Strategy and Stats for 08/05/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 5:15 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 9-game slate that promises fireworks and fierce competition. Fantasy aficionados should particularly circle the Boston Red Sox’s visit to Kauffman Stadium for an 8:10 PM showdown against the Kansas City Royals. With an Over/Under set at a robust 9.5, this game is a goldmine for hitters, making it a focal point for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose recent performances and matchups position them as key assets in your fantasy arsenal. This opening serves as your gateway into a comprehensive breakdown of today’s games, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make those pivotal fantasy decisions.

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

None ($5000), Royals – Projected 11.7 pts

None has been showing a significant uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 11.7 DraftKings points, a substantial improvement from his previous 6.0 points. This increase is supported by a 26.1% rise in hits per game and a notable 103% increase in total bases per game. Facing James Paxton, who ranks 199th in hits allowed per game, None’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 2.3 places him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Josh Bell ($5000), Diamondbacks – Projected 14.5 pts

Josh Bell’s recent form has been impressive, with a 160.8% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten-game stretch. His performance metrics, like a 536.4% increase in home runs per game and a 170.7% boost in total bases, highlight his potential high ceiling in today’s matchup against None of CLE, who has a high rate of hits allowed per game. Despite Arizona’s low rank in generating fantasy points, Bell’s individual performance and a DFS value score of 2.2 make him a solid core value option.

Analyzing Top Second Basemen for Today’s DFS Slate

Ketel Marte ($9000), Diamondbacks – Projected 15.1 pts

Ketel Marte has been on a notable uptick in performance, making him a player to watch in today’s games. Over his last ten games, Marte has averaged 13.8 DraftKings points, a significant increase from his previous ten-game average of 9.44 points. This 46.2% increase in fantasy scoring is backed by a substantial rise in home runs per game, jumping from 0.22 to 0.6, and total bases per game from 1.89 to 3.3. Despite these impressive stats, his projected DFS value score stands at 1.7, which suggests caution due to his high salary of $9000. Marte’s matchup against None of the CLE, who ranks #89 in hits allowed per game, might not be as advantageous as it seems. Fantasy players should weigh his recent surge against his overall value score before locking him in.

Jose Altuve ($5300), Astros – Projected 13.1 pts

Jose Altuve presents a contrasting scenario. His recent performance shows a slight decline, with his DraftKings points per game dropping by 8.5% to 6.1 from a previous 6.67. However, his consistency in hitting and a notable increase in walks per game (from 0.11 to 0.5) highlight his potential to contribute across multiple stat categories. Despite a slight decrease in runs per game, Altuve’s overall performance against Andrew Heaney of the TEX—who allows 8.89 hits per game—could be beneficial. With a DraftKings salary of $5300 and a projected points tally of 13.1, Altuve holds a 2.5 DFS value score, marking him as a strong value pick for today’s roster.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Matt Chapman ($4600), Giants – Projected 14.4 pts

Matt Chapman has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances for the Giants. Over the last ten games, he’s averaged 11.4 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged only 7.33 points. This uptick is highlighted by a remarkable increase in hits per game, jumping from 0.44 to 1.4, and total bases per game which soared from 0.89 to 2.7. Facing Patrick Corbin, who ranks #68 in hits allowed per game, Chapman’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $4600 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 3.1, he stands out as an elite value pick for today’s games.

Rafael Devers ($6100), Red Sox – Projected 13.7 pts

Rafael Devers continues to be a powerhouse for the Red Sox, especially evident in his last ten games where he’s pushed his DraftKings points per game up to 13.2 from a previous 5.67. His performance metrics are impressive, with doubles per game increasing from 0.11 to 0.8 and total bases from 1.11 to 3.5. Devers is set to face Brady Singer of the KC, who ranks #287 in hits allowed per game, suggesting another potentially strong outing for Devers. Despite a higher DraftKings salary of $6100, his projected points and a DFS value score of 2.2 classify him as a core value player in today’s DFS landscape.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s MLB DFS Slate

