Strategy and Stats for 08/26/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 1:10 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with a thrilling 12-game slate, promising a day filled with pivotal plays and standout performers. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly mark their calendars for the eye-catching clash at Coors Field, where the Miami Marlins face off against the Colorado Rockies at 8:40 PM EST. Known for its hitter-friendly confines, Coors Field sets the stage for a potential scoring spree, underscored by an Over/Under of 10.5. This game not only offers a treasure trove of batting opportunities but also serves as a critical decision point for fantasy lineups, making it a centerpiece in today’s fantasy discussions. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each matchup, spotlighting top projected players who are poised to make significant impacts in their respective positions.

Top 1B Players to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Bryce Harper ($5500), Phillies – Projected 12.9 pts

Bryce Harper’s recent performance shows a slight dip compared to his previous games, with a decrease in hits, singles, and total bases. Despite this, Harper’s matchup against Ronel Blanco, who ranks #369 in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable opportunity. Harper’s DraftKings points per game have fallen by 33.8% in the last 10 games, but his ability to capitalize on Blanco’s weaknesses could be key. His DFS value score of 2.3 positions him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Jake Cronenworth ($4500), Padres – Projected 11.7 pts

Jake Cronenworth has shown significant improvement in his recent performances, with a notable increase in DraftKings points per game by 45.3%. Facing Kyle Gibson, who has a higher rank in hits allowed per game at #194, Cronenworth’s recent uptick in walks and runs positions him well to exploit this matchup. His increased on-base ability, highlighted by a 536.4% increase in walks per game, makes him a compelling play. With a DFS value score of 2.6, Cronenworth stands out as a strong value in today’s games.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Gleyber Torres ($3800), Yankees – Projected 13.4 pts

Gleyber Torres has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Torres has averaged 8.3 DraftKings points per game, a significant increase from his previous set of ten games where he averaged 5.44 points. This improvement is highlighted by a 52.6% increase in DraftKings points and a 263.6% surge in runs per game. Facing Mitchell Parker, who ranks #184 in hits allowed per game, Torres’s matchup looks favorable. With a DraftKings salary of $3800 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 3.5, Torres stands out as an elite value pick today.

Xander Bogaerts ($4000), Padres – Projected 10.8 pts

Xander Bogaerts, while slightly trailing behind his usual performance metrics, still holds considerable value in today’s DFS contests. Over his last ten games, Bogaerts has averaged 6.9 DraftKings points, slightly down by 1.4% from his previous ten-game stretch. Despite a minor dip in hits and runs, his consistency at the plate remains evident. Facing Kyle Gibson, who is ranked #194 in hits allowed per game, Bogaerts has a decent matchup. With a DraftKings salary set at $4000 and a projected point total of 10.8, his DFS value score is 2.7, making him a strong value option for today’s slate.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Manny Machado ($5200), San Diego Padres – Projected 11.9 pts

Manny Machado’s recent performance suggests a slight dip in his usual fantasy output, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 9.78 to 7.8 over the last ten games. Despite this, his matchup against Kyle Gibson, who ranks #194 in hits allowed per game, positions him for potential success. Machado’s ability to maintain a steady hit rate and an increase in home runs per game by 81.8% highlights his potential for impactful plays. His DFS value score of 2.3 categorizes him as a core value pick, making him a solid choice for today’s games, especially considering his projected points increase.

Ryan McMahon ($4800), Colorado Rockies – Projected 11.4 pts

Ryan McMahon, facing Edward Cabrera, who ranks #258 in hits allowed per game, has a chance to capitalize despite his recent struggles. Over the last ten games, McMahon has seen a significant increase in singles per game, up by 354.5%, although his overall hits and DraftKings points have slightly decreased. His current DFS value score of 2.4 places him as another core value player. McMahon’s lower salary and potential for improvement against a weaker pitcher make him an intriguing option for today’s DFS lineups.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Spotlight on Shortstops

Bobby Witt Jr. ($10000), Royals – Projected 13.3 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been a consistent performer for the Royals, averaging 12.1 DraftKings points over his last ten games. Despite a slight decrease in performance compared to his previous ten games, Witt Jr. has shown improvement in hits, singles, doubles, and walks, indicating a potential for high-scoring games. Facing Nick Sandlin, who ranks #345 in hits allowed per game, Witt Jr. could exploit this matchup. However, his high salary and a 1.3 DFS value score suggest caution. Fantasy managers should weigh his potential against the cost.

