Strategy and Stats for 09/26/24 MLB Daily Fantasy Slate

As the clock strikes 12:35 PM EST today, the Major League Baseball universe gears up for an exhilarating slate of 10 games, promising fantasy managers a plethora of strategic decisions. Highlighting today’s action, the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Colorado Rockies in a much-anticipated clash at Coors Field, starting at 3:10 PM EST. With an Over/Under set at a whopping 10.5, this game is expected to be a treasure trove of fantasy points, making it a critical focal point for any lineup. Whether you’re banking on the high-altitude advantage for hitters or speculating on a pitcher defying the odds, today’s matchups provide a rich tapestry of opportunities. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into each game, dissecting top player projections and uncovering hidden gems that could turn the tide in your fantasy league.

Top First Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Paul Goldschmidt ($5200), Cardinals – Projected 13.0 pts

Paul Goldschmidt’s recent performance shows a notable uptick in fantasy points, averaging 5.4 on DraftKings over his last ten games, a 28.0% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. Despite a slight dip in hits and total bases, his walks and runs have seen significant improvements, which could be crucial for today’s matchup against Kyle Freeland. Freeland’s tendency to allow hits could play into Goldschmidt’s favor, especially considering his solid on-base skills recently. With a 2.5 DFS value score, Goldschmidt stands out as a strong value pick at first base today.

Michael Toglia ($5300), Rockies – Projected 12.2 pts

Michael Toglia, though experiencing a decrease in his DraftKings points per game by 37.0% in his last ten games compared to the ten before that, still holds potential against Kyle Gibson of the STL. Gibson’s higher rank for hits allowed per game might give Toglia some opportunities to improve his recent slump in hits and home runs. However, his consistent walk rate and slight improvement in doubles could be key factors in his performance today. Toglia’s DFS value score of 2.3 categorizes him as a core value, making him a viable option for today’s fantasy lineups, albeit with a bit more risk than Goldschmidt.

Daily Fantasy Sports: Second Base Spotlight

Brice Turang ($4200), Brewers – Projected 10.6 pts

Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers shows a mixed bag of recent performances but holds a 2.5 DFS value score, positioning him as a strong value pick for today’s slate. Over his last ten games, Turang has seen a dip in production with an average of 3.8 DraftKings points per game, a significant decrease from his previous average of 5.78. Despite this downturn, his matchup against Mitch Keller, who ranks #198 in hits allowed per game, presents a favorable opportunity. Turang’s ability to capitalize on Keller’s vulnerability could make him a savvy, budget-friendly option in your DFS lineups.

Marcus Semien ($4700), Rangers – Projected 10.5 pts

Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers, with a DFS value score of 2.2, is another core player to consider. Semien’s recent performance has shown a decline, averaging 6.3 DraftKings points over his last ten games compared to 10.89 in the previous set. Despite the drop, Semien’s consistent ability to get on base and score runs, coupled with facing J.T. Ginn of Oakland—who ranks #144 in hits allowed per game—suggests potential for a rebound. His slightly higher salary reflects his capability to contribute significantly, making him a solid choice for those looking to invest in a potentially high-reward player.

Top Third Basemen Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Royce Lewis ($4500), Twins – Projected 13.0 pts

Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins shows a promising uptick in his recent performances, making him a noteworthy pick for today’s DFS lineup. Over the last ten games, Lewis has averaged 3.7 DraftKings points per game, a 14.9% increase from his previous ten-game stretch. His ability to get on base has improved, evidenced by a significant increase in singles and walks per game. Facing a pitcher from Miami who ranks #219 in hits allowed per game, Lewis’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score of 2.9 positions him as a strong value pick at a moderate salary of $4500.

Ryan McMahon ($5100), Rockies – Projected 12.5 pts

Ryan McMahon, playing for the Colorado Rockies, is another solid choice for DFS players, albeit with a slight dip in his recent stats. McMahon has averaged 5.3 DraftKings points per game over his last ten outings, a decrease of 14.8% compared to the games prior. Despite this, McMahon’s potential in today’s game remains considerable, especially given his ability to contribute across multiple categories like doubles and home runs. His matchup against Kyle Gibson of the STL, who ranks #261 in hits allowed per game, could provide him with opportunities to bounce back. With a DFS value score of 2.5, McMahon offers core value at a slightly higher salary of $5100.

