Strategy and Stats for 09/18/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate

As the clock strikes 2:20 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape ignites with an action-packed slate of 15 games, promising a thrilling journey for fantasy enthusiasts. Among these, a standout battle brews at Coors Field where the Arizona Diamondbacks clash with the Colorado Rockies at 3:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 11.5, this game is a goldmine for hitters and a pivotal focus for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve deeper into today’s matchups, keep an eye on the top-projected players at each position, their recent performances, and strategic picks that could make all the difference in your fantasy lineup. Stay tuned as we break down the key players and hidden gems in today’s games, ensuring your fantasy team is poised for success.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Christian Walker ($6000), Diamondbacks – Projected 12.9 pts

Christian Walker has shown a notable uptick in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 9.3 DraftKings points, a significant improvement from his previous 5.56 points. This surge is highlighted by his increased doubles and home runs per game, both showing over a 170% increase. Facing Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who ranks #249 in hits allowed per game, Walker’s matchup looks promising. Despite Arizona’s low rank in fantasy point generation, Walker’s recent form and a favorable opponent give him a 2.2 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Freddie Freeman ($4800), Dodgers – Projected 12.6 pts

Freddie Freeman, despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, still holds potential for today’s slate. Over the last ten games, his DraftKings points dropped to 6.8 from a previous 9.67, and his hits per game saw a 40% decrease. However, his walks per game have significantly increased, suggesting a disciplined approach at the plate. Facing Ryan Weathers of the Marlins, who has a high rank for hits allowed, Freeman could capitalize on this matchup. With a DraftKings salary of $4800 and a projected point total of 12.6, Freeman’s DFS value score is 2.6, making him a strong value pick for today.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Ketel Marte ($6800), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 15.7 pts

Ketel Marte’s recent performance has shown a dip compared to his earlier games, with a decrease in most statistical categories including a significant -31.9% drop in DraftKings points per game and a -32.2% in FanDuel points. Despite these declines, Marte’s matchup against Austin Gomber, who ranks #249.0 in hits allowed per game, positions him for a potential rebound. His current DraftKings salary stands at $6800 with a projected point total of 15.7, giving him a DFS value score of 2.3. This positions Marte as a core value play, where his potential for hits and runs could provide a decent return on investment in today’s games.

Brendan Rodgers ($4200), Colorado Rockies – Projected 11.1 pts

Brendan Rodgers has also seen a downturn in his recent performances, with a stark -50.4% reduction in DraftKings points per game from his previous ten-game stretch. Despite these challenges, Rodgers faces Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits, ranked #160.0. With a lower DraftKings salary of $4200 and a projected point total of 11.1, Rodgers holds a DFS value score of 2.6. This marks him as a strong value pick for today’s slate, especially for those looking to allocate budget elsewhere in their lineup while still gaining potential upside from the second base position.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($5400), Boston Red Sox – Projected 11.3 pts

Rafael Devers has shown a remarkable improvement in his performance over the last ten games, with a significant uptick in nearly every category compared to the previous ten-game stretch. His DraftKings points per game have surged by 124.9%, showcasing his potential to rack up fantasy points. Particularly impressive is his increase in runs per game, which has seen a staggering 445.5% rise. Facing Ryan Pepiot, who has a high rate of hits allowed, Devers is poised to exploit this matchup. His DFS value score stands at 2.1, categorizing him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Eugenio Suarez ($5500), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 11.1 pts

Eugenio Suarez remains a consistent performer for the Diamondbacks, maintaining a strong output in his last ten games. His ability to hit effectively is highlighted by a 60% increase in hits per game compared to his previous ten games. While his home runs and walks have seen a slight decline, his overall performance, including a stable run rate, positions him as a reliable player in today’s lineup. Facing Austin Gomber, who has been relatively generous in allowing hits, Suarez could capitalize significantly. His DFS value score is 2.0, making him another core value player worth considering for your fantasy roster.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Shortstop Analysis

Elly De La Cruz ($6000), Reds – Projected 13.8 pts

Elly De La Cruz, playing at shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, presents a mixed bag in terms of recent performance and upcoming potential. Over his last ten games, De La Cruz has seen a decline in his production, averaging 6.7 DraftKings points per game, a drop of 13.9% from his previous ten-game stretch. His hits and total bases have notably decreased, which is concerning for fantasy managers looking for consistency. However, his walk rate has increased by 59.1%, indicating a potential for higher on-base percentage. Facing a pitcher from Atlanta who ranks #436 in hits allowed per game could be an opportunity for De La Cruz to capitalize on. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a projected point total of 13.8, he holds a 2.3 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick for the upcoming slate.

Gunnar Henderson ($6500), Orioles – Projected 13.0 pts

Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles has shown significant improvement in his recent performances, making him an intriguing option at shortstop. Henderson has increased his DraftKings points per game by 26.3% in his last ten games compared to the previous set, now averaging 9.4 points. His hits, doubles, and total bases have seen substantial increases, which bodes well for his fantasy output. Despite facing a pitcher from San Francisco who ranks #582 in hits allowed per game, Henderson’s recent uptick in form could make him a valuable asset. With a DraftKings salary of $6500 and a projected point total of 13.0, he earns a 2.0 DFS value score, categorizing him as another core value player for daily fantasy sports enthusiasts.

Catcher Deep Dive: Fantasy Insights

Will Smith ($4600), Dodgers – Projected 11.6 pts

Will Smith of the Dodgers has been a consistent performer in recent games, averaging 5.6 DraftKings points over his last 10 outings. Despite a slight dip in performance compared to his previous 10 games, where he averaged 6.56 points, Smith shows promise against Ryan Weathers of the Marlins, who has been generous in allowing hits. With a 2.5 DFS value score, Smith stands out as a strong value pick. His recent uptick in total bases and doubles suggests potential for significant fantasy contributions in the upcoming slate.

Adley Rutschman ($5300), Orioles – Projected 11.4 pts

Adley Rutschman, the Orioles’ catcher, has shown modest improvement in his fantasy output, moving from 4.33 to 4.7 DraftKings points per game over his last 10 games. Facing an unspecified pitcher from the Giants, Rutschman’s matchup looks favorable given the opponent’s higher rank in hits allowed per game. However, his 2.2 DFS value score categorizes him as a core value, primarily due to a decrease in runs and singles, which could limit his ceiling. Fantasy managers should weigh his recent improvements in FanDuel points and total bases against these factors when considering his inclusion in their lineups.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Randal Grichuk ($4400), Diamondbacks – Projected 14.1 pts

Randal Grichuk has been on a notable upswing, delivering an impressive 3.2 DFS value score, positioning him as an elite option for today’s games. Over his last ten games, Grichuk has averaged 9.3 DraftKings points, a significant increase from his previous set of games where he averaged 6.11 points. This surge is highlighted by a 60.7% increase in hits per game and an 81.8% increase in both doubles and home runs per game. Facing Austin Gomber of the Rockies, who has a high rate of hits allowed, Grichuk’s recent performance and favorable matchup make him a top pick in today’s DFS outfielder roster.

Mookie Betts ($6000), Dodgers – Projected 13.8 pts

Despite a recent dip in performance, Mookie Betts still holds a 2.3 DFS value score, making him a core player in today’s lineup. In his last ten games, Betts has seen a decrease in production across several metrics, including a 34.6% drop in DraftKings points per game compared to his previous ten games. However, his consistent ability to contribute in multiple categories, such as triples and home runs, keeps him relevant. Betts is set to face Ryan Weathers of the Marlins, who ranks low in terms of hits allowed per game, providing Betts a chance to potentially rebound and justify his premium salary.