Strategy and Stats for 08/30/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is brimming with action as 16 games kick off, starting at 12:40 PM EST, promising a full day of baseball excitement. Fantasy managers should particularly note the Baltimore Orioles’ visit to Coors Field for an 8:40 PM EST clash with the Colorado Rockies. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.0, 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 dive into the player projections, keep an eye on the top picks at each position, where standout performances are expected to turn the tide in today’s contests. This comprehensive breakdown will guide you through selecting those key players who are poised to outperform and bring fantasy glory.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Pete Alonso ($5000), Mets – Projected 12.3 pts

Pete Alonso, the power-hitting first baseman for the Mets, has shown fluctuating performance in his recent games. Over the last ten games, Alonso has averaged 7.1 DraftKings points per game, a significant drop from his previous ten-game average of 10.56 points. Despite this downturn, his matchup against the White Sox, who rank #214 in hits allowed per game, positions him for a potential rebound. With a DraftKings salary of $5000 and a projected point total of 12.3, Alonso holds a 2.5 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Freddie Freeman ($5400), Dodgers – Projected 12.2 pts

Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers faces a challenging period, with a recent average of 4.8 DraftKings points per game, a stark contrast to his earlier performance of 8.11 points. Despite this, Freeman’s consistent ability to hit and his upcoming game against Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks—who ranks #435 in hits allowed per game—suggests potential for improvement. With a DraftKings salary of $5400 and a projected point total of 12.2, Freeman’s DFS value score is a 2.3, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Top Second Basemen DFS Picks

Marcus Semien ($4900), Texas Rangers – Projected 12.4 pts

Marcus Semien, the stalwart at second base for the Texas Rangers, shows a promising uptick in his DFS potential. Despite Texas’s low rank in generating fantasy points, Semien’s recent performance against pitchers like JP Sears of Oakland—who ranks poorly in hits allowed—positions him as a compelling pick. Over the last ten games, Semien has averaged 6.4 DraftKings points, a slight dip from his previous 7.44, but his consistency in getting on base and a notable increase in walks (up 127.3%) suggest resilience. His 2.5 DFS value score underscores him as a strong value pick, especially considering his reasonable $4900 salary against Sears’s vulnerability.

Brice Turang ($8200), Milwaukee Brewers – Projected 12.0 pts

Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers, although pricier at $8200, faces challenges in justifying his steep DraftKings salary. His performance has seen a notable decline, with a -41.2% drop in DraftKings points over the last ten games, averaging only 5.1 points compared to a previous 8.67. Despite facing Nick Martinez of Cincinnati, who also ranks low in hits allowed, Turang’s recent stats do not promise significant upside. His hits slightly improved, but a stark decrease in power hitting (home runs down 100%) and total bases (down 17.3%) are concerning. His DFS value score of 1.5 categorizes him as a risky play with bad value at his current salary.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Ramirez ($6500), Cleveland – Projected 12.8 pts

Jose Ramirez, playing third base for Cleveland, shows a mixed bag of recent performance metrics but holds potential against Bailey Falter of Pittsburgh. Over his last ten games, Ramirez has seen a slight downturn in his DraftKings points per game, dropping by 16.8% to 8.5 from a previous 10.22. Despite this, his matchup against Falter, who ranks #336 in hits allowed per game with an average of 8.73, positions Ramirez for possible success. His ability to maintain a consistent hit rate and an increase in walks (up 36.4%) could be key factors. With a 2.0 DFS value score, Ramirez stands as a core value pick, especially considering his potential to exploit Falter’s vulnerabilities.

Mark Vientos ($4700), New York Mets – Projected 12.6 pts

Mark Vientos of the Mets comes into the slate as an intriguing option at third base. Despite a slight decrease in his DraftKings points per game to 7.9, down 8.9% from his previous ten-game stretch, Vientos shows promising signs. His hits per game have increased significantly by 41%, and while his power metrics like home runs have dipped, his ability to get on base remains strong. Facing a pitcher from the White Sox who allows 9.73 hits per game, Vientos could capitalize on this matchup. With a 2.7 DFS value score, he offers strong value at a lower salary, making him an attractive option for DFS players looking to maximize their budget.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Gunnar Henderson ($6800), Orioles – Projected 15.3 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance, Gunnar Henderson remains a noteworthy option at shortstop for today’s DFS slate. Over his last ten games, Henderson has averaged 4.0 DraftKings points, a significant decrease from his previous 9.56 points per game. However, facing Austin Gomber, who ranks #261 in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable matchup. Henderson’s 2.2 DFS value score categorizes him as a core value play, suggesting potential for a rebound. His ability to capitalize on Gomber’s vulnerability could make him a strategic, value-driven selection for today’s contests.

Elly De La Cruz ($9800), Reds – Projected 14.0 pts

Elly De La Cruz has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, with a significant improvement in his performance metrics over the last ten games. Averaging 10.8 DraftKings points recently, up 80% from his earlier stretch, De La Cruz showcases his potential against Colin Rea of the Brewers, who has a higher rank in hits allowed per game at #426. Despite his high salary, De La Cruz’s recent stats, including a 233.3% increase in runs per game, position him as a potentially explosive player in today’s lineup. However, his 1.4 DFS value score indicates a risk given the high investment cost, making him a more speculative play.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Adley Rutschman ($5700), Orioles – Projected 14.9 pts

Adley Rutschman’s recent performance shows a slight dip in fantasy output, with his DraftKings points per game falling from 6.22 to 4.6, a decrease of 26%. Despite this, his matchup against Austin Gomber, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, positions him for potential success. Rutschman’s ability to capitalize on Gomber’s weaknesses could be key. His increased walk rate, up by 263.6%, indicates improved plate discipline, which could translate into scoring opportunities. With a 2.6 DFS value score, Rutschman stands out as a strong value pick at catcher for today’s games.

Willson Contreras ($4900), Cardinals – Projected 13.2 pts

Willson Contreras, facing Marcus Stroman, presents a solid opportunity in today’s slate. Contreras has maintained a reasonable hit rate, improving from 0.89 to 1.0 hits per game recently, which is a positive sign despite a significant drop in home runs and total bases. His ability to get on base, combined with a slight increase in singles hit by 42.9%, could play well against Stroman’s pitching style. With a 2.7 DFS value score, Contreras is positioned as a strong value option, offering stability and potential upside in today’s fantasy lineup.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Outfielder Insights

Anthony Santander ($5900), Orioles – Projected 14.2 pts

Anthony Santander of the Baltimore Orioles has shown fluctuating performance in recent games, but his upcoming matchup against Austin Gomber of the Colorado Rockies, who ranks #261 in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable scenario. Over his last ten games, Santander has averaged 6.3 DraftKings points per game, a decrease from his previous average of 9.67. Despite the recent dip, his ability to capitalize on Gomber’s vulnerabilities could be key. With a DraftKings salary of $5900 and a projected point total of 14.2, Santander holds a 2.4 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for your fantasy lineup.

Juan Soto ($6600), Yankees – Projected 13.3 pts

Juan Soto, now with the New York Yankees, faces Erick Fedde of the St. Louis Cardinals, who has a high rank of #474 for hits allowed per game. Soto’s performance has seen a significant decline in his last ten games, averaging only 7.9 DraftKings points compared to 14.0 in the previous set. His hitting metrics have also seen a downturn, which is concerning. However, Soto’s talent and potential for recovery in a favorable matchup should not be underestimated. With a DraftKings salary of $6600 and a projected point total of 13.3, Soto’s DFS value score is 2.0, making him another core value player who might just turn the tide in the upcoming game.