Strategy and Stats for 05/20/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

As the clock strikes 12:20 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape is set for an exhilarating 12-game slate that promises to captivate and challenge daily fantasy enthusiasts. Among the highlights, all eyes will be on Progressive Field where the New York Mets clash with the Cleveland Guardians at 6:10 PM EST. This particular matchup, with an enticing Over/Under of 8.5, is anticipated to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a critical focal point for fantasy lineups. As we delve into today’s games, we’ll uncover the top projected players at each position, starting with power hitters and ace pitchers slated to make a significant impact. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your fantasy contests.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Freddie Freeman ($5500), Dodgers – Projected 12.3 pts

Freddie Freeman, the stalwart at first base for the Dodgers, has shown a slight dip in his performance over the last 10 games, averaging 7.8 DraftKings points, a decrease from his previous 10-game average of 8.89 points. Despite this, his matchup against Slade Cecconi, who ranks 16th in hits allowed per game, positions him for potential success. Freeman’s ability to increase walks by 59.1% and runs by 34.3% recently highlights his knack for getting on base and scoring, crucial for DFS points. With a DraftKings salary of $5500 and a projected point total of 12.3, Freeman holds a 2.2 DFS value score, making him a core value pick for today’s games.

Josh Naylor ($5200), Indians – Projected 12.2 pts

Josh Naylor of the Indians presents an intriguing option at first base. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaged 8.3 DraftKings points, slightly under his prior stretch but still robust. Facing Tylor Megill, who is 14th in hits allowed per game, Naylor’s consistent hitting, evidenced by a slight increase in total bases and runs, could play well in today’s matchup. His ability to maintain a steady scoring rate, despite a minor reduction in walks, positions him as a valuable player. With a DraftKings salary of $5200 and a projected point total of 12.2, Naylor carries a 2.3 DFS value score, categorizing him as another core value player for DFS enthusiasts.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Top Second Basemen Picks

Andres Gimenez ($4800), Cleveland – Projected 13.4 pts

Andres Gimenez has been showing promising signs of improvement in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, he has averaged 10.1 DraftKings points per game, a significant uptick from his previous set of games where he averaged 7.0 points. This 44.3% increase in fantasy output is noteworthy, especially considering his matchup against Tylor Megill of the NYM, who ranks #14 in hits allowed per game. Gimenez’s ability to capitalize on matchups is further highlighted by his increased hits per game, up by 30.0%. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.8, making him a strong value pick at second base for today’s slate.

Jose Altuve ($5500), Houston – Projected 12.5 pts

Jose Altuve, on the other hand, has experienced a downturn in his recent performances. His last ten games have seen a decrease in DraftKings points per game to 5.8 from 10.22, marking a -43.2% change. This drop is reflected across his hitting metrics, with a notable -26.2% in hits per game. Despite facing Reid Detmers of the LAA, who is ranked #4 for hits allowed per game, Altuve’s recent form suggests a potential struggle to capitalize fully on this favorable matchup. His DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value player, indicating that while he holds potential, his current form may limit his impact in today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Ramirez ($5800), Cleveland – Projected 14.8 pts

Jose Ramirez continues to be a pivotal player for Cleveland, especially in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Ramirez has shown a notable improvement in his performance, averaging 11.3 DraftKings points per game, up from 8.33 in the previous set of ten games. This 35.7% increase is reflected across several key statistics, including a significant jump in hits per game from 0.67 to 1.1 and home runs per game from 0.22 to 0.4. Facing Tylor Megill of the NYM, who ranks 14th in hits allowed per game, Ramirez’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $5800 and a projected point total of 14.8, his DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Rafael Devers ($5000), Boston – Projected 11.3 pts

Rafael Devers of the Red Sox presents an intriguing option at third base. Despite a slight decrease in hits per game in his last ten outings, Devers has significantly increased his home run rate, jumping from 0.11 to 0.5 per game—a staggering 354.5% increase. This power surge has contributed to his rise in total bases per game from 1.89 to 2.9. While his DraftKings points per game have risen by 27.3% to 11.6, his overall DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value in today’s lineup. Facing a pitcher from Tampa Bay who ranks 17th in hits allowed per game, Devers could potentially exploit this matchup to deliver solid fantasy points.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Francisco Lindor ($4600), Mets – Projected 14.0 pts

Francisco Lindor’s recent performance shows a dip in his fantasy output, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 10.44 to 6.5, a significant -37.7% change. Despite this, his matchup against Ben Lively, who ranks 9th in hits allowed per game, positions him well for a rebound. Lindor’s ability to capitalize on Lively’s vulnerability could be key. His projected DFS value score stands at an 3.0, categorizing him as an elite value pick for today’s games. His current form, combined with a favorable pitching matchup, makes him a top consideration for your DFS roster.

Mookie Betts ($6000), Dodgers – Projected 13.9 pts

Mookie Betts, traditionally known for consistent high performance, shows a slight improvement in his recent games with an increase in DraftKings points per game from 8.22 to 8.5, marking a 3.4% rise. Facing Slade Cecconi, who is 16th in hits allowed per game, Betts has a decent chance to exploit this matchup. Despite a higher salary, his DFS value score of 2.3 indicates he is a core value pick. Betts’ ability to generate points through a mix of hits and runs, paired with a steady increase in total bases, underscores his potential as a valuable asset in today’s fantasy lineups.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

William Contreras ($5800), Brewers – Projected 14.8 pts

William Contreras has been a beacon of consistency for the Brewers, particularly in his recent performances. Over the last ten games, Contreras has seen a significant uptick in his production, averaging 11.4 DraftKings points per game, a 44.5% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to connect with the ball has improved, with a 35.1% increase in hits per game. Facing Ryan Weathers, who ranks 11th in hits allowed per game, Contreras’s prospects look promising. His DFS value score of 2.6 makes him a strong option for today’s fantasy lineups.

Willson Contreras ($5300), Cardinals – Projected 14.8 pts

Willson Contreras, on the other hand, has seen a slight decline in his recent performances compared to his earlier games. His DraftKings points per game have decreased by 7.8%, and his hits per game have dropped by 18.9%. However, Contreras has managed to increase his home run rate by 81.8%, showing his potential for big plays. Facing Dean Kremer of the Orioles, who is ranked 18th in hits allowed per game, might allow Contreras to capitalize on fewer but impactful hits. With a DFS value score of 2.8, he remains a strong contender in today’s games.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Kyle Tucker ($6100), Astros – Projected 15.2 pts

Kyle Tucker has been a consistent performer for the Astros, and his recent uptick in fantasy points is noteworthy. Over the last ten games, Tucker has averaged 13.5 DraftKings points per game, showing a 15.7% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to get on base, evidenced by an impressive 53.8% increase in walks per game, makes him a valuable asset in daily fantasy. Facing Reid Detmers, who ranks fourth in hits allowed per game, Tucker’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 2.5 indicates strong value at his current salary, making him a compelling pick for today’s games.

Yordan Alvarez ($5400), Astros – Projected 15.0 pts

Yordan Alvarez presents an intriguing option in DFS today, especially considering his recent performance surge. Alvarez has seen an 18.0% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten outings compared to the ten before that. His hits per game have skyrocketed by 79.1%, and his runs per game have improved by 81.8%. Despite a slight dip in home runs per game, his overall increase in total bases and singles highlights his potential to rack up points. With a DFS value score of 2.8, Alvarez offers strong value against a pitcher like Detmers, known for allowing a high number of hits. His lower salary combined with his recent stats boost makes him a potentially lucrative pick for today’s slate.