It’s the first day of April and the White Sox lead the league in HR while the Orioles have scored the fewest runs. Fool or not? Read on to find out. On this 10-gamer, 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
Toronto Blue Jays
All of a sudden, the Blue Jays can’t hit…the Rockies’ pitching??? Great example of the volatility of baseball…and why I’m going right back to them. Colorado won’t shut them down forever, and Toronto’s recent struggles may lower their ownership a bit. Kyle Freeland didn’t look that excellent in his first start and his track record speaks for itself. Any combination of George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero, Addison Barger, and Jesus Sanchez are fabulous starting spots.
Jun 16, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) celebrates with designated hitter Bryce Harper (3) after hitting a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Phillies
I like the Phillies in this one. Cade Cavalli couldn’t get out of the fourth inning in his first start, which sets up nicely here, and the game has a total of 8.5 with Philly as solid -250ish favorites. Kyle Schwarber is always your starting spot, especially when he’s got his power going; Trea Turner is my second favorite piece, and Bryce Harper always is in play. If you want an under-the-radar spot, I’d lean Bryson Stott.
Atlanta Braves
At some point, the Braves’ offense will wake up (they’re averaging just over three and a half runs per game this season), and Luis Severino might be the cure (Atlanta has a solid .892 OPS against him as a team in 89 AB). Drake Baldwin keeps hammering the ball, so I’m starting with him; the usual trio (Ronald Acuna, Jr., Austin Riley, and Matt Olson) can be mixed and matched as well.
Aug 9, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits an RBI double against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs always have upside, and facing Yusei Kikuchi should enhance that a bit: he gave up two runs on eight hits in just 4.1 innings in his first start. It should be very gusty at Wrigley, which always makes for fun if not favorable conditions, and in tournaments Chicago has some lovely upside. Alex Bregman is my first place to start given his success against Kikuchi, and PCA, Michael Busch, and Ian Happ all should be considered.
Washington Nationals
No, it’s not an April Fools’ Day joke (and we waited until the last stack). Washington has the second highest team OPS in the league and are tied for tops in the majors with 15 HR. They’ve got a matchup against Cristopher Sanchez who looked fabulous in his first outing; still, if you want a sprinkle of some pieces in your MME for not terribly cheap and for no ownership, here you go. Joey Weimer isn’t going to keep up this pace, but him, Keibert Ruiz, Daylen Lile, and Brady House can all be stacked (even a mini) or used as one-offs if you like.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman against the New York Yankees during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Alex Bregman vs. Yusei Kikuchi: 7-20 with three 2B, two HR, five RBI, and eight BB
Andrew McCutchen vs. Trevor Rogers: 6-12 with a 2B, three HR, and four RBI
Matt Olson vs. Luis Severino: 5-11 with a 2B, RBI, and three BB
Bryan Reynolds vs. Andrew Abbott: 3-7 with a 2B
THREE MLB Value Plays
Michael Conforto ($2500 DK / $2200 FD): has been getting starts at the bottom of the lineup and is a solid wrap-around piece
Liam Hicks ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 4-11 with two HR and eight EBI to start the season
Joey Wiemer ($3000 DK / $3000 FD): can he keep his hot start (1.937 OPS) going?