Happy first Sunday of the season! 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 (4.80 IRT)
The Milwaukee offense should be a popular one for the foreseeable future, and we saw why on Opening Day. Sure, losing Andrew Vaughn for awhile hurts, but they’ve still got a ton of pieces that can hurt you, and they have a lovely matchup this afternoon against a White Sox team that still is near the bottom of the league in everything. They’re also facing Anthony Kay, a pitcher with a career 5.54 ERA who hasn’t seen action since 2023. Christian Yelich, Brice Turang, and Jake Bauers are all pieces I want a lot of today.
Mar 15, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) celebrates with first baseman Michael Busch (29) after hitting a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs (6.75 IRT)
Similar to their first two games, the Cubs get a lovely pitching matchup today facing Jake Irvin and 5.70 ERA from a season ago. After a lackluster Opening Day, Chicago exploded for 10 runs yesterday, and we could see more of the same today. The team as a whole is hitting .290 against him with a .913 OPS in 69 AB, led by PCA, Michael Busch, and Nico Hoerner, coincidentally (?) the Cubs’ new young core for multiple seasons.
Tampa Bay Rays (4.38 IRT)
Tampa Bay may get overlooked a lot of the time this season, but they’re always interesting because they’re fairly reasonably priced and they do have a few pieces that are always viable. Good spot for them here today as well: Dustin May makes his first start as a Cardinal, and his 4.96 ERA and 1.42 WHIP from last season don’t bode well for his chances. Start your lineups with Junior Caminero (who has maybe 50 HR in him this season?), Yandy Diaz, and Jonathan Aranda; Cedric Mullins has some nice potential toward the bottom of the lineup as well.
Jun 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber (12) at bat against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Phillies (4.86 IRT)
The Philly offense hasn’t quite gotten going yet early in this first week of the season, but going up against Mackenzie Gore could be a nice spot to attack in tournaments. He’s had some decent results against him, but I think this offense is too good to stay down for too long, so in MME I want to make sure I’ve got some exposure. Trea Turner has had the best results against him and can sometimes go overlooked with Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper on the same team; JT Realmuto would be a nice spot to throw in toward the bottom of the lineup as well.
Baltimore Orioles (5.46 IRT)
Similar to the situation in Philadelphia, Baltimore’s big guns are a little cold to start the season, but Bailey Ober likes to serve up meatballs as evidenced by his 5.10 ERA last season. Pete Alonso has had some good success against him and he’s ready to kick things off, I think; Gunnar Henderson and Ryan Mountcastle also could benefit from hitting against Ober. The Orioles are solid -150 favorites, and with a game total of 9, I like this offense to wake up today.
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
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Seth Lugo: 6-14 with four RBI and four BB
Michael Busch vs. Jake Irvin: 4-11 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Brandon Nimmo vs. Jesus Luzardo: 6-20 with a 2B, HR, four RBI, and two BB
Austin Riley vs. Seth Lugo: 8-20 with a 2B, 3B, HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Jake Bauers ($2800 DK / $2700 FD): Regular starts with Chourio on the IR; red-hot spring (1.728 OPS) and already has a HR this week
Colton Cowser ($2800 DK / $3000 FD): solid spot for cheap in a good matchup
Austin Slater ($2800 DK / $2200 FD): 3-8 with a HR vs. Quintana