Strategy and Stats for 09/12/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 1:10 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with an exciting slate of 8 games, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. Among the highlights, the Miami Marlins gear up for a thrilling encounter against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, starting at 6:45 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a robust 9.0, fantasy managers should brace for a high-scoring affair, making hitters from this game particularly valuable in today’s lineups. As we delve deeper into the matchups, keep an eye on standout performers poised to dominate their positions, ensuring your fantasy team is equipped with the best of the best. Stay tuned as we break down each game, providing you with the insights needed to climb the leaderboards and secure a fantasy victory.

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

Yandy Diaz ($4800), Rays – Projected 11.1 pts

Yandy Diaz has shown a significant uptick in his performance over the last ten games, making him a noteworthy option for today’s fantasy lineup. With an average of 10.1 DraftKings points per game recently, Diaz’s output has surged by 65.3% compared to his previous ten-game stretch. Particularly impressive are his home run and walk rates, which have seen increases of 172.7% and 127.3%, respectively. Facing Gavin Williams, who ranks #210 in hits allowed per game, Diaz’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.3, positioning him as a core value pick at a DraftKings salary of $4800.

Paul Goldschmidt ($4000), Cardinals – Projected 11.1 pts

Paul Goldschmidt, priced at a modest $4000 on DraftKings, presents strong fantasy potential against Jakob Junis of the CIN, who is notably lenient with hits. Over his last ten games, Goldschmidt has averaged 8.2 points on DraftKings, a 10.2% increase from his prior performance window. His doubles rate has notably jumped by 218.2%, and his total bases have improved by 34.8%. These enhancements in his game translate to a DFS value score of 2.8, categorizing him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Top Second Basemen Picks

Jose Altuve ($5400), Astros – Projected 13.9 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a pivotal player for fantasy lineups, especially considering his recent performance metrics. Over the last ten games, Altuve has maintained a solid average of 9.5 DraftKings points per game, slightly down by 2.9% from his previous ten-game stretch. However, his hits per game have seen a significant increase, up by 57.3%. This uptick is crucial as Altuve faces a pitcher from Oakland, a team that ranks poorly in hits allowed per game. With a DraftKings salary of $5400 and a projected point total of 13.9, Altuve’s DFS value score stands at 2.6, marking him as a strong value pick for the upcoming slate.

Gleyber Torres ($3800), Yankees – Projected 11.3 pts

Gleyber Torres, priced at a more affordable $3800 on DraftKings, presents an intriguing option for DFS players. Despite a decrease in his DraftKings points per game by 12.1% in the last ten games, Torres has shown resilience in other areas. His hits per game have increased by 23%, and his singles per game have risen by 46.1%. Facing a Boston pitching staff that is not particularly stingy with hits, Torres could capitalize and exceed expectations. His projected DFS value score is 3.0, categorizing him as an elite value pick for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Alex Bregman ($5000), Astros – Projected 11.4 pts

Alex Bregman, despite a recent dip in form, remains a solid pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last 10 games, Bregman has averaged 6.4 DraftKings points, a noticeable decline from his previous 10-game average of 12.0 points. However, his matchup against the Oakland Athletics, who rank 119th in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable opportunity for him to bounce back. Bregman’s ability to hit doubles and singles has shown resilience, and with a 2.3 DFS value score, he stands as a core value pick today. His DraftKings salary of $5000 reflects a potential for high return on investment given the weak opposing pitching he faces.

Jose Ramirez ($6300), Indians – Projected 11.1 pts

Jose Ramirez comes into today’s game with a slightly higher DraftKings salary of $6300, reflecting his consistent performance. Over the last 10 games, Ramirez has averaged 8.0 DraftKings points, a slight decrease from his previous performance but still solid. Facing Ryan Pepiot of Tampa Bay, who ranks 290th in hits allowed per game, Ramirez has a chance to exploit a weaker pitcher. Despite this, his recent performance metrics show a decline in doubles and a slight decrease in overall hits, which places his DFS value score at a 1.8. While Ramirez is a talented player, his current form and high salary suggest he might not be the best value in today’s DFS contests.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

CJ Abrams ($5800), Nationals – Projected 11.6 pts

CJ Abrams, playing shortstop for the Nationals, shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds potential in today’s game against Darren McCaughan of the Marlins. Despite Washington’s low ranking in generating fantasy points, Abrams has managed to average 5.1 points over his last ten games, a dip from his previous 8.0 average. His hitting has slightly decreased, but an uptick in home runs is notable. Facing McCaughan, who ranks #40 in hits allowed per game, could be advantageous. Abrams’ DraftKings salary is set at $5800 with a projected point tally of 11.6, giving him a 2.0 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Elly De La Cruz ($6000), Reds – Projected 11.5 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Reds presents an intriguing option at shortstop against Sonny Gray of the Cardinals. Despite a slight decline in his performance metrics over the last ten games, De La Cruz still averages a solid 8.1 DraftKings points, slightly down from 8.56. His ability to contribute across various categories, albeit less consistently in hits and runs lately, keeps him relevant. His matchup against Gray, who is not particularly stringent in hits allowed, might not fully capitalize on De La Cruz’s potential. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a projected point score of 11.5, De La Cruz earns a 1.9 DFS value score, marking him as a risky, albeit potentially rewarding, play.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Willson Contreras ($4900), Cardinals – Projected 12.2 pts

Willson Contreras has been a consistent performer for the Cardinals, and his recent stats show a mix of highs and lows. Over his last 10 games, Contreras has averaged 6.3 DraftKings points per game, a slight dip from his previous 10-game average of 8.22. However, his matchup against Jakob Junis, who ranks #303 in hits allowed per game with 7.06, positions Contreras for potential success. Notably, his singles and doubles per game have seen an uptick, increasing by 42.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Despite a drop in home runs and walks, Contreras’s ability to hit safely and score bases offers solid DFS potential, especially considering his 2.5 DFS value score.

William Contreras ($5000), Brewers – Projected 12.2 pts

William Contreras, playing for the Brewers, shows a more challenging trend in his recent performances. His DraftKings points have decreased by 37.8% in the last 10 games compared to the 10 games prior, averaging only 5.8 points recently. This decline is mirrored across several stats, including hits, total bases, and home runs, which have decreased by 30.0%, 38.2%, and 54.5%, respectively. Despite these challenges, Contreras faces a pitcher from the Giants who allows 7.44 hits per game, ranking #280 in the league. This could provide him a chance to bounce back. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, making him a core value pick for today’s games.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($5900), Astros – Projected 14.9 pts

Yordan Alvarez continues to be a beacon of consistency for the Astros, and his recent performances suggest he’s a must-have in today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last ten games, Alvarez has averaged 11.7 DraftKings points, showing a slight improvement over his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to consistently hit, including a 21.2% increase in home runs per game recently, makes him a valuable asset, especially against an Oakland pitching staff that ranks poorly in hits allowed per game. With a projected 14.9 points and a DFS value score of 2.5, Alvarez stands out as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Kyle Tucker ($5800), Astros – Projected 13.6 pts

Kyle Tucker, another Astros outfielder, presents a more nuanced choice for fantasy managers. His recent performance has seen a significant dip, with a 56.8% decrease in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. Despite this, Tucker’s matchup against Oakland’s generous pitching could be an opportunity for him to turn things around. His ability to contribute across various categories, albeit inconsistently, coupled with a DFS value score of 2.3, positions him as a core value pick who could potentially exceed expectations if he capitalizes on today’s matchup.