Strategy and Stats for 05/29/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with action as 16 games kick off, starting at 12:40 PM EST, promising a full day of baseball excitement and strategic plays. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly note the Cleveland Guardians’ visit to Coors Field for an 8:40 PM EST clash against the Colorado Rockies, where the high altitude and an Over/Under of 11.0 suggest a potential scoring feast, ideal for those looking to maximize their fantasy points. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on top projected players across various positions, whose performances could make or break your fantasy lineup. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($5000), Blue Jays – Projected 14.7 pts

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continues to be a powerhouse at the plate, and his recent performances suggest he’s in prime form to exploit Chris Flexen’s tendency to allow hits. Over the last ten games, Guerrero has maintained a solid 9.1 DraftKings points per game, slightly down from his previous set but still impressive. His ability to secure bases and walks has improved, indicating a potential for high fantasy output. With a DFS Value Score of 2.9, Guerrero stands out as a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Pete Alonso ($4900), Mets – Projected 12.7 pts

Pete Alonso has shown some volatility in his recent performances, with a noticeable dip in his DraftKings points per game from 9.78 to 6.7. Despite this, Alonso’s power at the plate cannot be underestimated, especially considering his increase in singles hit. Facing James Paxton, who ranks 15th in hits allowed per game, Alonso could very well capitalize and improve his stats. His DFS Value Score of 2.6 positions him as a core value player who might just outperform expectations.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Marcus Semien ($5100), Texas Rangers – Projected 12 pts

Marcus Semien’s recent performance shows a significant dip compared to his earlier games, with a decrease in nearly all statistical categories. Over the last 10 games, his DraftKings points per game fell to 5.6 from 10.44, marking a -46.4% change. His hits and home runs have also seen sharp declines, which might concern daily fantasy players. However, facing Logan Allen, who ranks #11 in hits allowed per game, could be an opportunity for Semien to bounce back. His projected DFS value score of 2.4 places him in the core value category, making him a risky but potentially rewarding play.

Andres Gimenez ($5400), Cleveland Indians – Projected 12 pts

Andres Gimenez, in contrast, has shown impressive improvements in his recent performances. His DraftKings points per game increased by 43.4% to 11.0 from 7.67. Notably, his hits, home runs, and runs scored have all seen upward trends, which is a positive sign for DFS players. Despite a challenging matchup against Ty Blach, who is #5 in hits allowed per game, Gimenez’s recent form could help him exploit this. His DFS value score of 2.2 puts him just below the strong value range, suggesting he might be a slightly less risky option than Semien but still offers considerable upside.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Ramirez ($6400), Cleveland – Projected 14.8 pts

Jose Ramirez continues to be a beacon of consistency and performance for Cleveland, especially notable given the team’s overall struggles in fantasy production. Over his last ten games, Ramirez has surged with an average of 17.6 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of games. This uptick is highlighted by a 76.0% increase in DraftKings points and an impressive 195.5% increase in runs per game. Facing Ty Blach, who ranks fifth in hits allowed per game, Ramirez’s potential for high fantasy output is further amplified. His ability to capitalize on doubles and home runs has been particularly striking, with increases of 445.5% and 172.7% respectively in these areas. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Ramirez stands out as a core value pick who could be pivotal in today’s games.

Austin Riley ($5100), Atlanta – Projected 11.8 pts

Austin Riley, while not as explosive as Ramirez, still holds potential against Mackenzie Gore of Washington, who is ninth in hits allowed per game. Riley has shown modest improvements in his recent performances, with a 48.3% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. His hits per game have risen by 42.9%, and he has maintained a steady presence on base with a slight increase in singles. Although his power hitting stats (home runs and doubles) have not seen significant growth, his consistent hitting could play a crucial role in today’s matchup. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Riley represents a core value player who could provide stability and potential upside for DFS lineups.

Analyzing Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Mookie Betts ($6100), Dodgers – Projected 14.1 pts

Mookie Betts, typically known for his outfield prowess, steps into the shortstop role with a consistent performance over his last 20 games. With a slight increase in his DraftKings points per game from 7.78 to 7.9, Betts shows a stable fantasy output. Notably, his doubles have increased significantly by 172.7%, although there’s a slight dip in total bases and runs scored. Facing David Peterson, whose stats are currently unavailable, Betts’s matchup might be less predictable. However, his 2.3 DFS value score categorizes him as a core value pick for today’s games, balancing cost with potential output.

Corey Seager ($5300), Rangers – Projected 12.6 pts

Corey Seager has been on a remarkable upswing, with a significant 77.6% increase in his DraftKings points per game, jumping from 8.11 to 14.4. This surge is supported by a drastic increase in home runs per game, up by 218.2%, and total bases, which have nearly doubled. Seager’s matchup against Logan Allen, who ranks 11th in hits allowed per game, suggests a favorable day for him at the plate. With a 2.4 DFS value score, Seager represents a core value pick. His lower salary combined with recent performance spikes offers a potentially high return on investment in today’s DFS contests.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Danny Jansen ($4900), Toronto Blue Jays – Projected 14.4 pts

Danny Jansen’s recent performance suggests a player finding his rhythm at the plate. Over the last ten games, Jansen has posted an average of 8.3 DraftKings points per game, a slight decrease from his previous 10-game stretch of 8.89 points. Despite this minor dip, his ability to consistently get on base with a 1.2 hits per game average, coupled with an impressive 81.8% increase in singles, highlights his potential to contribute significantly in today’s matchup against Chris Flexen of the CWS. Flexen, known for allowing a high number of hits, could be the right opponent for Jansen to exploit. With a DraftKings salary of $4900 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 2.9, Jansen stands out as a strong value pick at the catcher position.

Will Smith ($5100), Los Angeles Dodgers – Projected 12.6 pts

Will Smith, while slightly more expensive than Jansen, presents a nuanced case for DFS consideration. His last ten games have seen a slight decline in performance, averaging 6.5 DraftKings points compared to 6.67 in the previous set of games. His hitting metrics show a decrease, particularly in singles and doubles, which might raise concerns. However, Smith’s power potential is evident with an increase in home runs and total bases, suggesting that he can capitalize on scoring opportunities when they arise. Facing David Peterson of the NYM, whose stats are currently unavailable, adds an element of unpredictability. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Smith is a core value pick who could provide a decent return on investment given his potential for big plays.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Juan Soto ($6300), Yankees – Projected 15.8 pts

Juan Soto has been on a tear recently, averaging 14.4 DraftKings points over his last ten games, a significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch where he averaged only 8.0 points. This sharp increase in performance, highlighted by a 445.5% increase in home runs per game and a 136.1% increase in total bases per game, makes him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Facing Tyler Anderson, who ranks 26th in hits allowed per game, Soto’s matchup looks favorable. His projected DFS value score of 2.5 indicates strong value at a DraftKings salary of $6300.

Aaron Judge ($6000), Yankees – Projected 15.2 pts

Despite a slight dip in his recent performance, Aaron Judge remains a solid DFS option. Over his last ten games, Judge has averaged 12.7 DraftKings points, a decrease from his previous average of 15.33 points. However, his ability to consistently contribute across multiple categories, including home runs and total bases, keeps him relevant. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Judge offers strong value at a $6000 salary. His matchup against Tyler Anderson, who has been generous in allowing hits, could provide Judge with the opportunity to bounce back and deliver significant fantasy points.