Strategy and Stats for 09/20/24 Daily Fantasy MLB Slate: Optimize Your Lineup

As the clocks strike 2:20 PM EST today, the MLB fantasy landscape buzzes with anticipation for an action-packed slate featuring 15 gripping games. Fantasy enthusiasts will have their eyes glued to the stats as top-tier talent takes the field, but all eyes will be on the late-night clash at Dodger Stadium, where the Colorado Rockies face off against the Los Angeles Dodgers at 10:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 9.5, expect fireworks in this high-stakes hitting showcase. This game not only promises to be a fantasy goldmine but also sets the stage for today’s deep dive into player performances, strategic picks, and potential sleepers across all positions. Stay tuned as we break down the essentials to sculpt your ultimate fantasy lineup.

Top 1B Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Matt Olson ($5200), Braves – Projected 13.0 pts

Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves has been a powerhouse in recent games, showcasing a significant uptick in his performance metrics. Over the last ten games, Olson has averaged 13.6 DraftKings points per game, a sharp increase from the 8.0 points in the previous set of ten games. His ability to consistently hit, evidenced by an average of 1.5 hits per game recently, up from 0.89, makes him a formidable choice for today’s lineup. Notably, his performance against pitchers like the one he faces today from Miami, who has a high rate of hits allowed, positions Olson as a strong candidate for DFS success. With a DFS Value Score of 2.5, Olson stands out as a strong value pick at first base.

Christian Walker ($5500), Diamondbacks – Projected 11.9 pts

Christian Walker of the Arizona Diamondbacks also presents a compelling case for inclusion in today’s DFS teams. Walker has shown remarkable improvement, with his recent average of 10.0 DraftKings points per game far exceeding the 4.78 points from his earlier performances. His hitting has been particularly impressive, with a 150% increase in hits per game in the last ten games compared to the previous ten. Facing Colin Rea of the Brewers, who is known for allowing a significant number of hits, Walker could exploit this matchup to rack up points. Despite this, his DFS Value Score is 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick, especially given his higher salary and slightly lower projected points compared to Olson.

Top Second Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Jose Altuve ($5200), Astros – Projected 12.9 pts

Jose Altuve continues to be a pivotal player for daily fantasy sports, especially considering his recent performance uptick. Over his last ten games, Altuve has averaged 9.7 DraftKings points per game, a significant increase from the 7.0 in the previous set of ten games. This 38.6% increase in fantasy output is mirrored across multiple categories, with notable improvements in hits per game (40.0%) and total bases per game (72.1%). Facing Tyler Anderson, who ranks poorly in hits allowed, Altuve’s matchup is favorable, making his 2.5 DFS value score and $5200 salary appear quite attractive for today’s games.

Ozzie Albies ($4600), Braves – Projected 12.4 pts

Ozzie Albies, on the other hand, presents a more nuanced choice for DFS players today. His recent performance shows a significant dip, with his DraftKings points per game falling from 8.0 to 4.1 over the last ten games, a decrease of 48.8%. This downturn is evident across most statistical categories, including a sharp -54.9% drop in hits per game and a -55.0% decrease in total bases per game. Despite these struggles, Albies is facing a pitcher from Miami with a high rate of hits allowed per game, which could offer him a chance to bounce back. His DFS value score of 2.7 and a lower salary of $4600 might still make him a viable, if slightly risky, pick for today’s slate.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Rafael Devers ($5400), Boston Red Sox – Projected 12.6 pts

Rafael Devers has shown a remarkable improvement in his performance over the last ten games, averaging 5.4 DraftKings points, a significant increase from the 2.44 points in the previous ten-game stretch. This surge in productivity is highlighted by a 354.5% increase in runs per game and a 172.7% increase in walks per game. Facing a pitcher from Minnesota who ranks #404 in hits allowed per game, Devers is poised to exploit these weaknesses. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Devers represents a core value pick for today’s games.

