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
Atlanta Braves
This is a strong offensive spot where the pitching profile is very attackable. Jake Irvin has a 5.59 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season, and while the strikeout rate is not elite, the bigger issue has been consistent traffic and damage once innings extend. Atlanta remains a high-end power offense that doesn’t need volume to produce slate-breaking innings, and this is exactly the type of arm that can get overwhelmed quickly when pitches leak into the heart of the zone. Strong full-stack target with clear ceiling. One of my favorite spots this afternoon.
May 25, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a single against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Phillies
This is one of the cleaner offensive environments on the slate. Slade Cecconi has a 6.15 ERA and 1.58 WHIP this season, and the underlying issue has been a combination of traffic and inability to consistently escape innings without damage. Philadelphia’s lineup depth makes this particularly dangerous because they can produce runs in multiple ways without relying on one hitter to carry. Strong full-stack play with both floor and ceiling appeal.
Baltimore Orioles
This is more of a leverage tournament spot than a pure matchup smash, but there’s enough here to keep Baltimore firmly in play. Framber Valdez has a 4.58 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 18.3% K-rate this season, which is well below the level of dominance we’re used to seeing from him. The ground-ball ability is still there, but the traffic has increased and the strikeout rate hasn’t been enough to fully erase mistakes once innings start extending. Baltimore’s offense has been inconsistent lately, but this is still a lineup with enough power to punish any command lapses quickly, especially if Valdez’s sinker starts leaking up in the zone, and multiple pieces have had very good success against him.
Mar 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) hits an RBI single during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Washington Nationals
This game has real game-stack appeal on both sides. Grant Holmes has flashed strikeout upside, but the volatility is still present once innings start extending and runners get on base. Washington’s offense has shown more life than expected this season with enough power and speed throughout the lineup to matter in tournaments, and this feels like the kind of spot where they could come in lower-owned than they should. I don’t mind some exposure here, especially in larger-field builds.
Minnesota Twins
This is a spot where the matchup outweighs the recent inconsistency from the offense. Brayan Bello has struggled badly this season, carrying a 7.16 ERA and 1.93 WHIP, and the command/contact profile has been a major problem throughout the year. Minnesota still has enough power throughout the lineup to capitalize quickly if traffic starts building, and this is the type of matchup where the Twins can easily outperform ownership on a smaller slate. Strong tournament stack and firmly in play for full-stack builds.
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
Michael Harris II vs. Jake Irvin: 7-20 with two 2B, two RBI, and two BB
Adley Rutschman vs. Framber Valdez: 6-16 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Taylor Ward vs. Framber Valdez: 15-31 with a 2B, 3B, two RBI, and three BB
Bobby Witt Jr. vs. George Kirby: 5-12 with two 2B and an RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Blaze Alexander ($ DK / $2400 FD): five hits (including a 2B and 3B) in his last eight AB
Mikę Yastrzemski ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 1.172 OPS in his last seven games
Jacob Young ($2900 DK / $2700 FD): 6-16 with three HR and six RBI in his last seven games (1.444 OPS)