Strategy and Stats for 08/23/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock ticks towards a thrilling 6:40 PM EST start, today’s MLB fantasy slate is packed with action across 15 gripping games. Spotlighting the day, the Philadelphia Phillies gear up to challenge the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, with the first pitch set for 8:10 PM EST. This particular matchup, with an Over/Under of 9.5, promises a spectacle of hits and runs, making it a fantasy goldmine. Whether you’re eyeing pitchers with strikeout prowess or batters with the knack for homers, today’s games offer a wealth of top-tier talent across all positions. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy contests.

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

Bryce Harper ($5400), Phillies – Projected 13.0 pts

Bryce Harper’s recent performance has shown a dip compared to his previous 10 games, with a decrease in nearly all statistical categories. His DraftKings points per game have fallen from 6.33 to 4.8, a drop of -24.2%. Similarly, his FanDuel points have decreased by -21.4%. Notably, his hits per game have decreased by -27.9%, and his total bases per game have seen a significant reduction of -43.8%. Despite these declines, Harper’s matchup against Michael Wacha, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions him to potentially rebound. His DFS value score of 2.4 places him as a core value pick for today’s games.

None ($5000), Royals – Projected 12.4 pts

The player known as None has also experienced a notable decline in performance in his last 10 games compared to the previous set. His DraftKings points have plummeted by -45.2%, with FanDuel points following closely at a -43.8% decrease. His hits per game have dropped by -35.9%, and his home runs per game have drastically decreased by -85.1%. However, there are positives, such as an increase in doubles per game by 172.7% and a significant rise in walks per game by 354.5%. Facing Taijuan Walker, who has a higher rate of hits allowed, provides a favorable matchup for None. With a DFS value score of 2.5, he stands out as a strong value pick in today’s lineup.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Top Second Basemen Picks

Jose Altuve ($9000), Astros – Projected 13.0 pts

Jose Altuve’s recent performance has shown a significant uptick, making him a player to watch in today’s DFS slate. Over the last 10 games, Altuve has averaged 8.8 DraftKings points per game, a 46.7% increase from his previous 10-game stretch. His hits per game have risen by 53.8%, and his total bases per game have seen a 44.1% improvement. Despite these impressive numbers, his DFS value score stands at 1.4, primarily due to his high salary. However, facing None of the BAL, who ranks #230 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s potential for a high-scoring game cannot be ignored.

Michael Massey ($4500), Royals – Projected 12.5 pts

Michael Massey emerges as a strong value pick at second base. With a DraftKings salary of just $4500, Massey has shown considerable improvement in his recent outings. His DraftKings points per game have increased by 34.0% in his last 10 games compared to the previous set. Notably, his hits per game have skyrocketed by 172.7%, and his singles per game have astonishingly increased by 809.1%. These metrics suggest a player on the rise, and with a DFS value score of 2.8, Massey represents a strong value against Taijuan Walker of the PHI, who ranks #218 in hits allowed per game.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Royce Lewis ($5600), Twins – Projected 13.3 pts

Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins shows a promising uptick in his recent performances, making him a noteworthy consideration for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Lewis has managed an average of 6.2 DraftKings points per game, a slight dip from his previous average of 10.67 points. Despite this decline, his ability to increase his singles hit rate by a staggering 218.2% compared to the previous ten games highlights his potential to rack up points through consistent contact. Additionally, facing a pitcher from STL who ranks #378 in hits allowed per game could provide Lewis more opportunities to capitalize. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick at the third base position.

Rafael Devers ($5800), Red Sox – Projected 12.5 pts

Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox enters today’s game with a solid track record, despite a recent decrease in performance metrics. Devers has averaged 8.0 DraftKings points over his last ten games, a decrease from 11.44 points in the prior set of games. His ability to maintain a decent hitting rate, including a slight decrease in home runs and doubles, suggests potential for recovery. Facing an ARI pitcher who allows 9.51 hits per game could be the perfect scenario for Devers to improve his stats. With a DFS value score of 2.2, Devers remains a core value player who could provide stability and potential upside in today’s DFS contests.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Spotlight on Shortstops

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6600), Royals – Projected 14.6 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has shown consistent performance in his recent games, averaging 13.6 points on DraftKings over his last ten outings. Despite a slight decrease in production compared to his previous ten games, Witt Jr. has improved in total bases and walks, indicating a potential for high-scoring plays. Facing Taijuan Walker, who ranks 218th in hits allowed per game, Witt Jr.’s matchup looks favorable. His ability to capitalize on Walker’s vulnerability could be key. With a 2.2 DFS value score, he stands out as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Elly De La Cruz ($9800), Reds – Projected 13.8 pts

Elly De La Cruz, despite his high DraftKings salary, has experienced a notable dip in his performance metrics across the board in his last ten games compared to the ten before that. His hits, doubles, and runs have all seen significant decreases, which is concerning for fantasy managers considering his premium price tag. Facing Bailey Falter, who also ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, might offer some redemption opportunities for De La Cruz. However, his current form and a 1.4 DFS value score suggest he might be a risky play for today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

William Contreras ($5300), Brewers – Projected 11.5 pts

William Contreras has been a consistent performer for the Brewers, averaging 10.6 DraftKings points over his last ten games. Despite a slight decrease in performance compared to his previous ten games, where he averaged 11.44 points, Contreras shows promising signs of value. Notably, his home run rate has increased significantly, jumping 81.8%, and his total bases per game have also seen a 10.7% increase. Facing JP Sears, who ranks 406th in hits allowed per game, Contreras’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Willson Contreras ($5000), Cardinals – Projected 11.5 pts

Willson Contreras, on the other hand, shows a marked improvement in his recent performance for the Cardinals. Over the last ten games, he has increased his DraftKings points per game to 5.1 from 4.33, a rise of 17.8%. His hitting has improved notably, with a 60.7% increase in hits per game and an 81.8% increase in singles per game. Although his power numbers haven’t spiked, his consistent contact makes him a reliable option. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Willson Contreras emerges as another core value player, especially considering his lower salary and steady upward trend in fantasy points.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Aaron Judge ($6900), Yankees – Projected 16.2 pts

Aaron Judge continues to be a powerhouse for fantasy lineups, especially in today’s matchup against Kyle Freeland, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game. Over his last ten games, Judge has not only maintained a robust average of 17.5 DraftKings points but also shown significant improvement from his previous ten-game stretch, with a 45.8% increase in points. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with home runs per game up by 218.2% and total bases per game increasing by 80.3%. Despite a slight decrease in walks, his overall performance makes him a valuable asset. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Judge stands out as a core value pick in today’s games.

Juan Soto ($6500), Yankees – Projected 15.5 pts

Juan Soto, another formidable choice from the Yankees, faces the same favorable pitching matchup as Judge. Soto’s recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, with a 124.3% increase in DraftKings points over his last ten games compared to the previous set. His power hitting has been particularly noteworthy, with a staggering 627.3% increase in home runs per game. Additionally, his total bases have more than doubled, showcasing a 136.1% increase. Soto’s ability to consistently get on base and score runs, evidenced by a 114.3% increase in runs per game, solidifies his status as a strong pick. With a DFS value score of 2.4, he offers core value for today’s fantasy lineups.