Strategy and Stats for 06/18/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 6:10 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 15-game slate, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy for fantasy enthusiasts. Among the highlights, all eyes are set on the high-altitude face-off at Coors Field, where the Los Angeles Dodgers clash with the Colorado Rockies at 8:40 PM EST. With an Over/Under soaring to 12.0, this game is a fantasy goldmine, teeming with potential for high scores and standout performances. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, ready to make a significant impact in your fantasy lineups. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Freddie Freeman ($6300), Dodgers – Projected 15.7 pts

Freddie Freeman, a stalwart at first base for the Dodgers, continues to be a beacon of consistency in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Freeman has averaged 10.8 DraftKings points, a slight decrease from his previous ten-game average of 11.44 points. Despite a minor dip in his hitting metrics, Freeman’s ability to draw walks and score runs has significantly improved, showcasing a 78.6% increase in both categories. Facing Austin Gomber, who ranks 228th in hits allowed per game, Freeman’s matchup looks favorable. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.5, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Matt Olson ($5300), Braves – Projected 13.1 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves presents an intriguing option at first base, especially considering his recent upswing in performance. Olson has seen a substantial 41.4% increase in his DraftKings points per game over the last ten games compared to the ten games prior, now averaging 9.9 points. His hit rate has surged by 68.5%, and he’s shown notable improvements in singles and home runs. Facing Casey Mize of the Tigers, who is ranked 133rd for hits allowed per game, Olson’s potential for a high-scoring game is promising. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Olson stands out as a strong value pick, offering considerable upside for today’s slate.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5300), Astros – Projected 13.8 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent surge in performance makes him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last 10 games, Altuve has significantly improved, scoring an average of 10.6 DraftKings points per game, a 107.4% increase from his previous 10-game stretch. His ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities is evident, with a notable 536.4% increase in runs per game and a 172.7% increase in walks per game. Facing None of the CWS, who ranks #146 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his potential to be a top scorer. With a DFS Value Score of 2.6, he stands out as a strong value pick at second base.

Ozzie Albies ($5500), Braves – Projected 11.7 pts

Ozzie Albies, on the other hand, presents a more nuanced choice. His performance has seen a slight decline in the last 10 games, with a -14.0% drop in DraftKings points per game compared to the previous set of games. However, Albies still maintains a decent hit rate and has shown resilience in scoring runs, with an 81.8% increase in runs per game recently. Facing Casey Mize of the Tigers, who ranks #133 in hits allowed per game, might provide Albies a chance to rebound. His DFS Value Score of 2.1 categorizes him as a core value pick, making him a viable, if not essential, option for today’s DFS contests.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Royce Lewis ($6200), Twins – Projected 13.4 pts

Royce Lewis has been a beacon of consistency for the Twins, delivering an impressive performance over his last ten games with an average of 12.2 DraftKings points per game. This slight uptick from his previous 10-game average of 11.89 points showcases his growing adaptation and impact in the lineup. Notably, his total bases per game have surged by 23.0%, indicating an increase in his power-hitting capabilities. Facing Aaron Civale, who ranks 190th in hits allowed per game, Lewis’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his potential to exploit these weaknesses. With a 2.2 DFS value score, Lewis stands out as a core value pick who could be pivotal in today’s fantasy outcomes.

Rafael Devers ($5500), Red Sox – Projected 13.3 pts

Rafael Devers, while experiencing a slight dip in his last 10 games with an average of 8.1 DraftKings points compared to 8.56 in the prior period, still holds strong potential. His ability to generate extra-base hits has seen a mixed trend, but his recent performance against pitchers like Chris Bassitt—who allows 8.96 hits per game—suggests a possible rebound. Devers’s ability to walk more and score runs has improved, indicating his keen eye and situational awareness at the plate. With a 2.4 DFS value score, Devers is positioned as a core value player who could exceed expectations against a pitcher with a higher tendency to allow hits.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6400), Royals – Projected 13.2 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has shown fluctuating performance in his recent outings, with a noticeable dip in his production compared to earlier games. Over the last 10 games, Witt Jr. has averaged 9.3 DraftKings points, a significant drop from 12.67 points in the previous set of 10 games. Despite this, his matchup against Hogan Harris, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions Witt Jr. for potential recovery. His current DFS value score stands at 2.1, categorizing him as a core value pick. His ability to hit doubles has notably improved, which might hint at an upcoming better performance. Fantasy managers should consider Witt Jr. for a rebound, especially given his potential upside in today’s matchup.

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

Corey Seager’s recent performances have been underwhelming, with a sharp decline in his fantasy output, dropping from an average of 17.11 DraftKings points in the previous 10 games to just 5.8 in the latest stretch. This stark decrease is reflected across multiple categories, including a significant reduction in home runs and total bases. However, facing Luis Severino, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, presents an opportunity for Seager to capitalize. His DFS value score is 2.4, making him another core value player. Seager’s potential for improvement and lower salary could make him an intriguing, budget-friendly option for today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

William Contreras ($5400), Brewers – Projected 12.5 pts

William Contreras has been showing a notable uptick in his performance, making him a player to watch in today’s games. Over his last ten games, Contreras has averaged 7.0 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 5.44 points. This 28.7% increase is backed by a rise in hits per game from 0.89 to 1.2, and a substantial boost in doubles per game. Facing Griffin Canning, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits, Contreras’s matchup looks favorable. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.3, positioning him as a core value pick at a DraftKings salary of $5400.

Willson Contreras ($8400), Cardinals – Projected 12.5 pts

Willson Contreras, although slightly dipping in his recent performance with an 8.6 average DraftKings points compared to 9.33 in his previous ten games, still holds considerable potential. The slight decrease in hits and walks can be a concern, but his power metrics like home runs per game have seen an increase. Despite the high DraftKings salary of $8400, his ability to generate runs, evidenced by a 42.9% increase in runs per game, keeps him in the radar. However, his DFS value score of 1.5 suggests that his current price may not offer the best value in today’s slate.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($5400), Astros – Projected 16.5 pts

Yordan Alvarez has been a consistent performer for the Astros, and his recent games show a solid track record. Despite a slight dip in his performance metrics over the last 10 games compared to the previous 10, Alvarez still manages to hold a strong presence on the field. His DraftKings points per game have decreased by 10%, and his hits per game have seen a 23.6% drop. However, his ability to secure runs has increased by 25%, indicating his crucial role in scoring. Facing a pitcher from the CWS who ranks #146 in hits allowed per game, Alvarez’s matchup looks favorable. With a projected DFS value score of 3.1, he stands out as an elite value pick for today’s slate.

Teoscar Hernandez ($6000), Dodgers – Projected 15.3 pts

Teoscar Hernandez of the Dodgers has shown a remarkable improvement in his recent performances, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s games. His DraftKings points have surged by a whopping 167.8% in the last 10 games compared to the previous set, with a similar upward trend in FanDuel points at 205.2%. Hernandez’s ability to convert plays into points is evident from his total bases per game, which have more than doubled recently. Facing Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who is ranked #228 for hits allowed per game, Hernandez is poised to exploit this matchup. With a DFS value score of 2.6, he offers strong value and is expected to be a key contributor in today’s fantasy lineup.