Strategy and Stats for 08/12/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clocks strike 6:40 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape is set to ignite with an exhilarating slate of 11 games, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. At the heart of today’s action, the Texas Rangers gear up to face the Boston Red Sox at the iconic Fenway Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 PM EST. This particular duel, with an Over/Under set at a lofty 9.5, is anticipated to be a veritable feast for hitters, making it a focal point for fantasy players scouting for high-value picks. Across the positions, today’s lineup features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, each poised to make a significant impact. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the matchups, spotlighting players who are set to outperform and providing you with the insights needed to dominate your fantasy leagues.

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

Paul Goldschmidt ($4900), Cardinals – Projected 13.1 pts

Paul Goldschmidt’s recent performance suggests a steady, if not spectacular, option for DFS players. Over his last ten games, he’s averaged 8.2 DraftKings points, a slight uptick from his previous set of ten games. Facing Andrew Abbott, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, could provide Goldschmidt an edge. His 2.7 DFS value score positions him as a strong value pick, especially considering his ability to consistently get on base and score runs. While his power numbers have dipped slightly, his overall production makes him a reliable choice at first base.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($5700), Blue Jays – Projected 12.3 pts

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. presents a more high-risk, high-reward scenario. His last ten games have seen a significant drop in production compared to the previous ten, with a decrease in nearly every statistical category, including a sharp -33.7% in DraftKings points per game. However, his matchup against Davis Daniel, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits, might offer a chance for Guerrero to bounce back. Despite the recent slump, his 2.2 DFS value score indicates he still holds core value, potentially rewarding for those willing to gamble on his talent for a rebound.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Marcus Semien ($4700), Texas Rangers – Projected 12.6 pts

Marcus Semien’s recent performance shows a dip compared to his previous games, with a decrease in most statistical categories including hits and runs. Despite this, his matchup against Brayan Bello, who ranks #150 in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable opportunity. Semien’s DraftKings points per game have dropped by 29.7% in the last ten games, but his ability to walk more frequently has increased significantly. With a projected DFS value score of 2.7, Semien holds strong value and could be a pivotal player in today’s lineup.

Ketel Marte ($6200), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 12.4 pts

Ketel Marte, despite a slight decline in his recent performance metrics, still stands out with an average of 11.3 DraftKings points per game in his last ten outings. His consistency in hitting home runs and a significant increase in walks highlight his potential to rack up points. Although his hits and runs have seen a decrease, Marte’s ability to contribute across different categories maintains his relevance in DFS. Facing a pitcher with no current stats could either be a risk or an advantage. His DFS value score of 2.0 positions him as a core value player for today’s games.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($6000), Boston Red Sox – Projected 12.6 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 significant improvement in his performance, with a 38.8% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with a 14.8% increase in hits per game and a 59.1% increase in doubles per game. Facing Tyler Mahle, who ranks #203 in hits allowed per game, Devers is poised to capitalize. His DFS value score stands at 2.1, marking him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Nolan Arenado ($4100), St. Louis Cardinals – Projected 12.0 pts

Nolan Arenado, despite the Cardinals’ low rank in fantasy point generation, has been finding his rhythm at the plate. His last ten games have seen a remarkable 132.1% increase in hits per game from the previous set of ten games. This surge includes a massive 354.5% increase in singles per game. Facing Andrew Abbott of Cincinnati, who is not particularly stingy with hits, Arenado’s opportunity to score is promising. With a DFS value score of 2.9, Arenado offers strong value at a considerably lower salary compared to Devers.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Corey Seager ($5400), Texas Rangers – Projected 14.0 pts

Corey Seager has been showing a notable uptick in his performance, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last 10 games, Seager has averaged 11.8 DraftKings points per game, a significant increase from the 8.0 points in the prior 10-game stretch. This improvement is highlighted by a staggering 445.5% increase in home runs per game and a 55.0% increase in total bases per game. Facing Brayan Bello, who ranks #150 in hits allowed per game, Seager’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.6, positioning him as a strong value play at shortstop.

Elly De La Cruz ($6300), Cincinnati Reds – Projected 13.2 pts

Elly De La Cruz, despite a slight dip in his recent performance, still holds potential value in today’s DFS contests. Over the latest 10-game window, De La Cruz has scored an average of 11.0 DraftKings points, down from 13.44 in the previous set of games. Notably, his doubles and home runs per game have seen increases of 81.8% each, suggesting potential for high-impact plays. However, his walks and singles have seen declines, which slightly dims his outlook. Facing Sonny Gray, who has a high rank of #359 in hits allowed per game, could offer De La Cruz opportunities to capitalize. His DFS value score is 2.1, making him a core value pick at shortstop.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Catcher Insights

William Contreras ($5200), Brewers – Projected 12.8 pts

William Contreras has shown a significant uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 10.8 DraftKings points, a stark improvement from his previous 5.89. This surge in productivity, highlighted by an 83.4% increase in DraftKings points and a 627.3% increase in runs per game, makes him an intriguing option. Despite Milwaukee’s overall struggle in fantasy point generation, Contreras’ recent form and his matchup against Clayton Kershaw, who ranks #63 in hits allowed per game, positions him as a potentially savvy pick. His DFS value score stands at 2.5, indicating strong value at a $5200 salary.

Willson Contreras ($5100), Cardinals – Projected 12.8 pts

Willson Contreras, on the other hand, has experienced a slight decline in his recent performances, with a -4.9% change in DraftKings points over the last ten games compared to the previous set. However, facing Andrew Abbott of Cincinnati, who ranks #278 in hits allowed per game, could offer Contreras an opportunity to capitalize. His consistent hitting, albeit with a slight decrease in home runs and total bases, still presents a case for inclusion in DFS lineups. With a DFS value score of 2.5, Contreras offers strong value at a DraftKings salary of $5100, suggesting potential for a rebound in the upcoming slate.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Juan Soto ($6400), Yankees – Projected 17.3 pts

Juan Soto’s recent performance has shown a dip compared to his earlier games, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 15.44 to 9.5, a stark -38.5% change. Despite this, his ability to generate walks and maintain a steady rate of singles suggests a potential for rebound, especially against the CWS who have a high rate of hits allowed per game. With a projected 17.3 points and a DFS value score of 2.7, Soto offers strong value at his current salary, making him a viable pick for today’s fantasy lineup.

Aaron Judge ($6900), Yankees – Projected 16.8 pts

Aaron Judge, another formidable Yankees outfielder, has also seen a decrease in performance with a -19.6% change in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. However, his consistent ability to get on base and score runs, combined with a slight improvement in hitting singles, positions him as a solid choice. Facing a team like the CWS, known for allowing a significant number of hits, Judge’s potential to exploit this weakness is high. With a DFS value score of 2.4, he holds core value for today’s games.