We’ve got a nice nine-gamer tonight on this lovely April Saturday. Let’s see what we can do with things. 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
Chicago Cubs
I think it’s hard not to consider the Cubs tonight; not only do they have nice upside usually, but the Guardians are trotting out Slade Cecconi who in his first start gave up six earned runs on six hits in just 4.1 innings (also walking four) to Seattle. They’re a little cold to start the season, but they’re not necessarily struggling, and they’ve got a solid ceiling that they have really only shown once so far, but it’s there.
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
Philly broke out of their offensive doldrums in a big way yesterday in the first of a three-gamer in Coors. Do we see the same thing tonight? It’s absolutely possible, and so you have to consider shares of them everywhere. Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber lead the way; JT Realmuto is hitting toward the bottom of the lineup, but he’s always valid, so he could be a lower-owned piece for you as well.
Seattle Mariners
Speaking of another team that’s not performing the way we thought (well, partially), the Mariners have relied on some unlikely sources for their offense through this first week (players like Cole Young and Luke Raley) while their studs haven’t gotten going yet, and that doesn’t bode well for the rest of the American League as we know they’ll come around. Jack Kochanowicz, the Angels’ starter, allowed six runs (five earned) in just four innings in his first start of the season, and I can see Seattle getting to him tonight.
Oct 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) bats during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals in game four of the ALDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
New York Yankees
The Yankees have an interesting matchup today, and there are a few of their players (Giancarlo Stanton, Ben Rice) who are off to really nice starts. They’re volatile, but they have a high ceiling as usual, and Max Mayer didn’t look all that strong in his first start for Miami (three earned in five innings against the lowly Rockies), so I’m fine with some shares in your MME mix.
Atlanta Braves
The game has a very nice 9.5 total and is close to a pick-’em (Arizona is actually a slight favorite) and Atlanta has scored the fifth most runs in the league thus far. High upside, but the floor could be a little low. Drake Baldwin has been the Braves’ offensive leader thus far, and of course you want to consider Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Matt Olson.
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
Luis Arraez vs. Clay Holmes: 3-7 with a 3B, two RBI, and two BB
Rafael Devers vs. Clay Holmes: 3-10 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Cal Raleigh vs. Jack Kochanowicz: 3-5 with two HR, four RBI, and two BB
Julio Rodriguez vs. Jack Kochanowicz: 5-7 with a 2B
THREE MLB Value Plays
Owen Caissie ($2700 DK / $2700 FD): 1.080 OPS in his last seven games (including two HR and nine RBI)
Jake Fraley ($2500 DK / $2400 FD): has been hitting fourth or fifth against RHP, but check lineups
Cole Young ($2500 DK / $2600 FD): .986 OPS in his last seven games