see him improve his recent stats. His projected DFS value score of 2.7 indicates strong value at his current salary, making him a potentially lucrative pick for today’s games.

Yordan Alvarez ($5700), Astros – Projected 13.5 pts

Yordan Alvarez of the Astros presents an interesting case for today’s fantasy lineup. Although his recent performance shows a slight decline, with a 5.9 average on DraftKings points in the last 10 games compared to 6.67 in the earlier set, Alvarez’s power hitting remains a key asset. Notably, his home runs per game have increased, and his total bases per game show a positive trend. Facing Bryce Miller, who ranks 18th in hits allowed per game, Alvarez might capitalize and reverse his recent downturn. His DFS value score of 2.4 positions him as a core value pick, especially for those looking to leverage his power-hitting capabilities in today’s game.