Strategy and Stats for 09/19/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 1:05 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy slate kicks off with an exhilarating lineup of 12 games, promising a spectacle of skill and strategy. Fantasy enthusiasts should particularly note the marquee matchup at 7:15 PM EST, where the Philadelphia Phillies clash with the New York Mets at Citi Field. With an Over/Under set at 8.5, this game is anticipated to be a treasure trove of hitting performances, making it a focal point for those looking to maximize their fantasy scores. As we delve deeper into today’s games, keep an eye on the top projected players at each position, whose statistical prowess could be the key to climbing the leaderboards in your daily fantasy contests.

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

Matt Olson ($5100), Braves – Projected 12.9 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves shows a promising uptrend in his recent performances, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Olson has elevated his game, averaging 10.4 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous average of 7.89. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with a 66.7% increase in hits per game and a staggering 218.2% rise in singles. Despite a slight decrease in home runs, his overall base-reaching ability, highlighted by a 142.4% increase in walks, positions him well against the Cincinnati Reds, who rank poorly in hits allowed. With a DraftKings salary of $5100 and a DFS value score of 2.5, Olson stands out as a strong value pick in today’s fantasy contests.

Freddie Freeman ($5000), Dodgers – Projected 12.8 pts

Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers, while experiencing a dip in his recent game stats, still holds considerable value for DFS players. Over his last ten games, Freeman’s performance has seen a decline, with his DraftKings points dropping by 20.7% to an average of 8.1. Despite this, Freeman’s consistent ability to reach base, evidenced by a 112.1% increase in walks, keeps him relevant, especially against Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins, who has a high rate of hits allowed per game. With a DraftKings salary set at $5000 and a DFS value score of 2.6, Freeman offers strong value and could be a strategic pick for those looking to capitalize on potential rebounds in his hitting metrics.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Ketel Marte ($5800), Arizona Diamondbacks – Projected 12.3 pts

Ketel Marte’s recent performance shows a dip in his fantasy output, with a decrease in DraftKings points per game from 9.11 to 6.4, a -29.7% change. Despite this, facing Tobias Myers, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Marte has a chance to capitalize. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.1, positioning him as a core value pick. His ability to turn around and leverage Myers’ weaknesses could be key for today’s game.

Jose Altuve ($4900), Houston Astros – Projected 12.2 pts

Jose Altuve presents a compelling case for inclusion in DFS lineups, showing significant improvement in his recent games. With a DraftKings points increase of 38.6% and hitting stats up across the board, Altuve’s matchup against Jose Suarez could be highly advantageous. His DFS value score of 2.5 marks him as a strong value play. Altuve’s consistent performance and favorable opposition make him a top pick at second base.

Top 3B Picks for Today’s MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

Rafael Devers ($5700), Boston Red Sox – Projected 12.8 pts

Rafael Devers has shown a remarkable improvement in his recent performances, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last ten games, Devers averaged 5.4 DraftKings points, a significant leap from 1.56 in the previous ten-game stretch. This 246.2% increase in fantasy scoring is backed by a steady rise in hits, walks, and runs. Facing Zack Littell, who ranks #172 in hits allowed per game, Devers could exploit this matchup, especially given Littell’s 9.71 hits allowed per game. With a DraftKings salary of $5700 and a projected point total of 12.8, Devers offers a 2.2 DFS value score, positioning him as a core value pick in today’s games.

