Strategy and Stats for 07/20/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is set for an electrifying day with 16 games on the docket, kicking off at 1:05 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts will have their eyes glued to the marquee matchup at Coors Field, where the San Francisco Giants clash with the Colorado Rockies at 8:10 PM EST in what’s expected to be a slugfest, given the Over/Under of 10.5. This game not only promises high altitude action but also high fantasy scores, making it a critical focus for those looking to dominate their leagues. As we dive into today’s game-by-game breakdown, keep an eye out for top projected players at each position, whose statistical prowess could make or break your fantasy lineup. Let’s explore the potential game-changers and sleeper picks that could set your team apart in today’s comprehensive analysis.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Bryce Harper ($5700), Phillies – Projected 14.5 pts

Bryce Harper has been a consistent performer for the Phillies, and his recent form suggests he’s a solid pick for today’s games. Over the last ten games, Harper has seen a noticeable improvement in his performance, with a 21.0% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to the previous ten games. His ability to hit doubles and home runs has also seen a significant uptick, with increases of 36.4% in both categories. Facing None of the PIT, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, Harper’s matchup is favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.5, marking him as a strong value pick at his current salary.

Freddie Freeman ($5200), Dodgers – Projected 14.4 pts

Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers shows potential despite a slight dip in some of his hitting metrics. Over the latest stretch, Freeman’s singles have increased significantly by 81.8%, although his doubles have unfortunately dropped by 100.0%. His performance against pitchers like Brayan Bello of the BOS, who has a high rate of hits allowed per game, could turn advantageous. Freeman’s DraftKings points have slightly increased by 1.2%, and his DFS value score is 2.8, positioning him as a strong value for today’s fantasy lineup.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Thairo Estrada ($4100), Giants – Projected 14.2 pts

Thairo Estrada’s recent performance may not turn heads at first glance, with a notable dip in his stats over the last ten games compared to the previous set. His DraftKings points per game dropped by 55%, and his hits per game saw a nearly 49% decline. However, facing Kyle Freeland, who ranks 97th in hits allowed per game, Estrada’s matchup looks favorable. Despite his recent slump, his projected DFS value score stands at an impressive 3.5, categorizing him as an elite value pick for today’s slate. His affordable salary combined with a potential for high returns makes him an intriguing option for DFS players.

Ketel Marte ($5500), Diamondbacks – Projected 12.7 pts

Ketel Marte’s performance has been more consistent, maintaining a strong presence at the plate with a slight decrease in his DraftKings points per game by just over 10%. His ability to hit effectively, evidenced by a minimal drop in hits per game, positions him well against Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs, who ranks 127th in hits allowed per game. While Marte’s recent doubles and home runs have decreased, his overall contribution in singles and walks has increased, enhancing his on-base potential. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Marte represents a core value pick. His higher salary is justified by his steady performance, making him a solid choice for today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Matt Chapman ($4800), San Francisco Giants – Projected 14.6 pts

Matt Chapman has been a topic of much discussion lately, and today’s matchup against Kyle Freeland of the Rockies, who ranks #97 in hits allowed per game, sets the stage for a potentially lucrative day in DFS. Over the last ten games, Chapman’s performance has seen a dip compared to his previous ten, with a significant 24.7% decrease in DraftKings points per game and a 36.9% drop in hits per game. However, his ability to maintain a steady walk rate and contribute across various scoring categories keeps him relevant. With a DraftKings salary of $4800 and a projected point total that suggests a rebound, Chapman’s DFS value score stands at 3.0, marking him as an elite value pick for today’s slate.

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

Rafael Devers continues to be a consistent force at the hot corner for the Red Sox. Despite a slight decrease in hits and home runs in his last ten games compared to the ten before that, Devers has shown impressive resilience. His walk rate has seen a dramatic increase of 127.3%, bolstering his on-base percentage and compensating for fewer hits. Facing an unspecified pitcher today, Devers’ performance could vary, but his track record suggests reliability. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a projected point total of 11.9, his DFS value score is 2.0, positioning him as a core value player in today’s games.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6300), Royals – Projected 14.6 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been on a tear recently, showcasing a significant uptick in his performance metrics. Over the last 10 games, Witt Jr. has nearly doubled his DraftKings points per game from 7.0 to 13.9, a staggering 98.6% increase. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with an average of 1.9 hits per game, up from 0.89, marking a 113.5% improvement. Despite a slight dip in walks, his overall production, including a consistent display of power with 0.4 home runs per game, makes him a compelling pick. Facing a pitcher from the CWS, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Witt Jr.’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value play in today’s fantasy lineup.

Gunnar Henderson ($5800), Orioles – Projected 13.3 pts

Gunnar Henderson presents an intriguing option at shortstop, though his recent performances have shown some volatility. Over the last 10 games, Henderson’s DraftKings points have slightly decreased by 13.0% compared to the previous 10-game stretch. However, his ability to hit safely remains solid, with a 20.3% increase in hits per game recently. Despite facing the formidable Max Scherzer, Henderson’s ability to adapt and find opportunities to score could play well, especially considering Scherzer’s current ranking in hits allowed per game. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Henderson is categorized as a core value, making him a viable, if slightly risky, selection for today’s games.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Will Smith ($5600), Dodgers – Projected 12.4 pts

Will Smith has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineups. Over the last ten games, Smith has averaged 10.4 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged only 4.78 points. This 117.6% increase in fantasy output is bolstered by his consistent hitting, with an average of 1.0 hits per game recently, up from 0.33. His power at the plate is also noteworthy, with a home run rate that has climbed by 263.6%. Facing Brayan Bello, who ranks #183 in hits allowed per game, Smith’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick with potential for significant impact.

Adley Rutschman ($5100), Orioles – Projected 11.5 pts

Adley Rutschman presents an intriguing option despite a slight dip in his recent performance metrics. Over his last ten games, Rutschman has scored an average of 6.6 DraftKings points per game, a slight decrease from 7.67 points in the prior ten-game stretch. Despite this, his matchup against Max Scherzer, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits with a rank of #476, could play to Rutschman’s favor. His DFS value score is 2.3, categorizing him as a core value player. While his recent stats show a decrease in hits and total bases, Rutschman’s consistent ability to walk and score runs could still make him a valuable asset in today’s DFS contests.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jorge Soler ($4800), Giants – Projected 15.2 pts

Jorge Soler has been showing a promising uptick in his performance metrics, making him an intriguing option for today’s DFS contests. Over the last ten games, Soler has averaged 7.1 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 5.78 points. This 22.8% increase is noteworthy, especially considering his total bases per game jumped from 1.33 to 1.7. Facing Kyle Freeland, who ranks #97 in hits allowed per game, Soler’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at an elite 3.2, indicating strong potential for high returns against his current salary.

Kyle Schwarber ($5500), Phillies – Projected 14.3 pts

Kyle Schwarber, despite a recent dip in performance, still holds considerable value in today’s DFS lineup. In his last ten games, Schwarber has managed an average of 8.9 DraftKings points, down from 14.78 points in the previous ten games. This decrease is reflected across several key stats, including a notable -37.5% drop in hits per game. However, Schwarber’s ability to draw walks, which has increased by 15.4%, combined with his power-hitting potential, positions him as a strong play. His DFS value score is 2.6, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s games.