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
Houston Astros
One of the top offenses in the league through the first month, the Astros get one of the better matchups on the slate tonight. Chris Bassitt has done nothing this season (6.75 ERA / 2.06 WHIP through five starts) to make me want to avoid him, so this should be one of the stacks to build around tonight, especially with the .899 team OPS against him (25 AB). Yordan Alvarez is a core play for me, and both Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker each have three HR in their last seven games.
Mar 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs to first on a single against the Athletics in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Atlanta Braves
This is a highly risky tournament-only type of play, but when you have a great offense facing a great pitcher, being right on the stack can give you the upside to win all of the things. It’s a small (49 AB), but the Braves have actually done fairly well against Tarik Skubal, combining for a .842 OPS. Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II are where I’d start my stacks. Again, it’s a volatile play, but I think it’s worth considering.
Cincinnati Reds
Tomoyuki Sugano has been solid but a little up and down this season, but the Reds’ offense has been very good lately, averaging close to seven runs a game over the last week, so in tournaments I can see some exposure here making some sense, especially with the game taking place in GABP. Elly de la Cruz, Sal Stewart, and Matt McLain all have the upside and production you want to start with.
May 3, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits an RBI triple during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
New York Mets
The Mets could be a spot that goes overlooked a bit, but I think they are in an interesting spot tonight. Cade Cavalli has been ineffective this season (it’s not just his 4.01 ERA but also the fact that he’s only made it out of the fifth inning once), and if New York can get to him, they get a bullpen group that’s attackable (they have the sixth-highest ERA in baseball at 5.23). Granted, the Mets hitters aren’t performing, but a sprinkle here and there could have some value, and we know that some of them have some pop.
Kansas City Royals
Yet again another plus-spot for Kansas City tonight: they’re in a hitters park and they’re facing Luis Severino who continues to struggle since joining the A’s last season (he’s pitched to a 5.17 ERA on the season). Always good upside here in this stadium, and I’d continue to want exposure here (and a lot of the pieces you want are fairly nicely priced as well). Bobby Witt, Salvador Perez, and Carter Jensen are great starting spots here.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) hits a single during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yordan Alvarez vs. Chris Bassitt: 9-22 with a 2B, five HR, 11 RBI, and three BB
Matt Chapman vs. Cristopher Sanchez: 7-11 with two 2B, a HR, and four RBI
Salvador Perez vs. Luis Severino: 5-18 with two 2B, two HR, and five RBI
Christian Walker vs. Chris Bassitt: 5-14 with a HR and two RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Eduoard Julien ($3500 DK / $2700 FD): 13 hits in his last 29 AB (1.190 OPS)
Nathaniel Lowe ($2400 DK / $2600 FD): six-game hitting streak (1.265 OPS during)
Jake McCarthy ($2600 DK / $2500 FD): eight hits in his last 18 AB