Strategy and Stats for 07/14/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is bustling with action as we gear up for an exhilarating slate of 15 games, kicking off at 11:35 AM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts will be particularly riveted by the high-stakes encounter at Citizens Bank Park, where the Oakland Athletics clash with the Philadelphia Phillies at 1:35 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 10.0, this game promises a plethora of scoring opportunities, making it a goldmine for fantasy points. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose statistical prowess could make or break your fantasy lineup. Stay tuned as we break down each game, offering insights that will help you dominate your daily fantasy contests.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5800), Phillies – Projected 18.0 pts

Bryce Harper continues to be a powerhouse at first base, especially in the context of daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Harper has not only maintained a robust average of 14.9 DraftKings points per game but has shown a significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch, where he averaged 10.56 points. This 41.1% increase in performance is particularly noteworthy. His hitting has been solid, with an average of 1.7 hits per game recently, up from 1.33, marking a 27.8% improvement. Notably, his power hitting remains consistent, with an impressive 81.8% increase in both home runs and doubles per game. Facing None of the OAK, who has a high rate of 8.84 hits allowed per game, Harper’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $5800 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 3.1, Harper stands out as an elite value pick for today’s games.

Freddie Freeman ($5500), Dodgers – Projected 12.8 pts

Freddie Freeman, playing for the Dodgers, presents a strong case for inclusion in DFS lineups, though his recent performances suggest a more cautious approach. Over his last ten games, Freeman has averaged 8.6 DraftKings points, nearly identical to his previous average of 8.56 points. His consistency is evident, though his recent games have seen a slight decline in total bases and hits per game, which could be a concern. However, Freeman’s ability to draw walks has dramatically increased, with a 218.2% improvement in walks per game. Facing Kenta Maeda of the DET, who allows an average of 11.1 hits per game, could provide Freeman with opportunities to improve his hitting stats. With a DraftKings salary of $5500 and a projected point total of 12.8, Freeman’s DFS value score is 2.3, making him a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Analyzing Top Second Basemen for Today’s DFS Slate

Ketel Marte ($5400), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 13.0 pts

Ketel Marte’s recent performance has shown a slight decline in productivity, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 9.44 to 8.9, a drop of -5.7%. Despite this, Marte’s ability to adapt and score against pitchers like Yusei Kikuchi, who has a high rate of hits allowed, positions him as a potentially savvy pick. His current DFS value score stands at 2.4, categorizing him as a core value player. Marte’s consistent hitting, particularly in singles, combined with his increased walk rate, suggests a solid floor, making him a reliable option for today’s games.

Bryson Stott ($4800), Philadelphia Phillies – Projected 12.5 pts

Bryson Stott’s performance metrics indicate a recent downturn, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 6.44 to 5.8, a reduction of -9.9%. Despite this, his DFS value score of 2.6 places him in the strong value category. Stott’s matchup against a weaker Oakland pitching staff could provide him an opportunity to exceed expectations. His ability to maintain a steady number of total bases and a slight increase in walks could be key factors in achieving a higher fantasy point total than projected.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($6000), Boston Red Sox – Projected 14.1 pts

Rafael Devers continues to be a powerhouse at the hot corner for the Red Sox. Over his last ten games, Devers has shown a notable uptick in performance, averaging 13.2 DraftKings points per game, a 29.2% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to consistently hit, evidenced by an average of 1.2 hits per game recently, makes him a reliable option. Despite a slight decrease in home runs and doubles, his increased walk rate, up by 172.7%, compensates well, boosting his on-base percentage and run-scoring opportunities. Facing Brady Singer, who has been generous in allowing hits, Devers’ matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Ke’Bryan Hayes ($3300), Pittsburgh Pirates – Projected 11.9 pts

Ke’Bryan Hayes might not be the first name that comes to mind for fantasy dominance, but his recent improvements suggest he’s an undervalued asset in today’s DFS contests. Hayes has increased his DraftKings points per game by 26.4% in his last ten outings compared to the ten before that. His batting has significantly improved, with a 78.6% increase in hits per game. Although he hasn’t added power stats like home runs or doubles recently, his consistent contact ability, especially at a low salary of $3300, offers great leverage. His DFS value score of 3.6 makes him an elite value pick, especially considering his matchup against a pitcher with a high rate of hits allowed per game.

