Opening Day is here! An nine-game main slate today with some high-total games present some unique opportunities. Where can we go to get different? Where can we go heavier? Let’s figure it out. The focus of this article is to sort through the myriad of options on larger slates and find not only some solid foundational plays but also some spots that could go overlooked. We focus on stacks that are solid for small-field and SE as well as overlooked spots for large-field GPPs, and we discuss players that have good past history vs. the pitchers they’re facing. Our Discord strategy rooms are incredibly active. Hop in and join the discussion!
FIVE DFS MLB Stacks
Milwaukee Brewers (5.26 IRT)
Milwaukee looks like it’s going to be solid all around again this season. They’re getting a really good matchup to start off the season facing the White Sox and Shane Smith, who has a really nice fastball but also some really horrid breaking stuff. Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich lead this offense, and Brice Turang is always a solid piece to mix in; Luis Rengifo, the team’s main offensive addition in the offseason, could be a sneaky place to take advantage of.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio (11) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game two of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs (5.19 IRT)
The Cubs had a nice run last season with some somewhat surprising offense results, and they’re definitely looking to build on that this season, bringing over Alex Bregman to replace his former Astro teammate Kyle Tucker, and Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch look to take the next step in what seem to be star careers. The matchup today against Cade Cavalli and the Washington Nationals is one of the better ones on the slate with the Cubs being solid -225 favorites (the largest today). I’m starting my stacks with the three I mentioned along with Nico Hoerner who gives you a little bit of everything; Moises Ballesteros is a low-floor, high-ceiling piece who is viable as well.
Houston Astros (5.18 IRT)
Nice matchup for Houston tonight against Jose Soriano who wasn’t all that effective last season (a 4.20 ERA and 1.40 WHIP) and doesn’t really profile to do anything different in 2026. The Astros are healthy again with both Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena back, so I’d start my lineups with them. Cam Smith showed some flashes and some pop in his first season, and if he’s hitting ninth, he’s a solid cheap piece to help wrap around to the top of the lineup as well.
Sep 10, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Texas Rangers (3.49 IRT)
Not that spring training matters a ton, but the Rangers’ offense looked good all spring, leading baseball in team OBP (.378) and ranking in the top five in runs scored and team average. It’s a tricky spot here in this first matchup facing Christopher Sanchez who is coming off a career-best season and was rewarded with a new contract, but in your MME, this could be a nice spot to look at. Wyatt Langford was one of the best hitters in the spring, so I’d start your lineups with him; Corey Seager is healthy and new addition Brandon Nimmo should be leading things off. The low implied run total is iffy, but some exposure in tournaments isn’t the worst idea.
San Diego Padres (3.27 IRT)
The Padres to me are a lovely tournament option tonight. Yes, they’re facing Tarik Skubal, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. However, it is the first start of the season after he did pitch some in the WBC, and coupled with the “Detroit is going to treat him with kid gloves at the first sign of an issue” / “he may keep himself as healthy as possible before free agency next season” points toward a solid spot for leverage. San Diego’s offense has a high ceiling as we know as well, so throwing in some Fernando Tatis/Manny Machado/Jackson Merrill into the mix at even 2x the field could be a solid strategy in your MME. The floor is low, but the ceiling could win you a tournament.
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Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Josh Bell vs. Trevor Rogers: 6-13 with a 2B and BB
Freddy Fermin vs. Tarik Skubal: 4-12 with two 2B and two RBI
Bryce Harper vs. Nathan Eovaldi: 8-24 with a 2B, HR, and four BB
Bryan Reynolds vs. Freddy Peralta: 15-39 with two 2B, a 3B, HR, four RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Moises Ballesteros ($3100 DK / $2700 FD): 1.056 OPS in spring and has a ton of pop; should get more run with Seiya Suzuki hurt
Kevin McGonigle ($3000 DK / $2000 FD): #2 prospect in all of baseball; .922 OPS in minors and .286 with three HR and 20.6% walk rate in spring
JJ Wetherholt ($3000 DK / $2500 FD): #5 prospect in all of baseball; 28% walk rate in spring training