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
Athletics
It’s hard not to have interest in the Athletics whenever they’re in their home park, which as we’ve seen can amplify the offense. The A’s have been one of the better power-producing groups in baseball this season, and Vegas only amplifies that upside. Even when the matchup isn’t perfect, the environment alone can turn routine fly balls into extra-base hits and big innings in a hurry. The A’s are always one of my favorite tournament offenses because of their ceiling, and this feels like one of the better spots they’ll see all year. Strong full-stack option.
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 feels like one of the cleaner attack spots on the board. Sean Burke has been decent this season, pitching to a 3.88 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, but the Dodgers are exactly the type of lineup that can punish any kind of profile, and on a large slate, I’ll take some shots on the upside they have. Los Angeles doesn’t need many opportunities to put together a huge inning, and when pitchers start allowing traffic, the Dodgers tend to make them pay.
Houston Astros
I’m definitely interested in Houston here. Luinder Avila is still trying to establish himself at the major league level, and inexperienced pitchers facing veteran offenses is usually something I want exposure to. The Astros have started swinging the bats much better lately, and this lineup has enough disciplined hitters to force long at-bats and capitalize on mistakes. If Avila gets behind in counts early, this could turn into one of those games where Houston strings together multiple productive innings. Strong tournament stack.
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
Arizona Diamondbacks
I like targeting high-upside offenses in Great American Smallpark. However, in this instance, the hitting for Arizona hasn’t been there at all, averaging under three runs a game over the past two weeks. Nick Lodolo has talent, but he’s also been vulnerable this season, carrying a 5.51 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. When he’s not locating consistently, the damage can pile up quickly, and that’s a dangerous profile against a lineup with as much power and depth as the Diamondbacks can bring. No one will be on them even with this matchup, which means it won’t take much to go over the field here.
San Diego Padres
This is maybe the sneakiest spot of the group. Shane Baz has electric stuff and can certainly miss bats, but he’s also shown plenty of volatility throughout his career, especially when command isn’t sharp, and we’ve seen that this season with his 4.09 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. That volatility is always worth targeting in tournaments against talented offenses, and San Diego has enough impact bats throughout the lineup to capitalize if Baz is off his game. I don’t think they’ll draw nearly as much attention as some of the other offenses on the slate, which makes them even more appealing as a GPP stack in your MME mix.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Sep 23, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) hits a sacrifice fly to score a run during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Gunnar Henderson vs. Griffin Canning: 4-8 with a 3B, HR, and two RBI
Nathaniel Lowe vs. Eduardo Rodriguez: 5-10 with a 2B, 3B, and four RBI
Adley Rutschman vs. Griffin Canning: 4-9 with a 2B
Gleyber Torres vs. Tanner Bibee: 7-18 with two 2B and a BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Mauricio Dubon ($3000 DK / $2900 FD): 1.189 OPS in his last seven games; great in the leadoff spot
Jonah Heim ($2900 DK / $2700 FD): 1.297 OPS in his last seven games
Brandon Valenzuela ($2700 DK / $2700 FD): 1.264 OPS in his last seven games