Oneil Cruz ($4900), Pirates – Projected 13.2 pts

Oneil Cruz presents an intriguing option at a significantly lower cost. Despite a downturn in his last ten games, with decreases across most statistical categories including a significant drop in hits and runs, Cruz’s matchup against Jameson Taillon could be favorable given Taillon’s #191 ranking for hits allowed per game. With a DraftKings salary of just $4900 and a projected point total close to that of Witt Jr., Cruz offers a 2.7 DFS value score, making him a potentially valuable pick for those looking to allocate budget elsewhere in their lineup.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Slate

Cal Raleigh ($4200), Seattle Mariners – Projected 9.9 pts

Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds potential in today’s matchup. Over his last ten games, Raleigh has averaged 4.6 DraftKings points, a slight decline from his previous ten-game average of 6.22 points. Despite this downturn, his matchup against Ryan Pepiot, who ranks #340 in hits allowed per game, positions Raleigh for potential success. Notably, Raleigh’s ability to maintain a consistent hit rate and slightly increase his runs per game suggests underlying stability. His projected DFS value score of 2.4 categorizes him as a core value pick, making him a viable option for today’s fantasy lineups, especially considering his moderate DraftKings salary of $4200.

Freddy Fermin ($6200), Kansas City Royals – Projected 9.6 pts

Freddy Fermin of the Kansas City Royals, despite a higher DraftKings salary of $6200, presents a challenging case for inclusion in DFS rosters. Over his last ten games, Fermin has scored an average of 6.3 DraftKings points, down from 7.44 in his prior ten games. His performance metrics show a notable decrease in singles and a significant drop in home runs, which could be concerning. However, his runs per game have impressively increased, suggesting some sporadic productivity. Facing Nick Sandlin, who also has a high rate of hits allowed, might offer Fermin some opportunities, but his overall DFS value score of 1.5 indicates a risky pick with potentially bad value at his current salary.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Aaron Judge ($6900), Yankees – Projected 15.6 pts

Aaron Judge continues to be a powerhouse in the outfield for the Yankees. Over his last ten games, Judge has averaged a robust 17.4 DraftKings points per game, a significant increase from the previous set of ten games where he averaged 13.0 points. This uptick in performance, particularly a staggering 309.1% increase in home runs per game, positions him as a formidable choice against Mitchell Parker of the Nationals. Parker, with a ranking of #184 in hits allowed per game, may struggle against Judge’s recent surge in power hitting. Despite a slight decrease in walks and singles, Judge’s ability to accumulate total bases and runs makes him a valuable asset. With a 2.3 DFS value score, Judge stands as a core value pick in today’s fantasy lineup.

Parker Meadows ($3500), Tigers – Projected 14.2 pts

Parker Meadows offers an intriguing value proposition for today’s DFS contests. Despite Detroit’s low rank in generating fantasy points, Meadows has shown resilience in his performance. His last ten games have seen a slight dip in DraftKings points per game to 9.7 from 11.78, primarily due to a decrease in hits and total bases. However, his affordability at a DraftKings salary of $3500 combined with a projected 14.2 points today makes him an attractive option. Facing Davis Martin of the White Sox, who ranks #284 in hits allowed per game, Meadows could potentially exploit this matchup to improve his stats. His DFS value score of 4.1 categorizes him as an elite value player, making him a potentially lucrative pick for those looking to maximize returns on a smaller investment.