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
Arizona Diamondbacks
This is one of the more straightforward pitching targets on the slate. Michael Lorenzen carries a 6.23 ERA and 1.45 WHIP, and the profile has been steady contact and innings that can unravel once runners get on. Arizona has already done real work in this matchup with a .286 AVG and .821 OPS in 113 plate appearances, which is enough to trust when paired with Lorenzen’s inability to consistently escape traffic. Full stacks are in play, mini stacks are strong, and this is one of the cleaner ceiling environments on the board.
Sep 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a double in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is a depth-over-stuff matchup where the lineup advantage does most of the work. Logan Henderson owns a 3.92 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, but the command still isn’t fully stable when he’s forced into longer at-bats or high-pressure spots. The Dodgers have already produced a .308 AVG and .904 OPS in 52 plate appearances against him, and that kind of efficiency becomes dangerous when layered over an offense this deep and patient. Love them as a tournament stack: full builds first, mini stacks everywhere, and if ownership is even moderately spread, this is one of the strongest paths to a ceiling.
Atlanta Braves
This is a spot where one inning can decide everything, and that keeps the Braves firmly in play. Miles Mikolas is always attachable: he sits at a 4.56 ERA and 1.31 WHIP, and while he can occasionally navigate lineups in stretches, there isn’t much room for error against elite power. Atlanta has a .273 AVG and .804 OPS in 108 plate appearances here, which aligns with a profile where pressure builds until one big frame breaks things open. Not a sneaky stack at all, but still very playable. I’m comfortable at or slightly over field exposure depending on construction.
Sep 26, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a walk-off RBI double during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Athletics
This is as much of a high-end tournament look as a pure matchup smash, but it’s firmly in play regardless. Walker Buehler is sitting at a 4.83 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, and the biggest issue continues to be start-to-start command inconsistency. The Athletics have posted a .257 AVG and .742 OPS in 83 plate appearances in this matchup, which becomes relevant when you factor in Buehler’s tendency to lose the zone and work into stressful innings. Primary or secondary stack for me as they’re definitely viable in MME builds depending on how ownership condenses elsewhere.
Texas Rangers
This is one of the stronger under-the-radar looks on the slate to me. Grayson Rodriguez sits at a 4.62 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, and the issue has been consistency in the zone: when he misses, it’s not just singles, it’s damage. Texas has a .792 OPS in 74 plate appearances against him, which fits a profile where traffic turns into crooked innings quickly once the first mistake lands. This could be a sneaky ceiling outcome play, but it’s a little volatile.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
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
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yandy Diaz vs. Gerrit Cole: 14-44 with two 2B, two HR, six RBI, and four BB
Matt Olson vs. Miles Mikolas: 4-15 with two 2B, two HR, and four RBI
Salvador Perez vs. Logan Gilbert: 7-19 with a 2B, two HR, eight RBI, and two BB
Bobby Witt Jr. vs. Logan Gilbert: 7-14 with a HR, two RBI, and four BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Zach McKinstry ($2300 DK / $2400 FD): 4-16 with a 2B, two HR, and four RBI against Chris Bassitt
Keibert Ruiz ($2900 DK / $3100 FD): 10-23 with two HR and nine RBI during his six-game hitting streak
Mikę Yastrzemski ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 1.172 OPS in his last seven games