Strategy and Stats for 06/12/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for a full slate of 15 games, kicking off at 1:10 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts will find no shortage of action, particularly in tonight’s marquee matchup where the New York Yankees square off against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, starting at 8:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 10.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove of hitting performances, 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 stats suggest they’re poised to dominate. This comprehensive breakdown will not only spotlight these key players but also provide strategic insights to enhance your fantasy lineup decisions.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Freddie Freeman ($5800), Dodgers – Projected 12.6 pts

Freddie Freeman has been a beacon of consistency for the Dodgers, particularly in his last ten games where he’s averaged 13.0 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement over his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Jon Gray, who ranks #339 in hits allowed per game, positions Freeman to potentially exploit these weaknesses further. With a 2.2 DFS value score, Freeman stands out as a core value pick. His recent uptick in walks and runs scored, increasing by 445.5% and 233.3% respectively, underscores his ability to contribute across multiple categories, enhancing his DFS appeal.

Bryce Harper ($6000), Phillies – Projected 12.5 pts

Bryce Harper, while facing a slight downturn in his last ten games with an average of 8.8 DraftKings points, down 19.2% from his previous ten, still holds potential against Nick Pivetta of the Red Sox. Pivetta’s ranking of #478 in hits allowed per game suggests opportunities for Harper to correct his recent slide. Despite the recent struggles, Harper’s ability to get on base via walks, which have increased by 81.8%, keeps him relevant in DFS circles. With a DFS value score of 2.1, Harper is positioned as a core value play who could exceed expectations if he capitalizes on the favorable pitching matchup.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Ketel Marte ($5100), Diamondbacks – Projected 11.8 pts

Ketel Marte has been on a tear in his recent performances, showcasing a significant uptick in his fantasy output. Over the last ten games, Marte has averaged 12.6 DraftKings points per game, a stark increase from the 4.78 points in the previous set of ten games. This impressive 163.6% improvement is mirrored in his FanDuel performance, where he’s jumped from 6.2 to 16.7 points. His matchup against Jose Soriano, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions Marte as a potentially lucrative pick. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Marte offers solid core value at second base today.

Ozzie Albies ($5500), Braves – Projected 11.4 pts

In contrast, Ozzie Albies has experienced a downturn in his recent performances. His last ten games have seen a decrease in almost all statistical categories compared to the previous ten, with DraftKings points dropping by 26% to an average of 5.1 per game. Despite facing a Baltimore pitcher who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, Albies’ recent form suggests a potential risk. His current DFS value score is 2.1, positioning him as a core value player, but fantasy managers might exercise caution given his recent slump.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Austin Riley ($5200), Braves – Projected 12.9 pts

Austin Riley of the Atlanta Braves is showing a promising uptick in his performance, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Riley has improved his scoring by 32.3% on DraftKings, jumping from 3.78 to 5.0 points per game. His FanDuel performance has seen an even greater increase, with a 36.0% rise to 6.5 points per game. Although his home run numbers haven’t spiked, his total bases per game have surged by 49.3%, indicating a potential for scoring through other means. Facing None of the BAL, who ranks #279 in hits allowed per game, Riley’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.5, positioning him as a strong value pick at third base.

Manny Machado ($5000), Padres – Projected 12.3 pts

Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres continues to be a solid performer in DFS, especially considering his recent stats against pitchers like Hogan Harris of the OAK. Machado has increased his DraftKings points by 18.4% in the last ten games, achieving an average of 7.9 points. His hits per game have modestly increased by 8.1%, and notably, his walks per game have more than doubled, reflecting his improved plate discipline. Despite a slight decrease in total bases, Machado’s ability to capitalize on weaker pitching, with Harris allowing 6.64 hits per game, makes him a viable candidate. His DFS value score is also marked at 2.5, indicating strong value for today’s games.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Mookie Betts ($6100), Dodgers – Projected 13.6 pts

Mookie Betts, typically known for his outfield prowess, has been making waves at shortstop for the Dodgers. Over the last ten games, Betts has shown a significant uptick in performance, averaging 8.9 DraftKings points per game, a 31.3% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His matchup against Jon Gray of the Rangers, who ranks #339 in hits allowed per game, positions Betts for potential success. Despite a slight decrease in hits and power metrics, Betts has improved his walk rate dramatically, which boosts his on-base potential. With a DraftKings salary of $6100 and a projected point total that suggests a 2.2 DFS value score, Betts represents a core value play in today’s slate.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6300), Royals – Projected 13.0 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. continues to impress in his rookie season, bringing dynamic play to the Royals’ lineup. His recent performance shows a slight dip, with a 10% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. However, his consistent hitting, including a 9% increase in hits per game, keeps him as a strong contender in daily fantasy. Facing Cody Poteet of the Yankees, who has a higher rank in hits allowed per game at #498, Witt Jr. might find more opportunities to exploit. Despite a slight reduction in total bases and home runs, his speed and ability to generate extra-base hits remain intact. With a DraftKings salary of $6300 and a projected DFS value score of 2.1, Witt Jr. is another core value pick for today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Cal Raleigh ($4200), Mariners – Projected 11.1 pts

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners has shown a notable uptick in performance, making him a compelling pick for today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last 10 games, Raleigh has averaged 8.0 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from the 3.33 points in the previous set of 10 games. This 140.2% increase in fantasy scoring is backed by a rise in hits per game from 0.33 to 0.8 and a substantial increase in walks per game, jumping from 0.11 to 0.5. Facing a Chicago White Sox pitching staff that ranks 68th in hits allowed per game at 12.42, Raleigh’s recent form suggests he could exploit this matchup. With a DraftKings salary of $4200 and a projected point total of 11.1, Raleigh offers a 2.6 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value in today’s slate.

Willson Contreras ($5300), Cardinals – Projected 11.0 pts

Willson Contreras, the stalwart catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, presents a slightly more nuanced choice for fantasy managers. Contreras has averaged 8.6 DraftKings points over his last 10 games, a slight decrease compared to 9.33 points in the prior 10 games. Despite this slight dip, Contreras maintains a robust performance with 0.9 hits per game and an increase in home runs per game from 0.11 to 0.2. He faces Bailey Falter of the Pittsburgh Pirates, who has a high rank of 440th in hits allowed per game at 6.98, suggesting potential for Contreras to capitalize. However, with a higher DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected point total of 11.0, his DFS value score is a 2.1, making him a core value pick for today’s games.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Juan Soto ($6200), Yankees – Projected 15.4 pts

Juan Soto has been a consistent performer for the Yankees, and his recent stats show a solid, though slightly declining, pattern in fantasy production. Over the last 10 games, Soto has averaged 11.8 DraftKings points per game, a slight dip from his previous 10-game average of 13.89. Despite a reduction in hits and home runs, Soto has shown significant improvement in walks, jumping from 0.67 to 1.3 per game. Facing Daniel Lynch, who has been generous in allowing hits, Soto’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $6200 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 2.5, Soto stands out as a strong value pick in today’s slate.

Fernando Tatis Jr. ($5800), Padres – Projected 14.4 pts

Fernando Tatis Jr. has shown remarkable improvement in his recent performances, making him a compelling choice for DFS players. His DraftKings points per game have surged by 74.5% from the previous 10 games, now averaging 12.6. This increase is backed by significant rises in hits, doubles, and home runs, with his total bases per game nearly doubling from 1.67 to 3.0. Tatis’s matchup against Hogan Harris, who ranks low in terms of limiting hits, positions him well to exploit this advantage. With a DraftKings salary of $5800 and a projected point total that translates to a DFS value score of 2.5, Tatis is poised to be a strong value play in today’s games.