Strategy and Stats for 08/31/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 1:05 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with an action-packed slate of 15 games, promising a thrilling journey for fantasy enthusiasts. Among the highlights, all eyes are set on the Baltimore Orioles as they gear up to face the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, with the first pitch at 8:10 PM EST. This particular matchup, with an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.5, is anticipated to be a goldmine for hitters, making it a critical focal point for daily fantasy players. As we delve into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose statistical prowess could make or break your fantasy lineup. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to dominate your daily fantasy sports contests.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Pete Alonso ($5300), Mets – Projected 14.4 pts

Pete Alonso has been a consistent performer for the Mets, and his recent stats show a slight dip in production with a DraftKings points average of 6.6 over the last 10 games, down from 7.22 in the previous set. Despite this, Alonso’s matchup against Davis Martin, who ranks #358 in hits allowed per game, positions him well for potential success. His ability to maintain a steady hit rate and slightly improved singles game adds to his appeal. With a DFS Value Score of 2.7, Alonso stands out as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Freddie Freeman ($5300), Dodgers – Projected 13.2 pts

Freddie Freeman, another stalwart at first base, has seen a more significant reduction in his fantasy output, averaging 5.5 DraftKings points in his latest stretch, a sharp decline from 7.78 points in the earlier games. Facing Merrill Kelly, who has a high rank of #486 for hits allowed per game, Freeman might find opportunities to bounce back. However, his recent performance metrics, including a notable drop in doubles and total bases, suggest caution. With a DFS Value Score of 2.5, Freeman is a strong value play but may carry some risk given his current form.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Standouts

Marcus Semien ($5200), Texas Rangers – Projected 12.1 pts

Marcus Semien’s recent performance shows a slight dip in productivity, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 5.89 to 5.1 over the last ten games. Despite this, his matchup against Oakland, a team that allows a high number of hits per game, positions him favorably for potential scoring opportunities. His increase in walks per game suggests a growing patience at the plate, which could translate into scoring runs. With a DFS Value Score of 2.3, Semien holds core value in today’s slate, especially considering his ability to capitalize against a weaker pitching staff.

Jose Altuve ($5300), Houston Astros – Projected 11.4 pts

Jose Altuve remains a consistent performer for Houston, slightly improving his DraftKings points per game in the last ten outings to 9.8. Facing Cole Ragans of Kansas City, who has a higher rate of hits allowed, Altuve’s potential for hits and runs could see an uptick. Although there’s a slight reduction in his hits and runs per game, his ability to double and maintain a steady home run rate provides a solid foundation for fantasy points. Altuve’s DFS Value Score of 2.2 categorizes him as a core value player today, making him a reliable option at second base.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Mark Vientos ($4700), Mets – Projected 13.5 pts

Mark Vientos of the New York Mets shows a promising uptick in daily fantasy points, making him a noteworthy consideration for today’s games. Over the last ten games, Vientos has averaged 8.3 DraftKings points per game, a slight dip from his previous average of 9.78. Despite this, his singles have significantly increased by 112.1%, indicating improved contact at the plate. Facing Davis Martin, who ranks #358 in hits allowed per game, Vientos is poised to exploit this matchup. His DFS value score stands at 2.9, categorizing him as a strong value pick at third base.

Royce Lewis ($5200), Twins – Projected 12.7 pts

Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins, however, presents a more challenging scenario. His recent performance shows a significant decline, with his DraftKings points per game falling to 3.6 from 6.56. This -45.1% drop is concerning, especially with decreases across most statistical categories including a -100.0% in home runs and walks. His total bases have also decreased by -51.4%, reflecting his struggle to generate significant offense. With a DFS value score of 2.4, Lewis is seen as a core value play, which might require cautious optimism when considering him for your lineup.

Analyzing Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Gunnar Henderson ($6900), Orioles – Projected 16.7 pts

Gunnar Henderson, playing shortstop for the Orioles, presents a mixed bag in terms of recent performance and potential upside in today’s game. Over his last 10 games, Henderson has seen a significant drop in production, averaging only 3.8 DraftKings points compared to 11.11 in the previous set of 10 games, marking a -65.8% change. His hitting metrics have similarly declined, with hits per game falling by -62.4% and home runs per game dropping to zero from 0.44. Despite these struggles, his matchup against Ryan Feltner, who ranks #191 in hits allowed per game, could offer some reprieve. With a DraftKings salary of $6900 and a projected point total of 16.7, Henderson’s DFS value score stands at 2.4, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Francisco Lindor ($5800), Mets – Projected 14.9 pts

Francisco Lindor of the Mets shows a promising outlook for today’s DFS contests. Over his recent stretch of games, Lindor has averaged 12.1 DraftKings points, an improvement of 14.6% over his previous 10 games. His ability to generate extra-base hits has been particularly impressive, with doubles per game increasing by 172.7% and home runs per game up by 81.8%. Facing Davis Martin, who has a high rank of #358 for hits allowed per game, Lindor’s prospects look even brighter. With a more affordable DraftKings salary of $5800 and a projected point total of 14.9, his DFS value score is 2.6, making him a strong value pick for today’s games.

Top Catcher Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Adley Rutschman ($5900), Orioles – Projected 15.3 pts

Adley Rutschman has been a consistent performer for the Orioles, and his recent stats show a promising outlook for today’s game. Over the last ten games, Rutschman has averaged 3.2 DraftKings points per game, a slight dip from his previous average of 4.67 points. Despite this decrease, his ability to maintain a solid on-base percentage, highlighted by a significant increase in walks per game (up 263.6%), positions him as a valuable pick. Facing Ryan Feltner, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Rutschman’s matchup is favorable, and his DFS value score of 2.6 indicates strong potential for today’s slate.

Willson Contreras ($6400), Cardinals – Projected 13.1 pts

Willson Contreras of the Cardinals shows a robust performance with an average of 6.3 DraftKings points in his last ten games, although this represents a 23.4% decrease from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to hit consistently is evident from his improved hits per game, up 12.4%. However, a notable drop in home runs and total bases could concern some fantasy players. Contreras is set to face an unspecified pitcher from the Yankees, a team that’s middle-of-the-pack in terms of hits allowed per game. With a DFS value score of 2.0, Contreras is a core value pick, offering steady, if not spectacular, potential for today’s game.

Analyzing Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB DFS Slate

Juan Soto ($9600), Yankees – Projected 16.0 pts

Juan Soto, despite his high DraftKings salary, has shown a dip in his performance over the last ten games, averaging only 8.9 points compared to 13.78 in the previous set. This decline is reflected across multiple metrics, including a significant -35.4% drop in DraftKings points and a -55.0% decrease in walks per game. Facing Kyle Gibson, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, might seem an opportunity, but Soto’s recent form and a DFS value score of 1.7 suggest caution. His current form does not justify the premium salary in today’s DFS contests.

Colton Cowser ($5600), Orioles – Projected 15.1 pts

Colton Cowser presents a more intriguing value at a significantly lower salary. Over his last ten games, Cowser has shown substantial improvement, with an 8.7 average on DraftKings points, up 37.4% from his earlier performances. Notably, his total bases per game have increased by 45.8%, and his walks per game have nearly doubled. Facing Ryan Feltner, who has a high rate of hits allowed, Cowser’s matchup is favorable, and his DFS value score of 2.7 indicates a strong potential for return on investment in today’s slate.