Daily Fantasy Sports Analysis: Shortstops to Watch

Elly De La Cruz ($6300), Reds – Projected 15.3 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds a promising outlook in today’s matchup. Over his last ten games, De La Cruz has seen a dip in production with an average of 10.1 DraftKings points per game, a significant decrease from his previous average of 13.78. Despite a reduction in hits and power stats, his walk rate has impressively increased, suggesting a potential for high on-base percentage today. Facing Trevor Rogers, who ranks low in hits allowed, De La Cruz’s aggressive style could capitalize on this matchup. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Trea Turner ($6100), Phillies – Projected 15.1 pts

Trea Turner of the Philadelphia Phillies is on an upward trajectory, making him a compelling pick for today’s games. Turner has ramped up his performance significantly, with his latest ten-game stretch yielding an average of 14.0 DraftKings points, nearly double his prior average of 7.44. His hits and total bases have seen substantial increases, and despite a slight drop in walks, his run production remains strong. Turner’s matchup advantage today could see him exploiting the weaker pitching of Oakland, which has been generous in allowing hits. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Turner stands out as a strong value in today’s fantasy lineup.

Catcher Insights: Daily Fantasy Analysis

Cal Raleigh ($4400), Mariners – Projected 12.2 pts

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners shows a notable uptick in his performance, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS slate. Over his last 10 games, Raleigh has averaged 14.1 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous 10 games average of 8.0 points. His hitting has been particularly strong, with an average of 1.4 hits per game recently, up from 0.67. Notably, his home run rate has surged to 0.6 per game, showing his potential for high-value plays. Facing Carson Fulmer, who has a high rate of 7.23 hits allowed per game, Raleigh’s chances of continuing his strong hitting streak look promising. With a DraftKings salary of $4400 and a projected points tally of 12.2, Raleigh offers a 2.8 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value in today’s matchups.

Tyler Stephenson ($4000), Reds – Projected 12.0 pts

Tyler Stephenson of the Cincinnati Reds is another catcher who has shown significant improvement in his recent performances. His DraftKings points per game have leaped from 4.0 in the previous 10 games to 10.7 in the latest stretch. This increase is supported by a rise in total bases per game from 1.0 to 2.7 and a consistent home run rate of 0.4 per game. Facing Trevor Rogers, who allows 10.24 hits per game, Stephenson’s recent form suggests he could exploit this matchup effectively. With a DraftKings salary of $4000 and a projected point output of 12.0, Stephenson’s DFS value score is a 3.0, categorizing him as an elite value pick for today’s games.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Kyle Schwarber ($5500), Phillies – Projected 16.6 pts

Kyle Schwarber, despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, shows an enticing rebound potential against the Oakland Athletics. Over his last 10 games, Schwarber’s DraftKings points have decreased by 37.0% compared to the previous 10 games, and his hits per game have seen a significant drop of 39.8%. However, facing a pitcher from Oakland who ranks #291 in hits allowed per game, Schwarber’s prospects look promising. His projected DFS value score stands at 3.0, categorizing him as an elite value pick for today’s slate. With a salary of $5500 and a projected point total of 16.6, Schwarber could be a pivotal player in your DFS lineup.

Juan Soto ($9200), Yankees – Projected 14.9 pts

Juan Soto of the Yankees presents a mixed bag in terms of recent performance versus potential upside. His DraftKings points have slightly increased by 8.8% in the last 10 games compared to the 10 games prior. Notably, his hits per game have surged by an impressive 79.1%, and his total bases per game have increased by 80.5%. However, his walks have decreased by 47.4%, and his runs per game have dropped by 40.0%. Facing Dean Kremer of Baltimore, who ranks #497 in hits allowed per game, Soto’s matchup is favorable, but his high DraftKings salary of $9200 and a DFS value score of 1.6 suggest he might not provide the best value in today’s DFS contests.