Monday, Monday… MLB is back, so that makes the doldrums of the first day of the week a little more bearable! Ten games are on the slate tonight to kick off the first full week 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
Los Ángeles Dodgers
The Dodgers will be a staple of most people’s lines this season (though as I’ve mentioned before, there’s always leverage to be gained by fading them), and tonight is likely no exception. Parker Messick had some success in his limited action last season, but he’s not faced a lineup like this, so given the ceiling and the fact that Los Angeles is at home, I like them in this spot tonight.
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
Chicago’s offense is going to be a fun one to watch and to roster this season: their core is young and talented and their veterans supplement very well, and the upside of the team as a whole is pretty high. They’ve had a couple of up and down games to start the season, but the ceiling is always there, and we could very well see that tonight: Ryan Johnson has all of 14 innings of major league work, compiling a 7.38 ERA and 1.98 WHIP. The weather is also warming up a smidge this week at Wrigley. Alex Bregman hit his first two HR as a Cub yesterday, so I’ll go right back to him in this one, and I’m mixing in Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, and PCA primarily.
Boston Red Sox
Game total of 8.5 tonight here in Houston, and even though the Red Sox offense doesn’t have the same pop on paper it’s had in the last couple of seasons, the spot is juicy: Lance McCullers is on the hill, and while yes, he was coming back from injuries over the past two seasons, the 6.51 ERA last season gives me some confidence in rostering Boston’s hitters tonight. Roman Anthony and Jarren Duran are where I’m starting, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa is a cheap piece who’s had good success against him.
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
The Phillies are a little cold to start the season, but facing Foster Griffin, he of the seven career innings pitched and 8.53 ERA, could be the fix that they’re looking for. They should be popular tonight and could be a high-upside pivot from the Dodgers, for example. Mix in any combination of Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper, and mix in some Bryson Stott and Justin Crawford.
Athletics
Outside of Shea Langeliers, the A’s offense really hasn’t gotten going quite yet; however, they’re due to have a breakout at any point. Bryce Elder’s a prime candidate to get that going as he’s coming off a 5.30 ERA, 1.39 WHIP season. I’d rather be on the A’s before the explosion than after, so I like going over the field here tonight in tournaments. Nick Kurtz and Brent Rooker should be added to Langeliers in your lines, and Tyler Soderstrom is a solid secondary option.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 25, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) rounds third base en route to scoring during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Luis Castillo: 10-43 with a 2B, three HR, eight RBI, and five BB
Joc Pederson vs. Chris Bassitt: 5-10 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Carlos Santana vs. Justin Verlander: 19-86 with five 2B, nine HR, 15 RBI, and 12 BB
Christian Yelich vs. Nick Martinez: 5-16 with a 2B, HR, and two 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
Joey Ortiz ($2800 DK / $2600 FD): five hits, three RBI, and two SB in three games
Miguel Rojas ($2700 DK / $2300 FD): always a viable bottom-of-the-order piece to mix into your Dodger stacks
Jordan Walker ($2300 DK / $2600 FD): 4-10 with a HR and three RBI thus far