Strategy and Stats for 06/01/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 3:07 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with 15 thrilling games, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy for fantasy enthusiasts. Among these, the spotlight shines on the Texas Rangers as they gear up to face the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 4:10 PM EST. This particular matchup, with an enticing Over/Under of 8.0, is anticipated to be a treasure trove for hitters, making it a focal point for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose recent performances and matchups suggest they are poised to dominate. This comprehensive analysis will not only enhance your lineup but also provide you with the insights needed to outmaneuver the competition in your daily fantasy sports leagues.

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

Matt Olson ($5400), Atlanta Braves – Projected 13.2 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, with a DraftKings salary of $5400, is showing a consistent performance in the fantasy realm. Over the last ten games, Olson has maintained an average of 8.3 DraftKings points per game, slightly down by 0.4% from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to hit doubles has significantly improved, showing a remarkable 263.6% increase, which boosts his total bases per game to an average of 2.1, a 5% increase. However, there’s a notable decline in singles and walks, which could impact his on-base percentage. Despite these fluctuations, Olson’s projected DFS value score stands at 2.4, categorizing him as a core value player for today’s slate. His matchup details are currently unavailable, which might require DFS players to keep an eye on pre-game updates for any changes in his pitching opposition.

Freddie Freeman ($5700), Los Angeles Dodgers – Projected 12.6 pts

Freddie Freeman, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers with a DraftKings salary of $5700, faces Cal Quantrill of the Rockies who ranks #351 in hits allowed per game at 7.63. Freeman’s recent performance shows a slight decrease in fantasy output, with a 6.3% drop in DraftKings points per game over the last ten games compared to the previous set. Despite this, Freeman has improved his hitting, with a notable 31.9% increase in total bases per game. However, his runs and walks have significantly decreased, which might concern potential DFS investors. With a DFS value score of 2.2, Freeman is considered a core value pick, potentially benefiting from Quantrill’s tendency to allow hits.

Analyzing Top Second Basemen’s DFS Value

Marcus Semien ($5100), Texas Rangers – Projected 11.9 pts

Marcus Semien’s recent performance dip is notable, with a stark decrease in his fantasy output over the last ten games compared to the previous ten. His DraftKings points per game plummeted by -64.8%, and his total bases dropped by -75.8%. However, facing Ryan Weathers, who ranks #418 in hits allowed per game, presents an opportunity for Semien. Despite the slump, his projected DFS value score of 2.3 indicates he remains a core value play in today’s slate.

Jose Altuve ($5600), Houston Astros – Projected 11.8 pts

Jose Altuve shows a more stable, though slightly declining, performance in his recent games. His hits per game have seen a positive uptick of 12.4%, and his singles per game increased by 34.3%. Despite these gains, his overall fantasy points have decreased, with DraftKings points dropping by -23.1%. Facing Joe Ryan, who also allows a high number of hits per game, Altuve’s current form and a DFS value score of 2.1 suggest he is a core value pick for today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Manny Machado ($5000), San Diego Padres – Projected 12.0 pts

Manny Machado has shown a significant uptick in his performance recently, making him a noteworthy pick in today’s DFS lineup. Over his last 10 games, Machado has averaged 6.6 DraftKings points, a marked improvement from his previous 10-game stretch where he averaged 3.78 points. This 74.6% increase in performance is particularly impressive considering his consistent ability to hit, with a 150% increase in hits per game in the latest stretch. Facing Alec Marsh, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Machado’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his potential to rack up points. His 2.4 DFS value score categorizes him as a core value pick, making his $5000 salary a strategic investment for today’s games.