Max Muncy ($4500), Los Angeles Dodgers – Projected 11.8 pts

Max Muncy emerges as a strong contender in the daily fantasy sports arena, especially considering his recent surge in performance. Muncy’s last ten games have seen him average 10.9 DraftKings points, a substantial improvement over the 3.56 points from his previous set of ten games. His ability to secure hits, home runs, and total bases has notably increased, as evidenced by a 292.9% increase in total bases per game. Facing Edward Cabrera, who has a higher ranking of #427 in hits allowed per game, Muncy’s potential to exploit weaker pitching is high. With a lower DraftKings salary of $4500 and a projected point total of 11.8, Muncy is tagged with a 2.6 DFS value score, making him a strong value pick for today’s slate.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Gunnar Henderson ($6300), Orioles – Projected 12.0 pts

Gunnar Henderson has been a steady performer for the Orioles, averaging 8.3 DraftKings points over his last ten games. Despite Baltimore’s low rank in fantasy point generation, Henderson’s matchup against Logan Webb, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions him for potential success. However, his recent performance shows a slight decline in productivity compared to the previous ten games, with a significant drop in home runs per game and a slight increase in total bases. His projected DFS value score of 1.9 reflects a challenging outlook, suggesting he might not provide the best value at his current salary.

Dansby Swanson ($4300), Cubs – Projected 11.6 pts

Dansby Swanson, on the other hand, presents a more intriguing option. With an average of 8.5 DraftKings points in his recent outings and facing Patrick Corbin, who ranks poorly in hits allowed per game, Swanson could capitalize. Despite a notable decrease in performance metrics across the board compared to his previous ten games, his lower salary and decent projected point total yield a DFS value score of 2.7. This positions him as a core value pick, potentially offering solid returns for fantasy managers looking for a budget-friendly shortstop.

Catcher Insights: DFS Analysis

Travis d’Arnaud ($3900), Braves – Projected 10.3 pts

Travis d’Arnaud of the Atlanta Braves, with a DraftKings salary of $3900, offers a 2.6 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick in today’s slate. Over his last ten games, d’Arnaud has seen a dip in performance, averaging 3.8 points on DraftKings, a significant decrease from his previous 8.11 points. Despite this, his matchup against the Cincinnati pitching, which ranks #390 in hits allowed per game, suggests a potential for recovery and a higher fantasy output. His ability to capitalize on walks and maintain a steady hitting rate, especially singles, could be key in his performance today.

William Contreras ($4800), Brewers – Projected 10.2 pts

William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers, carrying a higher DraftKings salary of $4800, has a 2.1 DFS value score, marking him as a core value choice. Contreras has shown a promising uptick in his recent performances, averaging 11.1 points on DraftKings over his last ten games, up from 9.44 points in the previous set. His hitting has improved notably, with a 53.8% increase in hits per game. Facing Brandon Pfaadt of the Arizona Diamondbacks—who allows 9.29 hits per game—Contreras has a favorable matchup that could see him leveraging his recent form to rack up significant fantasy points.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($5800), Astros – Projected 13.8 pts

Yordan Alvarez, despite a recent dip in his performance metrics, remains a compelling choice in daily fantasy sports. Over his last ten games, Alvarez has averaged 7.3 DraftKings points, a noticeable decline from his previous 15.67 points per game. However, his matchup against Jose Suarez, who ranks 134th in hits allowed per game with 10.42, positions him for a potential rebound. Alvarez’s ability to capitalize on Suarez’s vulnerability could be key. His current DraftKings salary of $5800 reflects a 2.4 DFS value score, categorizing him as a core value player in today’s slate. Although his recent stats show a decrease in hits and home runs, his consistent walk rate, which has increased by 51.5%, suggests he maintains good plate discipline, an essential factor in his potential recovery.

Mookie Betts ($6200), Dodgers – Projected 13.8 pts

Mookie Betts, another high-caliber outfielder, has similarly experienced a slump in his recent performances, averaging 6.7 DraftKings points over his last ten games compared to 13.0 points in the prior ten-game stretch. Despite this, Betts faces Edward Cabrera of the Marlins, who has a high rank of 427th in hits allowed per game at 7.48. This matchup presents a favorable opportunity for Betts to improve his hitting metrics. With a DraftKings salary of $6200, Betts holds a 2.2 DFS value score, placing him as another core value option. His ability to generate runs and maintain a decent total bases per game, despite a significant drop in doubles and home runs, underscores his potential to bounce back in today’s game.