Jose Ramirez ($6200), Cleveland Indians – Projected 12.1 pts

Jose Ramirez remains a consistent performer for the Indians, maintaining an average of 8.3 DraftKings points over his last ten games, up from 7.33 in the prior set. His ability to secure hits has improved by 23.6%, and total bases have seen a 47.5% increase, indicating his potential to rack up points. Despite facing Kyle Gibson of the STL, who has a slightly better rank at #387 for hits allowed, Ramirez’s skill set should still shine through. His DFS value score of 2.0 categorizes him as a core value for today’s lineup.

Top Shortstop Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6300), Royals – Projected 15.4 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has shown a notable uptick in his performance, making him a compelling option at shortstop for today’s games. Over his last ten games, Witt Jr. has averaged 10.6 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of games where he averaged 7.89 points. This 34.3% increase is bolstered by his consistent hitting, with an average of 1.0 hits per game recently, up from 0.78. Notably, his doubles per game have seen a massive jump to 0.4 from 0.11. His DraftKings salary stands at $6300 with a projected point total of 15.4, resulting in a DFS value score of 2.4. Facing a pitcher from SF who ranks #96 in hits allowed per game, Witt Jr.’s potential for high fantasy points today is significant.

Elly De La Cruz ($6000), Reds – Projected 14.8 pts

Elly De La Cruz, despite a slight dip in some metrics, remains a strong contender in today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, De La Cruz has managed an average of 8.3 DraftKings points, slightly under his previous average of 8.33 points. His performance includes an average of 0.9 hits per game, with a notable increase in singles per game to 0.6 from 0.44. However, his doubles and total bases have seen declines, which could be a concern. With a DraftKings salary of $6000 and a projected point total of 14.8, De La Cruz achieves a DFS value score of 2.5. Facing Mitch Keller of the PIT, who ranks #323 for hits allowed per game, De La Cruz has a favorable matchup that could see him exceed expectations.

Catcher DFS Analysis

Adley Rutschman ($5100), Orioles – Projected 11.4 pts

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles has shown a promising uptick in his performance metrics over the recent games. With a DraftKings salary set at $5100, Rutschman has averaged 5.4 daily fantasy points in his last ten games, a significant improvement from 3.78 in the previous set. This 42.9% increase is notable, especially considering his matchups. Facing a Detroit team that ranks #658 in hits allowed per game, Rutschman’s potential for scoring is elevated. His hits per game have slightly increased, and while his singles have decreased, his total bases per game have jumped impressively by 79.1%. His projected DFS value score stands at 2.2, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s slate.

Will Smith ($4800), Dodgers – Projected 11.1 pts

Will Smith, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to be a strong contender in daily fantasy sports, especially with a DraftKings salary of $4800. Over his last ten games, Smith has averaged 8.3 points per game, up 26.5% from his previous ten-game average of 6.56. His performance against Kyle Freeland of the Rockies—who allows a high number of hits per game—could be particularly advantageous. Smith has shown improvements across the board, with notable increases in doubles and home runs per game, both up by 81.8%. His total bases have increased by 50.4%, and his runs per game have seen a phenomenal rise of 172.7%. Smith’s DFS value score is 2.3, making him another core value player for today’s games.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Yordan Alvarez ($5700), Astros – Projected 15.4 pts

Yordan Alvarez, despite a recent dip in performance, remains a compelling pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over his last ten games, Alvarez has averaged 7.5 DraftKings points, a decrease of -35.7% from his previous ten-game stretch. However, his matchup against Tyler Anderson of the LAA, who has been generous in allowing hits, positions Alvarez for potential success. Anderson’s 7.68 hits allowed per game rank him #513 in the MLB, suggesting an opportunity for Alvarez to capitalize. His projected DFS value score of 2.7 indicates strong value, making him a viable option despite recent struggles.

Juan Soto ($6400), Yankees – Projected 14.6 pts

Juan Soto of the Yankees shows promising signs of an upswing in his fantasy performance. Over his latest stretch, Soto has improved, posting 8.8 DraftKings points per game, an increase of 11.5% compared to his prior ten games. Facing J.T. Ginn of the OAK, who allows 10.27 hits per game and ranks #177 in the league, Soto’s prospects look favorable. Despite a decrease in hits per game recently, his ability to draw walks and score runs has improved, enhancing his DFS value. With a DFS value score of 2.3, Soto is positioned as a core value pick for today’s games.