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
New York Yankees
There’s definitely some upside here even with Luis Severino pitching better lately (and facing his old team isn’t without its interest, either). He owns a 4.18 ERA and 1.29 WHIP this season, and while the strikeout stuff still flashes at times, the hard-contact issues haven’t completely disappeared when traffic builds. The Yankees are always capable of flipping a slate with one big inning, especially against pitchers who can run into command trouble once pitch counts climb. I’m good getting tournament exposure here even if this won’t be a low-owned spot.
Jun 9, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Orioles
I like this spot quite a bit because the upside extends beyond the opener. Austin Voth is expected to begin the game, and Baltimore should have opportunities to get into the middle innings quickly against a bullpen game setup rather than dealing with a traditional starter working deep. The Orioles’ offense has shown more life recently, and this feels like the type of matchup where sustained traffic can eventually snowball into a big scoring environment. Strong tournament stack with plenty of ceiling if they force early bullpen usage.
Athletics
This is more of a leverage tournament stack than a comfortable offense environment, but the upside is still there if Carlos Rodón isn’t sharp. Rodón has pitched well overall this season with a 3.21 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, though the Athletics continue to profile as one of those volatile offenses capable of sudden power bursts when ownership is completely off them. I don’t need to go heavy here, but I’m fine mixing in some exposure in large-field builds because the leverage angle is very real.
Aug 13, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (20) celebrates with Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners
This is one of the more interesting tournament spots on the slate because Zac Gallen’s overall profile still looks respectable, but the recent form has been shaky. He carries a 4.86 ERA and 1.34 WHIP this season, and the damage has come quickly at times once innings start extending. Seattle’s offense can be volatile, but they’ve shown enough power upside to matter in tournaments whenever opposing pitchers allow traffic and fail to put hitters away efficiently. I’m fine getting exposure here as a lower-owned stack.
Toronto Blue Jays
This feels like a very attackable matchup if Trevor Rogers continues struggling to limit traffic. He enters with a 5.87 ERA and 1.51 WHIP this season, and the underlying profile has been vulnerable once hitters extend at-bats and force him into hitter’s counts. Toronto’s offense has been inconsistent this year, but this is still a lineup with enough power and depth to capitalize if Rogers loses command early. I like them as a secondary stack with clear upside.
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
Jazz Chisholm vs. Luis Severino: 5-11 with a 2B, two HR, five RBI, and three BB
Freddie Freeman vs. Zach Wheeler: 21-54 with four 2B, two HR, eight RBI, and 15 BB
Mitch Garver vs. Zac Gallen: 4-12 with two HR and four RBI
Mike Trout vs. Nick Martinez: 7-25 with a 2B, two HR, five RBI, and three BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Miguel Rojas ($2400 DK / $2400 FD): 9-23 with a 3B, two HR, and seven RBI against Zach Wheeler
Taylor Trammel ($2300 DK /$2600 FD): 1.067 OPS in his last seven games
Ryan Vilade ($3300 DK / $2500 FD): 7-16 with a HR, seven RBI, and six BB in his last seven games (1.354 OPS)