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Optimal Lineup
Updated Throughout the Day
Optimal lineups are generated to demonstrate groups of players that work well together. This should be used only as a thought-starter for your lineups. This lineup may not conform to exact requirements of DraftKings (ie. players from one team), and may cross over multiple slates. For more detailed and customizable lineup generation, please use the MLB FanDuel Optimizer.
| P | Justin Verlander |
| C/1B | John Hicks |
| 2B | Whit Merrifield |
| SS | José Reyes |
| 3B | Jake Lamb |
| OF One | Albert Almora Jr. |
| OF Two | Hunter Renfroe |
| OF Three | Nicholas Castellanos |
| Util | Paul Goldschmidt |
| Salary | $33,700 |
| Expected Points | 136.86 |
Player expected costs and values are calculated every thirty minutes throughout the day.
Pitchers
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $11,700 | 48.56 | 4.15 |
| Tyler Skaggs | MIL | $9,300 | 36.61 | 3.94 |
| Mike Clevinger | LAA | $9,800 | 35.32 | 3.60 |
| Mike Foltynewicz | NYM | $8,700 | 34.53 | 3.97 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jameson Taillon | LAD | $7,800 | 33.16 | 4.25 |
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $11,700 | 48.56 | 4.15 |
| Tyler Mahle | PHI | $6,800 | 27.53 | 4.05 |
| Mike Foltynewicz | NYM | $8,700 | 34.53 | 3.97 |
Catcher/First Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Olson | SEA | $3,400 | 12.92 | 3.80 |
| Freddie Freeman | NYM | $4,700 | 12.82 | 2.73 |
| Joey Votto | PHI | $4,300 | 12.72 | 2.96 |
| Anthony Rizzo | ATL | $3,600 | 11.76 | 3.27 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Hicks | CHW | $2,100 | 9.46 | 4.50 |
| John Hicks | CHW | $2,100 | 9.46 | 4.50 |
| Victor Martinez | CHW | $2,100 | 8.92 | 4.25 |
| Dominic Smith | CIN | $2,300 | 9.74 | 4.23 |
Second Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Altuve | PIT | $4,600 | 12.10 | 2.63 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $2,800 | 11.69 | 4.17 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $2,800 | 11.69 | 4.17 |
| Ian Kinsler | MIL | $2,900 | 11.08 | 3.82 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greg Garcia | WSH | $2,000 | 8.63 | 4.32 |
| Greg Garcia | WSH | $2,000 | 8.63 | 4.32 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $2,800 | 11.69 | 4.17 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $2,800 | 11.69 | 4.17 |
Short Stop
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Francisco Lindor | LAA | $5,000 | 13.68 | 2.74 |
| Manny Machado | BAL | $4,200 | 12.19 | 2.90 |
| Didi Gregorius | DET | $3,800 | 12.06 | 3.17 |
| Elvis Andrus | TOR | $3,200 | 11.91 | 3.72 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Reyes | CIN | $2,000 | 8.80 | 4.40 |
| José Reyes | CIN | $2,000 | 8.80 | 4.40 |
| JT Riddle | ARZ | $2,000 | 8.27 | 4.14 |
| Elvis Andrus | TOR | $3,200 | 11.91 | 3.72 |
Third Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Ramírez | LAA | $5,200 | 12.44 | 0.00 |
| Alex Bregman | PIT | $4,200 | 12.13 | 2.89 |
| Anthony Rendon | CHC | $3,800 | 12.07 | 3.18 |
| Christian Villanueva | SD | $2,900 | 11.37 | 3.92 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Beckham | BAL | $2,000 | 8.55 | 4.27 |
| Christian Villanueva | SD | $2,900 | 11.37 | 3.92 |
| Colin Moran | PIT | $2,500 | 9.05 | 3.62 |
| Kyle Seager | TEX | $2,900 | 10.41 | 3.59 |
Outfield
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Trout | MIL | $5,200 | 14.84 | 2.85 |
| Aaron Judge | DET | $4,500 | 13.37 | 2.97 |
| Nelson Cruz | TEX | $3,900 | 13.36 | 3.43 |
| Rhys Hoskins | HOU | $4,000 | 12.90 | 3.22 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Almora Jr. | ATL | $2,000 | 9.57 | 4.79 |
| Hunter Renfroe | SD | $2,500 | 11.48 | 4.59 |
| Nick Williams | HOU | $2,300 | 10.05 | 4.37 |
| Wil Myers | SD | $2,700 | 11.80 | 4.37 |
Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Picks are updated regularly, but we advise that you keep up to date on late-day roster moves and injuries – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk. Sample lineups are provided as thought-starters, and are not intended for direct use.