Tyler Fitzgerald ($4500), Giants – Projected 16.8 pts

Tyler Fitzgerald of the San Francisco Giants, with a DraftKings salary of $4500, presents an intriguing option in today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Fitzgerald has averaged 11.6 points on DraftKings, showing a slight dip from his previous average of 13.0 points. Despite this decrease, his matchup against Patrick Corbin, who ranks 68th in hits allowed per game, positions Fitzgerald for potential success. Corbin’s vulnerability could be the key for Fitzgerald to capitalize and exceed his recent performance metrics. With a projected DFS value score of 3.7, Fitzgerald stands out as an elite value pick, promising substantial upside in today’s games.

Elly De La Cruz ($6200), Reds – Projected 16.5 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds carries a higher DraftKings salary at $6200, reflecting his potential in fantasy lineups despite the team’s overall lower ranking in fantasy point generation. De La Cruz has seen a positive trend in his performance, with his last ten games yielding an average of 10.7 DraftKings points, up from 9.44 in the prior ten-game stretch. His ability to contribute across various categories, albeit with some fluctuations, underscores his dynamic impact. While his total bases and walks have seen declines, his increase in runs scored and singles highlights his potential to rack up points. With a DFS value score of 2.7, De La Cruz offers strong value and could be a pivotal player in today’s DFS contests.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Gabriel Moreno ($5800), Diamondbacks – Projected 12.1 pts

Gabriel Moreno, the young catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, shows a promising uptick in his performance. Over his last 10 games, Moreno has averaged 7.4 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous 10-game stretch where he averaged 6.11 points. This 21.1% increase in fantasy points is noteworthy, especially considering his consistent hit rate and slight improvements in singles per game. Despite a drop in walks, Moreno’s ability to maintain his run production adds a layer of reliability. Facing a Cleveland team that ranks 89th in hits allowed per game, Moreno’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.1, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Patrick Bailey ($3800), Giants – Projected 11.8 pts

Patrick Bailey of the San Francisco Giants presents an intriguing option at catcher, especially given his lower DraftKings salary of $3800. Bailey’s recent performance shows a decline, with a 51.8% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous 10 games. However, he’s facing Patrick Corbin of the Nationals, who has been generous in allowing hits, ranking 68th in the league. This matchup could provide Bailey with opportunities to improve his hitting stats, which have seen a significant drop in the last 10 games. Despite the recent downturn, Bailey’s projected points sit at 11.8, and his DFS value score is 3.1, marking him as an elite value pick for today’s games.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Jarren Duran ($5800), Boston Red Sox – Projected 14.2 pts

Jarren Duran of the Boston Red Sox has been a consistent performer in recent games, making him a valuable pick for today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last ten games, Duran has averaged 13.7 DraftKings points, showing a slight improvement from his previous ten-game stretch where he averaged 12.56 points. This uptick in performance is notable in singles and triples, with increases of 60.7% and 81.8%, respectively. Despite a slight decrease in doubles and walks, Duran’s overall increase in total bases and hits per game suggests he’s finding more gaps and taking better advantage of his at-bats. Facing Brady Singer, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Duran’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick with a solid upside given his recent form and matchup.

Mark Canha ($3500), San Francisco Giants – Projected 14.0 pts

Mark Canha of the San Francisco Giants presents an intriguing value pick for today’s games. Despite the Giants’ overall low ranking in generating fantasy points, Canha has shown significant improvement in his recent performances. His last ten games have seen a dramatic increase in DraftKings points per game, jumping from 4.11 to 7.3, an increase of 77.6%. This surge is backed by notable improvements in hits, singles, and total bases, with his singles rate more than doubling. Facing Patrick Corbin, who has been generous in allowing hits, Canha’s potential to exploit this matchup is high. With a DFS value score of 4.0, he stands out as an elite value pick, offering substantial upside for a relatively low cost.