We have to warn you about building lineups using an MLB DraftKings optimizer today: The pitching slate is as thin as it gets. But that’s where sharp MLB DFS players find their edge. With a bit of strategy and the right tools, like the MLB DFS Sims and Top Stacks tools, you can piece together the perfect DraftKings lineup even on messy slates. Here’s how we’re doing it today — two pitchers, one stack and high-end one-offs.
Perfect MLB DraftKings Lineup Optimizer DFS Strategy
Top Pitchers for Your DraftKings MLB DFS Lineup
Top Pitcher: Spencer Strider — Atlanta Braves
The top of the board gives you two choices: Strider or Bryan Woo. Both have risks, but Strider is the play.
- $500 cheaper than Woo.
- 7.5 strikeout prop, compared to Woo’s 5.5.
- 2.5 earned runs prop, juiced heavily to the under.
- Tough Sacramento heat (100 degrees F), but don’t overthink it: Strider’s strikeout upside is unmatched.
Even in tough conditions, Strider projects as the best pitcher on the slate. He’s a lock.
SP2: Logan Allen — Cleveland Guardians
It only gets worse after Strider, but Allen stands out on this weak slate.
- Faces the strikeout-prone White Sox (28% strikeout rate against lefties).
- Lowest implied total on the slate (4.2 runs).
- Solid prop lines: 2.5 earned runs (under), 4.5 strikeouts (over), 16.5 outs.
- Super affordable salary at $7,700.
Is it pretty? No. Is it playable? Absolutely.
Strider + Allen gives you ceiling + value at two crucial DraftKings spots.
Top DraftKings MLB DFS Stack: Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians may not pop at first glance, but they’re one of the smartest stacks on the slate. They rate as the No. 1 value stack in Stokastic’s MLB DFS Sims, offering strong upside at a low cost — exactly what you want for lineup flexibility.
They’re fifth in Top Stack rating and third in Stack Score, yet only fourth in ownership, giving you a small but valuable leverage edge.
The matchup is ideal: Jonathan Cannon has just a 14% strikeout rate against righties, a .203 xISO, and a low 7.5% swinging strike rate — a recipe for damage.
Cleveland’s offense has underwhelmed, ranking 27th in wRC+ vs. RHP, but a league-worst .259 BABIP suggests bad luck. It also walks at a top-11 rate and has enough power threats (Jose Ramirez, Carlos Santana, Jhonkensy Noel) to capitalize.
Target Bats:
- Bo Naylor (C)
- Carlos Santana (1B)
- Daniel Schneemann (2B/3B)
- Jose Ramirez (3B)
- Jhonkensy Noel (OF)
Smart stack, cheap salaries and real upside — that’s the value you build around.
Filling Out the Rest: Use Sims to Optimize Your MLB DraftKings Picks
Using Stokastic’s Single Lineup Simulator, we locked in Strider, Allen and the Guardians. Then we let the optimizer complete the rest with optimal power/value. It returned:
Bonus: Free Tools Over the All-Star Break
If you’re subscribed to any Stokastic MLB DFS package, you get full access to MMA, NASCAR, and PGA through the All-Star weekend. This change will happen automatically, so sign up and get a taste of what an All-Access package can do for you!
