Strategy and Stats for 05/23/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with excitement across 8 thrilling games, kicking off at 12:35 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly mark their calendars for a high-octane clash at Great American Ball Park, where the San Diego Padres face the Cincinnati Reds at 1:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a robust 9.5, this game is anticipated to be a treasure trove of fantasy points, promising a spectacle of hits and runs. As we delve into today’s matchups, we’ll spotlight top projected players at each position, leveraging their recent performances and statistical prowess to guide your fantasy picks. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5900), Phillies – Projected 12.6 pts

Bryce Harper continues to be a pivotal player for the Phillies, especially in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Harper has maintained a solid performance with an average of 12.4 DraftKings points per game, showing a slight improvement from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Andrew Heaney, who ranks seventh in hits allowed per game, positions Harper favorably for today’s game. Despite Philadelphia’s low rank in generating fantasy points, Harper’s consistent hitting and ability to secure bases make him a valuable pick. His DFS value score stands at 2.1, categorizing him as a core value player in today’s DFS lineup.

Jake Cronenworth ($4400), Padres – Projected 12.2 pts

Jake Cronenworth of the Padres presents an intriguing option at first base today. Despite a recent dip in performance, with a 38.8% decrease in DraftKings points per game over his last ten games compared to the previous set, Cronenworth’s upcoming matchup against Frankie Montas could be a turning point. Montas ranks eighth in hits allowed per game, which might allow Cronenworth to capitalize and improve his hitting stats. His current DFS value score is 2.8, making him a strong value play. Considering his lower DraftKings salary and potential for a bounce-back, Cronenworth could provide significant value in today’s DFS contests.

Analyzing Top Second Basemen for Today’s DFS Slate

Ozzie Albies ($5300), Atlanta Braves – Projected 12.6 pts

Ozzie Albies of the Atlanta Braves, despite a slight dip in his recent performance metrics, continues to be a noteworthy player in daily fantasy sports. Over the last ten games, Albies has averaged 4.8 DraftKings points per game, a slight decrease from his previous 5.56 points. However, his ability to hit singles has seen a significant increase, jumping by 60.7%. His total bases and walks have seen declines, which might concern some DFS players. Facing a pitcher from the Chicago Cubs who ranks 12th in hits allowed per game, Albies might find opportunities to exploit. With a DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected point total of 12.6, Albies holds a 2.4 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Luis Arraez ($4200), San Diego Padres – Projected 10.8 pts

Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres presents an intriguing option for DFS players today. Arraez has shown a commendable uptick in his performance, with a 11.6% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten games compared to the previous set. His hitting has improved notably, with a 25% increase in hits per game and a significant 50% rise in singles. Although his doubles and runs have decreased, his overall consistency at the plate makes him a strong candidate. Facing Frankie Montas of Cincinnati, who is ranked 8th for hits allowed per game, Arraez could capitalize on this matchup. With a lower DraftKings salary of $4200 and a projected point total of 10.8, Arraez offers a 2.6 DFS value score, making him a strong value play for today.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Alec Bohm ($5600), Phillies – Projected 11.2 pts

Alec Bohm’s recent surge in performance makes him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS contests. Over his last 10 games, Bohm has elevated his game, posting a 9.7 points per game on DraftKings, a significant improvement from his previous average of 6.11. This uptick is highlighted by a 172.7% increase in doubles per game and a solid 72.1% boost in total bases. Facing Andrew Heaney, who ranks 7th in hits allowed per game, Bohm’s matchup is favorable, especially considering his 2.0 DFS value score. His ability to capitalize on Heaney’s susceptibility could be key in today’s games.

Christopher Morel ($4500), Cubs – Projected 11.2 pts

Christopher Morel, while showing a dip in his recent performance metrics, still holds a 2.5 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick at a lower salary. In his last 10 games, Morel averaged 5.8 DraftKings points, a decrease from 11.22. Despite this, his ability to maintain a decent walk rate and contribute across various categories keeps him relevant. With no specific pitcher matchup today, Morel’s general performance against a variety of pitchers could offer some stability for DFS lineups looking for potential at a reduced cost.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Gunnar Henderson ($6200), Orioles – Projected 15.1 pts

Gunnar Henderson has shown a notable uptick in his performance, making him a key player to watch in today’s DFS slate. Over his last ten games, Henderson has averaged 11.8 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of ten games where he averaged only 7.0 points. This 68.6% increase is particularly impressive, considering his power at the plate with an increase of 127.3% in home runs per game. Facing Mike Clevinger, who ranks high in hits allowed, Henderson’s potential for high fantasy points is bolstered. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Elly De La Cruz ($6300), Reds – Projected 14.1 pts

Elly De La Cruz, on the other hand, has seen a dip in his recent performances. His last ten games have yielded an average of only 7.1 DraftKings points per game, a decrease from 8.78 points in the prior ten-game stretch. This -19.1% shift suggests a slight struggle at the plate, with decreases across hits, doubles, and total bases. However, De La Cruz is facing Matt Waldron, who also ranks relatively high for hits allowed, potentially offering De La Cruz a chance to rebound. His DFS value score is 2.2, making him another core value player who might offer some upside if he can capitalize on today’s matchup.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($5700), Orioles – Projected 12.8 pts

Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ young star behind the plate, has shown a slight dip in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 8.5 DraftKings points compared to 9.22 in the previous set. Despite this, his matchup against Mike Clevinger, who ranks second in hits allowed per game, positions him for potential success. Rutschman’s power has increased, with home runs per game up by 81.8%, and his walk rate has similarly risen. With a 2.2 DFS value score, he’s a core value pick today, especially considering his ability to capitalize on Clevinger’s vulnerability.

J.T. Realmuto ($5200), Phillies – Projected 12.1 pts

J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies comes into today’s game against Andrew Heaney of the Rangers with an impressive recent uptick in hitting. Realmuto has increased his hits per game by 60.0% in his last ten outings, averaging 8.9 DraftKings points. Although his power numbers have slightly declined, his ability to get on base and score runs remains strong. Facing Heaney, who is ranked seventh in hits allowed per game, Realmuto could exploit this matchup. His DFS value score of 2.3 makes him another core value player who could provide solid returns for today’s fantasy contests.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Juan Soto ($6500), Yankees – Projected 14.5 pts

Juan Soto has been a beacon of consistency for the Yankees, and his recent performances suggest a continuing upward trajectory. Over his last ten games, Soto has averaged 11.4 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch of 9.89 points. This 15.3% increase in fantasy output is bolstered by his impressive power hitting, with a home run rate that has soared by 263.6%. Despite a slight decrease in singles and triples, Soto’s ability to generate extra-base hits and walks has compensated, leading to a substantial 37.6% increase in total bases per game. Facing Luis Castillo, who ranks 11th in hits allowed per game, Soto’s matchup is favorable, reflecting a 2.2 DFS value score. His ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a core value pick for today’s games.

Ronald Acuna Jr. ($6100), Braves – Projected 14.4 pts

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s recent form may raise some eyebrows among fantasy players, with a 25.4% decrease in DraftKings points over his last ten games compared to the ten before that. His hitting metrics have seen a downturn, particularly with a significant 36.9% drop in hits per game and a complete absence of home runs in the recent stretch. However, Acuna’s ability to draw walks has seen a remarkable increase of 218.2%, which keeps him relevant in point-per-reception formats. Despite these challenges, Acuna’s projected points sit at an impressive 14.4, giving him a 2.4 DFS value score. This positions him as a core value player who, despite recent struggles, has the potential to bounce back against a pitcher ranking 12th in hits allowed per game.