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
The A’s are always one of my favorite tournament offenses because of the power they bring, and I’ll have interest again here. Jared Jones has electric stuff and can certainly miss bats, but he’s also the type of pitcher who can get himself into trouble when command starts wavering. The Athletics don’t need a ton of opportunities to put runs on the board, especially in their home park, which has played much friendlier to hitters than many expected (and we’ve seen offense put up both in Vegas and in Sacramento). I definitely want some exposure.
Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman against the New York Yankees during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs
This is one of my favorite spots on the board. Michael Lorenzen has had a rough season, pitching to a 7.54 ERA and 1.90 WHIP, and those are exactly the kinds of numbers I’m looking to attack. The Cubs have plenty of power throughout the lineup and don’t need much help to put together a big inning. If Lorenzen continues having issues keeping runners off base, Chicago has the upside to be one of the highest-scoring offenses of the night.
Tampa Bay Rays
This is one of the more interesting spots on the slate. Eric Lauer has had a nice season overall, but he’s still carrying a 5.47 ERA and has shown some vulnerability when lineups are able to force him into deeper counts. Tampa Bay can be frustrating because they rarely garner much ownership, but they continue to find ways to manufacture offense and put pressure on opposing pitchers. I like them as a tournament option if you’re looking to get away from some of the chalkier stacks.
Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) hits a double in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Pirates
I don’t mind taking some shots on Pittsburgh here. JT Ginn has flashed some upside, but consistency has been a challenge, and he’s allowed plenty of hard contact when he’s fallen behind hitters. The Pirates aren’t an offense I trust every night, but they do have enough pop to take advantage if Ginn struggles with command. This feels like a solid secondary tournament stack that could come in lower-owned than some of the more obvious spots, though the environment should be conducive to offense.
Los Ángeles Angels
Deeper tournament play here. The Angels are rarely a team I want to build around, but this matchup is interesting enough to get my attention as Ryne Nelson has struggled for much of the season, carrying a 5.19 ERA. The Angels have actually shown more upside against right-handed pitching than many people realize, and this feels like a spot where they could put together a few productive innings if Nelson’s command slips. Tournament-only play, but one that’s firmly on my radar.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Apr 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) dives back into first base against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Ian Happ vs. Michael Lorenzen: 3-12 with a 2B, two HR, five RBI, and three BB
Max Muncy vs. Nick Martinez: 2-5 with a HR, two RBI, and four BB
Andy Pages vs. Nick Martinez: 3-7 with a 2B
Fernando Tatis Jr. vs. Dustin May: 7-26 with a 2B, HR, four RBI, and three BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Jose Fermin ($2800 DK / $2400 FD): eight-game hitting streak (.873 OPS during)
Austin Slater ($2800 DK / $2400 FD): 6-14 with a HR against Eric Lauer
Brett Sullivan ($2600 DK / $2300 FD): 6-14 with three HR and six RBI in his last seven games