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
Going right back to the Cubs here: their offense is hitting fairly well and they get a pitcher in Andrew Abbott whose ERA is 5.97 on the season. Chicago is also the second best team in the league against LHP, hitting .279 as a team with a league-best .830 OPS. Nico Hoerner has my favorite floor for the team, and I’d want to mix in Ian Happ, Michael Busch, and Seiya Suzuki for right-handed pop.
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
Los Ángeles Dodgers
The Dodgers get another decent matchup tonight against the Astros. Peter Lambert hasn’t looked awful (he’s got a 3.52 ERA through three starts, and two of those saw him strike out eight batters); however, his past three opponents haven’t had the upside that Los Angeles does, and the awful Houston bullpen is lurking if they can get to the young pitcher. Shohei Ohtani and Max Muncy would be where I’d start.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks face off against the Pirates and Bubba Chandler, who hasn’t quite gotten it figured out yet as he’s pitched to a 4.97 ERA (which balloons to a 5.93 away from home, which is where Pittsburgh finds itself tonight). Arizona is a bit cold offensively, which could drive their ownership down a smidge, but I want exposure to Corbin Carroll, Ildemaro Vargas, and Ketel Marte for their upside.
Jun 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) loses his helmet as he runs to third base on a triple against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
New York Mets
Even a bad offense in Coors needs to be under consideration, and that’s where we find the Mets again tonight. Additionally, Michael Lorenzen and his 8.56 home ERA definitely makes New York in play, and his 6.09 overall ERA and 1.76 WHIP show that it’s not just a massive home/road split, either. Juan Soto is your obvious starting spot; Bo Bichette is playing better than he did at the beginning of the season (though not up to where they were hoping), and Mark Vents has shown some pop lately.
San Francisco Giants
Can you ever really trust the Giants’ offense? Especially when they’re at home, the upside is not the most ideal. However, if you want a deep tournament play, they are going up against Walker Buehler and his 5.40 ERA. At the very least, the San Francisco hitters will be cheap; there are a couple (Matt Chapman, Rafael Devers) who do have some pop, and Luis Arraez will at least get on base for you. Sprinkle if you want a bit of risk (or consider some two-stacks with some chalkier stacks if you want to hedge a bit).
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Sep 10, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yordan Alvarez vs. Shohei Ohtani: 5-15 with a 2B, HR, four RBI, and three BB
Elly de la Cruz vs. Jameson Taillon: 5-14 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Jackson Merrill vs. Logan Webb: 10-15 with three 2B and two RBI
Dansby Swanson vs. Andrew Abbott: 5-14 with two 2B, two HR, three RBI, and four BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
JP Crawford ($3000 DK / $2800 FD): six-game hitting streak (1.004 OPS) and leading off
David Fry ($2800 DK / $2400 FD): six hits in his last 16 AB, including three HR and five RBI
Vaughn Grissom ($2800 DK / $2700 FD): 9-26 with four RBI in his last seven games