Focusing today’s article on the early slate where we have some nice matchups. 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
Chicago Cubs (6.25 IRT)
The Cubs have a lovely matchup today against Miles Mikolas, who is making his first start in a Washington uniform; he had a 4.84 ERA and 1.32 WHIP last season, and there isn’t anything to make me think he’s improving on those numbers. Chicago did not have the start they wanted on Opening Day, but their ceiling is nice in this one, especially given the fact that in 186 AB they’re hitting .305 with a .872 OPS against him as a team. Start your lineups with Nico Hoerner (he of the sweet six-year extension), Ian Happ, PCA, and Michael Busch.
Sep 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a sacrifice fly to score a run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Baltimore Orioles (4.64 IRT)
Similar to Chicago, the Orioles get a great on-paper matchup in this one: Taj Bradley and his 5.05 ERA from last season face the Baltimore offense that added Pete Alonso this offseason. The team is hitting .348 with a 1.046 OPS against him in 66 AB, and I plan to be over the field on pieces like Alonso, Gunnar Henderson, and Adley Rutschman; Colton Cowser is a solid value piece here to mix in.
Toronto Blue Jays (5.20 IRT)
Toronto gets two good matchups in a row, and we’ll see if they can score more than the couple of runs they did last night. Jeffrey Springs doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence, and the Blue Jays do have a solid offense that can do some damage; in fact, their sluggish performance last night may put people off of them, which could give some lovely leverage. Vladimir Guerrero and George Springer are your foundational pieces here; Addison Barger and Myles Straw are interesting options as well.
Sep 26, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a walk-off RBI double during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Athletics (3.15 IRT)
The A’s are recipients of our first look at Dylan Cease in a Toronto uniform; he’s a classic tournament / boom-or-bust pitcher who can either strike out 12 batters or give up eight runs, and their offense has the ability to do the latter, that’s for sure. Shea Langeliers hit two bombs last night, so start your lineups with him; Brent Rooker and Nick Kurtz are the other logical options, and Jeff McNeil could be a sneaky addition.
New York Mets (5.14 IRT)
The Mets went off for 11 runs in their Opening Day game when they chased Paul Skenes, and now they get Mitch Keller, a matchup at least two levels down from that. I don’t necessarily expect a repeat of that performance, but it’s certainly a good spot for them. Juan Soto, Francisco Liriano, and Bo Bichette are your building blocks, and Francisco Alvarez is a nice bottom-of-the-order/wraparound piece with a good amount of pop.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Miles Mikolas: 7-9 with a 2B, five HR, and six RBI
Bryce Harper vs. Sonny Gray: 12-44 with two 2B, two HR, and 10 BB
Gunnar Henderson vs. Taj Bradley: 8-20 with a 2B, 3B, HR, and three RBI
Nico Hoerner vs. Miles Mikolas: 14-39 with three 2B, a HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Moises Ballesteros ($3100 DK: lots of pop in a good matchup
Colton Cowser ($3000 DK: getting regular playing time; 4-10 with a HR and four RBI vs. Bradley
JJ Wetherholt ($3200 DK: HR in his first game and looks locked into the leadoff spot