For full value reports and bulk linuep optimzers, check out FantasyPlus from Sports from the Basement.
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 DraftKings Optimizer.
| P One | Marco Gonzales |
| P Two | Justin Verlander |
| C | John Hicks |
| 1B | Paul Goldschmidt |
| 2B | Cory Spangenberg |
| SS | Nick Ahmed |
| 3B | Cory Spangenberg |
| OF One | Steven Souza Jr. |
| OF Two | Adam Jones |
| OF Three | Travis Jankowski |
| Salary | $50,000 |
| Expected Points | 111.69 |
Player expected costs and values are calculated every thirty minutes throughout the day.
Pitchers
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $13,400 | 27.95 | 2.09 |
| Johnny Cueto | SF | $11,800 | 15.73 | 1.33 |
| Marco Gonzales | TEX | $7,300 | 14.21 | 1.95 |
| Matthew Boyd | CHW | $7,800 | 13.14 | 1.68 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $13,400 | 27.95 | 2.09 |
| Andrew Cashner | TOR | $4,600 | 9.27 | 2.01 |
| Marco Gonzales | TEX | $7,300 | 14.21 | 1.95 |
| Yovani Gallardo | CLE | $5,500 | 9.45 | 1.72 |
Catcher
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J.T. Realmuto | ARZ | $4,700 | 8.49 | 1.81 |
| Evan Gattis | PIT | $4,100 | 7.92 | 1.93 |
| John Hicks | CHW | $3,300 | 7.43 | 2.25 |
| Yadier Molina | WSH | $4,000 | 7.18 | 1.80 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John Hicks | CHW | $3,300 | 7.43 | 2.25 |
| Austin Hedges | SD | $2,800 | 6.18 | 2.21 |
| Caleb Joseph | BAL | $2,700 | 5.57 | 2.06 |
| Pedro Severino | CHC | $2,600 | 5.30 | 2.04 |
First Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freddie Freeman | NYM | $5,300 | 9.48 | 1.79 |
| Jesús Aguilar | CLE | $5,100 | 9.22 | 1.81 |
| Eric Hosmer | NYY | $3,800 | 9.18 | 2.42 |
| Ryan Braun | CLE | $4,400 | 8.84 | 2.01 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Hosmer | NYY | $3,800 | 9.18 | 2.42 |
| Justin Bour | ARZ | $3,500 | 8.23 | 2.35 |
| Chris Davis | BAL | $3,000 | 6.78 | 2.26 |
| John Hicks | CHW | $3,300 | 7.43 | 2.25 |
Second Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Altuve | PIT | $5,200 | 9.77 | 1.88 |
| Brian Dozier | OAK | $4,200 | 9.09 | 2.16 |
| Ozzie Albies | NYM | $5,500 | 8.78 | 1.60 |
| Yoán Moncada | MIN | $3,800 | 8.49 | 2.23 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Spangenberg | SD | $3,400 | 8.34 | 2.45 |
| Carlos Asuaje | SD | $2,900 | 6.75 | 2.33 |
| Hernán Pérez | CLE | $3,300 | 7.63 | 2.31 |
| Jonathan Villar | CLE | $3,400 | 7.81 | 2.30 |
Short Stop
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trea Turner | CHC | $4,600 | 10.23 | 2.22 |
| Manny Machado | BAL | $5,300 | 10.06 | 1.90 |
| Elvis Andrus | TOR | $3,800 | 8.93 | 2.35 |
| Eduardo Escobar | OAK | $4,400 | 8.71 | 1.98 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jorge Polanco | OAK | $3,000 | 7.24 | 2.41 |
| Elvis Andrus | TOR | $3,800 | 8.93 | 2.35 |
| Freddy Galvis | SD | $2,900 | 6.49 | 2.24 |
| Trea Turner | CHC | $4,600 | 10.23 | 2.22 |
Third Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Bregman | PIT | $5,500 | 10.12 | 1.84 |
| Anthony Rendon | CHC | $4,800 | 9.56 | 1.99 |
| Eduardo Escobar | OAK | $4,400 | 8.71 | 1.98 |
| Cory Spangenberg | SD | $3,400 | 8.34 | 2.45 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cory Spangenberg | SD | $3,400 | 8.34 | 2.45 |
| Tim Beckham | BAL | $3,200 | 7.84 | 2.45 |
| Jorge Polanco | OAK | $3,000 | 7.24 | 2.41 |
| Martín Prado | ARZ | $2,800 | 6.23 | 2.23 |
Outfield
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Trout | MIL | $6,000 | 11.03 | 1.84 |
| Eddie Rosario | OAK | $5,100 | 9.41 | 1.84 |
| George Springer | PIT | $4,800 | 9.28 | 1.93 |
| Justin Upton | MIL | $4,700 | 9.21 | 1.96 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Jones | BAL | $3,500 | 8.69 | 2.48 |
| Cameron Maybin | PIT | $2,900 | 6.79 | 2.34 |
| Hernán Pérez | CLE | $3,300 | 7.63 | 2.31 |
| Daniel Palka | MIN | $3,000 | 6.78 | 2.26 |
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.