Rafael Devers ($6000), Boston Red Sox – Projected 11.9 pts

Rafael Devers, despite a recent dip in form, remains a potent option at third base. His last 10 games have seen a decrease in performance, with a -45.5% change in DraftKings points per game compared to the previous 10 games. However, Devers’ ability to consistently get on base and score runs should not be underestimated. His matchup against Reese Olsen, who has a high ranking for hits allowed, might provide him the opportunity to bounce back. With a 2.0 DFS value score, Devers is positioned as a core value player. While his $6000 salary is on the higher side, his potential for a rebound makes him a player to consider for those looking to take a calculated risk.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Mookie Betts ($6100), Dodgers – Projected 14.5 pts

Mookie Betts, typically known for his outfield prowess, steps in at shortstop with a 2.4 DFS value score. Despite a recent dip in performance with a -34.1% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous 10-game stretch, Betts shows potential against Colorado’s Cal Quantrill. Quantrill’s high rate of hits allowed per game (7.63) could provide Betts the opportunity to bounce back. His ability to adapt and hit strategically, evidenced by a significant increase in doubles per game (172.7%), positions him as a core value pick for today’s DFS lineups.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6400), Royals – Projected 13.5 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been on a tear, making him a compelling play at shortstop with a 2.1 DFS value score. Facing Joe Musgrove of the Padres, who allows a considerable number of hits per game (9.84), Witt Jr.’s recent surge in performance shines through. His DraftKings points have more than doubled in the last 10 games, a 106.8% increase, paired with a 130.8% rise in hits per game. Despite his higher salary, Witt Jr.’s explosive potential and recent uptick in total bases (162.3% increase) and runs (34.3% increase) make him a solid core value selection for today’s games.

Catcher Insights: DFS Analysis for Today’s Slate

Danny Jansen ($9000), Toronto Blue Jays – Projected 10.9 pts

Danny Jansen’s recent performance shows a steady climb in fantasy points, making him a noteworthy option despite his high DraftKings salary. Over the last ten games, Jansen has averaged 8.4 points on DraftKings, a slight improvement from his previous set of games. Notably, his singles per game have surged by 59.1%, and his walk rate has impressively increased by 81.8%, indicating a more disciplined approach at the plate. However, his projected DFS value score stands at 1.2, signaling caution due to his high salary relative to expected output. Facing Mitch Keller, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, might provide Jansen an edge, but fantasy managers should weigh his cost against potential returns carefully.

Willson Contreras ($5100), St. Louis Cardinals – Projected 10.8 pts

Willson Contreras offers a contrasting scenario; his recent stats show a slight dip in performance with an 8.6 average on DraftKings points in the last ten games, down from 9.33. Despite this, Contreras has shown the ability to contribute across the board, with a notable increase in home runs per game and runs scored. His total bases and doubles have seen a small decline, but his ability to score and hit home runs boosts his fantasy relevance. With a DFS value score of 2.1, Contreras stands out as a core value play. His lower salary combined with a solid projection makes him an attractive option for today’s games, especially in the absence of specific pitcher matchups which could have further highlighted his potential advantages.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Fernando Tatis Jr. ($5800), Padres – Projected 16.0 pts

Fernando Tatis Jr. has been showing a promising uptick in his performance metrics over the latest ten-game stretch, boasting a 6.8 DraftKings points per game, an improvement from his previous 6.22. His matchup against Alec Marsh, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, positions Tatis as a potentially lucrative pick for today’s games. Notably, his hits per game have surged by 41.0%, and his total bases per game have increased by 31.1%. Despite a slight decrease in home runs and a significant drop in walks, Tatis’s overall improvement and his 2.8 DFS value score make him a strong candidate for your lineup.

None ($4500), Tigers – Projected 12.6 pts

The player known as None has experienced a downturn in his recent performance, with his DraftKings points per game falling to 4.9 from a previous 6.44. This regression is reflected across several key statistics, including a 30.0% decrease in hits per game and a significant 69.7% drop in doubles per game. However, facing a pitcher who allows 8.61 hits per game could provide None with an opportunity to bounce back. With a DFS value score of 2.8, he remains a viable, albeit riskier, option for today’s fantasy rosters.