The 2026 MLB season is officially over a week old, and we’ve had some surprising starts and some production that we expected. On tonight’s Friday slate, 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
This team has to start hitting at some point, right…right? I’m going right back to them in this one against the White Sox and Sean Burke, who didn’t have much success in his first start (four earned on seven hits in four innings against Milwaukee). Toronto is a solid -200 (or more) favorite, though much of that is the awfulness of Chicago and Dylan Cease being on the mound for the Jays.
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
Like Toronto, the Phillies’ offense has been a bit disappointing, though Kyle Schwarber is hitting and Bryce Harper got on the dinger board last game. Even so, they’re going to be chalk going up Michael Lorenzen and the Rockies in the altitude, so don’t be afraid to utilize them in cash and single-entry, and get some healthy exposure in MME as well. Bryson Stott is a solid cheaper piece to mix in with the above two and Trea Turner.
Texas Rangers
Didn’t have the Rangers’ offense being this good this early on my bingo card, but here we are. Nine HR in six games while averaging five and a half runs to start, and they’re in the top quarter of the league in team OPS as well. Brady Singer didn’t have it against the Red Sox his first time out and I want to see him do something before I’ll move away from attacking him. Wyatt Langford, Corey Seager, and Brandon Nimmo are your usual suspects; Andrew McCutchen and Jake Burger are definitely two to mix in as well.
Jun 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a rbi double during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
San Diego Padres
Sonny Gray was being Bad Sonny last time out, and he’s always a pitcher I like to attack because he has those types of games often enough. The wind is blowing out at Fenway today as well, and we know that San Diego has a high-upside offense. Fernando Tatis, Manny Machado, and Jackson Merrill are the obvious starting spots; Ramon Laureano is a sneaky piece who’s been hot to start the season.
Los Ángeles Dodgers
So much goodness here with this offense facing off against Miles Mikolas. Los Angeles is around a -275 favorites right now and for good reason; they’re going to be popular, but that’s okay. The usual suspects are in play, and I don’t even mind continuing to roster Kyle Tucker as he’ll find his way out of his slump at some point.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Mookie Betts vs. Miles Mikolas: 5-12 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Freddie Freeman vs. Miles Mikolas: 9-21 with a 2B, three HR, and seven RBI
Manny Machado vs. Sonny Gray: 12-35 with two 2B, three HR, and nine RBI
Kyle Schwarber vs. Michael Lorenzen: 9-24 with three 2B, two HR, six RBI, and three BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Justin Crawford ($2700 DK): 7-17 in five games with a .915 OPS
Liam Hicks ($3200 DK): three HR and 12 RBI so far and is still too cheap (can one-off him at the C position as well)
Jake McCarthy ($2900 DK): 6-13 with two 2B, a 3B, two HR, and seven RBI vs. Aaron Nola