Strategy and Stats for 09/15/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

Today’s MLB fantasy slate is brimming with excitement as we gear up for 15 games kicking off at 12:10 PM EST, promising a full day of baseball action. The spotlight shines on Coors Field where the Chicago Cubs clash with the Colorado Rockies at 3:10 PM EST in what’s expected to be a hitter’s paradise, with an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.0. Fantasy managers should keep a keen eye on this game as player stats are poised to skyrocket. This high-scoring environment sets the stage for our in-depth analysis of top projected players at each position, ensuring your lineup is both formidable and optimized for today’s challenges.

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

Freddie Freeman ($8800), Dodgers – Projected 13.1 pts

Freddie Freeman, despite a recent dip in performance, remains a critical player for the Dodgers. Over his last ten games, Freeman has averaged 4.1 DraftKings points per game, a significant drop from his previous average of 6.78. This decrease of -39.5% might raise concerns, but it’s essential to consider his matchup against Charlie Morton of the Braves, who has been generous in allowing hits. Freeman’s ability to capitalize on this could be key. However, his current DFS value score stands at 1.5, indicating a potential risk at his high salary of $8800.

Matt Olson ($8600), Braves – Projected 12.2 pts

Matt Olson of the Braves shows a somewhat similar trend, with an average of 8.0 DraftKings points in his last ten games, down from 14.56 in the ten games prior, marking a decrease of -45.1%. Despite the decline, Olson’s performance against Walker Buehler, who ranks #105 in hits allowed per game, could offer a rebound opportunity. Yet, with a DFS value score of 1.4, Olson also represents a risky play given his $8600 salary. Both players are facing pitchers with vulnerabilities, yet their recent declines and high salaries suggest caution in rostering them for today’s slate.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5200), Astros – Projected 14.6 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a beacon of consistency for the Astros, especially in the realm of daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Altuve has shown a notable improvement in his performance, with a 17.1% increase in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. His hits per game have surged by 60.0%, and his walks have more than doubled, increasing by 127.3%. Facing a pitcher from the LAA who ranks #106 in hits allowed per game, Altuve’s matchup is favorable, enhancing his appeal in today’s DFS contests. With a DraftKings salary of $5200 and a DFS Value Score of 2.8, Altuve represents strong value and is poised to be a top performer.

Ketel Marte ($6100), Diamondbacks – Projected 13.6 pts

Ketel Marte, on the other hand, has experienced a downturn in his recent performances. His last ten games have seen a significant drop in almost all statistical categories compared to the ten games prior. His DraftKings points per game have decreased by 49.8%, and his total bases per game have plummeted by 51.3%. Despite facing DL Hall of the Brewers, who has a high rank of #230 for hits allowed per game, Marte’s recent form casts doubt on his ability to capitalize fully on this matchup. With a higher DraftKings salary of $6100 and a DFS Value Score of 2.2, Marte is considered a core value pick, suggesting that while he has potential, there are risks involved given his current slump.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Royce Lewis ($5100), Twins – Projected 13.2 pts

Royce Lewis, despite a recent dip in performance, shows a promising 2.6 DFS value score today. Over the last ten games, Lewis has averaged 2.5 DraftKings points, a significant drop from his previous 6.22 points per game. This decline is mirrored in most statistical categories, including a stark 100% decrease in home runs and runs scored. However, facing None of the CIN, who has a high rate of 6.46 hits allowed per game, might provide Lewis an opportunity to bounce back and offer strong value for fantasy managers looking for a potentially underpriced asset.

Isaac Paredes ($7200), Cubs – Projected 12.0 pts

Isaac Paredes comes into today’s game with a 1.7 DFS value score, reflecting a less favorable outlook. His performance has seen a 24.6% decrease in DraftKings points per game over his last ten outings compared to the ten before that. Despite this, Paredes has improved his hitting slightly, with a 10% increase in hits per game recently. Facing Cal Quantrill of the Rockies, who allows 9.07 hits per game, might not be enough to justify his high $7200 salary, considering his current downward trend in several key areas like home runs and runs scored.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Gunnar Henderson ($6400), Orioles – Projected 14.1 pts

As we dive into today’s DFS potential, Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles stands out with a 2.2 DFS value score. Over his last ten games, Henderson has been on a tear, averaging 13.2 DraftKings points, a substantial increase from his previous set of games where he averaged just 3.78 points. This 249.2% increase in performance is eye-catching. His total bases per game have skyrocketed by 435.7%, and his runs per game have improved by 354.5%, making him a potent option for today’s lineup, especially considering his matchup against the Tigers, who rank poorly in hits allowed per game.

Elly De La Cruz ($6100), Reds – Projected 13.5 pts

Elly De La Cruz of the Reds, with a DFS value score of 2.2, also presents a compelling choice at shortstop. De La Cruz’s recent performance shows a modest improvement, with a 12.2% increase in DraftKings points per game over his last ten outings compared to the previous ten. While his hits and singles have seen a decline, his walks have increased by 36.4%, indicating a growing patience at the plate that could translate into scoring opportunities. Facing the Twins, who are not particularly stringent in hits allowed, De La Cruz could capitalize and exceed expectations.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

Tyler Stephenson ($3900), Reds – Projected 10.8 pts

Tyler Stephenson has been navigating through a rough patch recently, with a significant drop in his performance metrics. Over the last ten games, his DraftKings points per game plummeted to 3.2 from a previous high of 10.22, marking a -68.7% change. His hitting also took a downturn, with hits per game decreasing by -54.9%. Despite these struggles, Stephenson’s upcoming matchup against None of the MIN, who ranks #389 in hits allowed per game, might offer him a chance to bounce back. His DFS value score stands at 2.8, positioning him as a strong value pick for today’s games.

Keibert Ruiz ($4300), Nationals – Projected 10.1 pts

Keibert Ruiz, on the other hand, has shown impressive improvements in his recent performances. His DraftKings points have surged to 9.9 per game from 3.89, an increase of 154.5%. His ability to hit doubles has notably improved, with a 218.2% increase, and his total bases per game have more than tripled, rising by 207.7%. Facing Adam Oller of the MIA, who is not among the toughest pitchers in terms of hits allowed, Ruiz could be a pivotal player in today’s DFS contests. His DFS value score is 2.3, making him a core value player worth considering for your lineup.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($6100), Astros – Projected 17.8 pts

Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros comes into today’s game as a pivotal player in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Alvarez has averaged 10.4 DraftKings points, a slight dip from his previous ten-game average of 12.89 points. Despite this decrease, his performance against the LAA, who rank 106th in hits allowed per game, positions him as a valuable asset. Alvarez’s projected DFS value score stands at 2.9, marking him as a strong value pick. His ability to capitalize on the LAA’s pitching vulnerabilities could make him a top performer in today’s fantasy lineup.

Kyle Tucker ($5800), Astros – Projected 16.2 pts

Kyle Tucker also of the Astros, presents a compelling choice for DFS players today. Tucker has shown a positive trend in his recent performances, with an 8.4 average in DraftKings points over his last ten games, improving from 7.56 in the prior ten-game stretch. His hitting has notably improved, with a significant increase in singles per game. Facing the same LAA pitching staff as Alvarez, Tucker’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score is 2.8, categorizing him as a core value player. Tucker’s recent uptick in performance and lower salary compared to Alvarez might offer a slightly more budget-friendly option without sacrificing much potential upside.