So it begins: a four-game postseason slate to kick off the 2026 MLB postseason.
For those looking to cash in quickly on a bet, nothing makes more sense than an NRFI. With that being said, there’s more to this one than meets the eye. Some pitchers thrive early, while others take more time to get settled in than others. Which NRFI picks are worth a closer look on Saturday?
Ahead of today’s Major League Baseball playoff contests, here are two NRFI bets worth placing on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Best NRFI Prop Bets Today
| Game | Pitching Matchup |
| Red Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-165) | Tolle vs. Schlittler |
| Cubs vs. Padres NRFI (-145) | Boyd vs. King |
Red Sox vs. Yankees NRFI (-165)
To the surprise of absolutely no one, these two rivals will meet for the second straight season in the wild card round. For Boston, the Game 1 start goes to Payton Tolle. It’s been a terrific 2026 campaign from the rookie, already among the AL’s best pitchers. Through 148.2 innings (26 starts), he’s notched a 3.03 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 171 strikeouts (10.4 K/9). The southpaw has allowed a first inning run three times over his previous ten appearances. Even more important, he’s been dominant in this spot before. Over two meetings this season with the Yankees (13.0 IP), Tolle has allowed a total of one earned run (0.69 ERA).
On the other side, it’ll be none other than Cam Schlittler taking the mound. The presumptive AL Cy Young winner has put together one of the best starting pitching seasons in New York’s illustrious history. Over 193.2 innings of work (33 starts), he’s recorded a 1.95 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 239 strikeouts (11.1 K/9). The righty has also produced an impressive 87.9% NRFI rate. Much like Tolle, this has been an advantageous spot in the past for Schlittler. During five career appearances vs. Boston (32.1 IP), he’s allowed two earned runs (0.59 ERA). The Red Sox struggle to get going early; they’re tied for an MLB-worst 24.69% YRFI rate.
Cubs vs. Padres NRFI (-145)
Matthew Boyd will toe the slab for Chicago, making his 23rd start of the season. When healthy, the former All-Star remains one of the team’s better hurlers. During 126.2 innings pitched, he’s accounted for a 3.91 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 96 strikeouts (6.8 K/9). The veteran has allowed two earned runs combined over his previous two outings. To boot, he’s been a much better pitcher on the road in 2026 (2.86 ERA). Boyd is rocking a respectable 77.3% NRFI rate coming into this one. On the other side, San Diego’s offensive production has been a bit hit or miss. Granted, this group has been on fire at the plate this month. However, the first inning remains a challenge. The Padres have posted a National League-worst 24.69% YRFI rate.
The home team will hand the ball to Michael King this evening. It’s been another solid season in SoCal for the right-hander. Through 185.0 innings pitched (32 starts), he’s put up a 3.21 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 159 strikeouts (7.7 K/9). The 31-year-old has been even better inside the spacious confines of Petco Park (2.74 ERA). This season, King has delivered an impressive 84.4% NRFI rate as well. He’ll hope to continue that success against a loaded Cubs offense. With that being said, these bats often stumble out of the gates. Chicago is tied for the league’s second-lowest YRFI rate on the road (19.75%).
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