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
I don’t mind going right back to Atlanta here. Sean Manaea has had stretches where he’s looked sharp, but he’s also been vulnerable when traffic starts building and hitters force him into deeper counts. The Braves haven’t consistently played to their ceiling this year, which may keep ownership lighter than it should be, but this is still one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball when things get rolling. Strong tournament stack with plenty of upside.
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
It’s hard not to like the Dodgers in this matchup. Sean Burke has been decent this season (a 3.88 ERA and 1.18 WHIP), but as always, Los Angeles doesn’t need much help to put together crooked numbers, and when pitchers start allowing traffic, the Dodgers are usually quick to capitalize. I think they’ll be one of the more popular offenses on the slate as the upside is obvious, but they could come in a little lower owned than maybe at first glance, which makes me like them more. Either way, still a solid spot.
Seattle Mariners
This is one of the more interesting tournament spots on the slate. Cade Cavalli has plenty of talent, but he’s still trying to establish himself at the major league level and has shown some command issues when innings start to get away from him. Seattle’s offense has been inconsistent this season, which should help keep ownership in check, but the power upside is still very real throughout the lineup. If Cavalli starts handing out free passes, this is the type of offense that can turn a couple baserunners into a big inning quickly.
Apr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Washington Nationals
This is definitely more of a tournament-only play, but I think it’s worth mentioning. Luis Castillo is a quality arm and not someone I’m looking to attack heavily, but he’s been just awful for most of the season, and the Nationals have shown that they can manufacture runs and create pressure when they’re getting on base (they’ve scored the second most runs in the league this year). The matchup should keep ownership low, which is always worth considering in large-field tournaments. I won’t have a ton of exposure, but I can see mixing them into some MME builds as a leverage stack.
San Diego Padres
The matchup alone puts San Diego on my radar even with the struggles the Padres offense has had this season. Trey Gibson is still trying to find his footing at the major league level, and young pitchers facing veteran lineups is usually a situation I want exposure to. The Padres still have bring plenty of power and run-producing ability throughout the order, and if Gibson falls behind in counts early, this could turn into one of the better offensive spots on the slate. They’ll go unowned as well, which creates leverage that I like.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 7, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a triple in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Dillon Dingler vs. Joey Cantillo: 3-7 with two 2B and a HR
Jose Ramirez vs. Tarik Skubal: 12-32 with three 2B, a 3B, RBI, and two BB
Austin Riley vs. Sean Manaea: 3-4 with a HR
Juan Soto vs. Martin Perez: 3-8 with a HR and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Tyler Callihan ($2200 DK / $2600 FD): 1.402 OPS in his last five games
Jhonny Pereda ($3100 DK / $2400 FD): nine-game hitting streak (.837 OPS during)
Wenceel Perez ($2900 DK / $2500 FD): 1.178 OPS in his last seven games