Daily Fantasy Sports Analysis: Shortstops Spotlight

Bobby Witt Jr. ($6500), Royals – Projected 17.2 pts

Bobby Witt Jr. has been on a notable upswing in his recent performances, making him a compelling pick for today’s DFS slate. Over the last ten games, Witt Jr. has averaged 9.5 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous average of 5.0 points. This uptick is largely attributed to a substantial increase in walks and a steady hit rate against pitchers like Patrick Corbin of the Nationals, who has been generous in allowing hits. With a DraftKings salary of $6500 and a projected point total leading to a DFS value score of 2.6, Witt Jr. stands out as a strong value pick in today’s games.

Ezequiel Tovar ($5700), Rockies – Projected 12.2 pts

Ezequiel Tovar, though playing for a Rockies team that ranks low in MLB for fantasy points generation, shows potential against Kyle Gibson of the Cardinals. Tovar’s recent performance indicates a steady climb with an average of 8.0 DraftKings points in his last ten games, up from 7.44 points in the prior ten-game stretch. His hits have increased notably, which is crucial for his matchup against Gibson, who ranks #261 in hits allowed per game. With a DraftKings salary of $5700 and a DFS value score of 2.1, Tovar is a core value player who could provide solid returns for today’s fantasy lineups.

Top Catchers to Watch in Today’s DFS Slate

William Contreras ($5000), Brewers – Projected 11.9 pts

William Contreras has been on a notable upswing for the Milwaukee Brewers, making him a key player to consider in today’s fantasy lineup. Over his last ten games, Contreras has averaged 10.6 DraftKings points per game, a significant improvement from his previous set of ten games where he averaged only 6.0 points. This 76.7% increase in performance is particularly impressive, considering his consistent hitting with an average of 1.2 hits per game recently. Facing Mitch Keller, who ranks #198 in hits allowed per game, Contreras’s matchup looks favorable. His DFS value score stands at 2.4, positioning him as a core value pick for today’s games.

Willson Contreras ($4900), Cardinals – Projected 11.9 pts

In contrast, Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals presents a more challenging scenario. His recent performance shows a decline, with an average of 6.3 DraftKings points in his last ten games, down 23.4% from the previous ten-game stretch. Despite facing Kyle Freeland, who has a higher rate of hits allowed per game, Willson’s recent downturn, including a significant drop in home runs and total bases, casts some doubts on his potential impact. However, his DFS value score also sits at 2.4, categorizing him as a core value player, which might appeal to those looking for a potentially undervalued player who could bounce back.

Top Outfielder Picks for Today’s DFS Slate

Byron Buxton ($5000), Twins – Projected 15.3 pts

Byron Buxton’s recent performance has been a mixed bag, but his potential for today’s game looks promising. Over the last ten games, Buxton has seen a slight dip in his DraftKings points per game, dropping from 9.89 to 7.8, a decrease of 21.1%. However, his singles game has seen a massive increase, jumping by 718.2%. Despite a significant drop in home runs and total bases, Buxton’s matchup against None of the MIA, who rank #219 in hits allowed per game, positions him well for a rebound. With a 3.1 DFS value score, Buxton stands out as an elite value pick in today’s DFS contests.

Tommy Pham ($3700), Royals – Projected 14.0 pts

Tommy Pham’s recent stats might raise some eyebrows, with a stark 66.0% drop in DraftKings points per game over the last ten games compared to the previous ten. His hits, doubles, and walks have all seen significant declines, which is concerning. However, facing Patrick Corbin of the WAS, who allows 10.74 hits per game, might be the silver lining Pham needs to turn things around. Despite the recent downturn, Pham’s DFS value score of 3.8 indicates he is still considered an elite value, making him a potentially savvy pick for those looking to capitalize on a favorable matchup.