Strategy and Stats for 08/21/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy landscape is brimming with excitement as we gear up for a full slate of 15 games, kicking off at 1:10 PM EST. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly mark their calendars for the highlight matchup at 8:10 PM EST, where the Los Angeles Angels take on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 9.0, this game is anticipated to be a treasure trove of hitting opportunities, making it a focal point for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve deeper into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose recent performances and matchups promise to make them pivotal in crafting winning fantasy lineups. Stay tuned as we break down these matchups and more, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

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

Bryce Harper ($5500), Phillies – Projected 12.7 pts

Bryce Harper has been showing a solid uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 7.4 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous set of games. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Harper presents himself as a core value pick against Max Fried of the Braves, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits. Harper’s recent stats, including a 51.3% increase in DraftKings points and a notable 354.5% increase in runs per game, suggest he could be a pivotal player in today’s fantasy lineup.

Pete Alonso ($5000), Mets – Projected 12.6 pts

Pete Alonso, while experiencing a slight downturn in his last ten games compared to the ten before that, still holds strong as a key fantasy asset with a 2.5 DFS value score. Facing Cole Irvin, who ranks #133 in hits allowed per game, Alonso’s potential for high fantasy points remains intact despite recent fluctuations. His performance metrics, including a 7.1% increase in walks per game, support his capability to contribute significantly to fantasy rosters.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Standouts

Michael Massey ($4200), Royals – Projected 12.2 pts

Michael Massey has shown a notable uptick in his performance over the last ten games, making him a player to watch in today’s DFS slate. With an average of 8.1 DraftKings points recently, up from 5.0 in the previous set of games, Massey’s improvement is evident with a 62.0% increase. His hits per game have nearly tripled, and while his walks and runs have slightly decreased, his overall base-reaching ability has significantly enhanced. Facing an undefined pitcher today, his 2.9 DFS value score suggests strong potential for those looking to invest in a second baseman with upside and a reasonable salary.

Gleyber Torres ($3800), Yankees – Projected 11.9 pts

Gleyber Torres, despite a slight dip in his recent performance metrics, still holds value in today’s DFS contests. Scoring an average of 5.5 DraftKings points in his last ten games, a minimal decrease from 5.78 points, shows stability in his play. His consistency in hitting and a significant increase in walks, up 59.1%, positions him as a reliable player. Facing Joey Cantillo, who ranks #154 in hits allowed per game, Torres’s matchup could favor his hitting skills. With a 3.1 DFS value score, he emerges as an elite value pick at second base, offering both affordability and the potential for solid fantasy production.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($5800), Boston Red Sox – Projected 12.6 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance, Rafael Devers remains a 2.2 core value pick in today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Devers has seen a decrease in production across several key metrics, including a significant -27.8% drop in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. However, facing Houston’s Justin Verlander, who ranks #392 in hits allowed per game, could provide Devers the opportunity to capitalize and exceed his projected 12.6 points. His ability to turn around and leverage Verlander’s vulnerability could be key for DFS players looking for a potentially undervalued asset.

Jose Ramirez ($6300), Cleveland Indians – Projected 12.5 pts

Jose Ramirez presents a 2.0 core value for today’s DFS contests. Ramirez has experienced a notable -47.5% decrease in DraftKings points per game in his last ten outings compared to the ten before that. Despite this slump, Ramirez’s matchup against Nestor Cortes of the Yankees—who allows 8.85 hits per game—might be the perfect scenario for a bounce-back performance. His current slump has adjusted his price to a point where his potential for high returns against a pitcher with a relatively high hit rate makes him an intriguing play for savvy DFS enthusiasts.

Analyzing Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Elly De La Cruz ($6100), Reds – Projected 16.9 pts

Elly De La Cruz has shown a notable dip in his performance over the last ten games, averaging only 5.0 DraftKings points compared to 12.56 in the previous set of ten games, marking a significant -60.2% change. Despite this, his projected points stand at 16.9, giving him a DFS value score of 2.8. This suggests a strong rebound potential, especially considering his ability to contribute across multiple categories like home runs and total bases. His recent struggles might deter some DFS players, but his potential for high returns at a DraftKings salary of $6100 makes him a compelling, if somewhat risky, pick.

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6600), Royals – Projected 15.4 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been a model of consistency for Kansas City, maintaining a steady output with 13.1 DraftKings points on average in his last ten games, only slightly down by -1.7% from his previous ten games. His performance includes a strong showing in hits, total bases, and an uptick in home runs and walks, contributing to a DFS value score of 2.3. At a salary of $6600, Witt represents a core value pick who can be expected to provide solid, reliable fantasy points in today’s games, making him an essential consideration for any DFS lineup.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($5100), Orioles – Projected 11.6 pts

Adley Rutschman’s recent performance shows a slight dip in fantasy points but an increase in hitting metrics, which could be pivotal against NYM’s Sean Manaea. Manaea has been generous with hits, ranking #523 in the league. Over the last 10 games, Rutschman’s DraftKings points per game have decreased by 8.3% to 5.2, while his FanDuel points have seen a more significant drop of 15.8%. However, his total bases per game have increased by 40%, and his doubles per game have seen an impressive rise of 81.8%. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Rutschman stands as a core value pick, balancing cost and potential output effectively.

Keibert Ruiz ($3300), Nationals – Projected 10.4 pts

Keibert Ruiz presents an intriguing option at a lower salary against a Colorado pitcher allowing a high rate of hits. Ruiz has maintained a steady performance in his last 10 games with a slight increase in DraftKings points per game to 6.6. Notably, his home run rate has surged by 172.7%, and his total bases have increased by 11.1%. Despite a decrease in singles and doubles, Ruiz’s ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities gives him an 3.2 DFS value score, marking him as an elite value choice for today’s slate.

Top Outfielders to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Corbin Carroll ($5300), Diamondbacks – Projected 17.0 pts

Corbin Carroll has been on a notable upswing, with a significant improvement in his performance over the last ten games. His DraftKings points per game have surged to 12.7 from 9.0, marking a 41.1% increase. Similarly, his FanDuel points have risen by 43.3%, showcasing his growing fantasy relevance. Notably, Carroll’s home run rate has skyrocketed by 354.5%, making him a potent source of fantasy points. Despite a slight decrease in walks, his total bases per game have increased by 79.5%, further underlining his offensive impact. With a DFS value score of 3.2, Carroll stands out as an elite option in today’s lineup.

Jake McCarthy ($4600), Diamondbacks – Projected 15.8 pts

Jake McCarthy presents a compelling case for inclusion in any DFS roster, especially considering his consistent performance uplift. His DraftKings points have grown to 13.9 per game, up from 9.67, a robust increase of 43.7%. On FanDuel, McCarthy’s points have jumped by an impressive 54.3%. While his singles and doubles have slightly decreased, his home runs per game have seen a substantial rise of 172.7%. Additionally, his walks have mirrored this explosive growth, enhancing his on-base potential. McCarthy’s DFS value score of 3.4 categorizes him as an elite player, making him a valuable asset for today’s games.