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
Philadelphia Phillies
This is one of my favorite spots on the slate. Cade Cavalli has been passable this season (a 4.06 ERA and 1.46 WHIP), but he’s failed to get into the sixth inning in four starts, and to me all of that’s not a great recipe against a lineup as deep as Philadelphia’s. The Phillies don’t need many opportunities to put together a crooked inning, and if Cavalli starts handing out baserunners, they have the type of offense that can make him pay quickly. Strong tournament stack with one of the higher ceilings on the board.
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
Houston Astros
Houston is firmly on my radar here. Troy Melton is another young pitcher with some upside, but inexperienced arms facing veteran lineups is usually a situation I want exposure to. The Astros have been swinging the bats much better lately, and this lineup still has plenty of hitters capable of changing a game with one swing. If Melton falls behind early or struggles to put hitters away, this could turn into one of the better offensive spots on the slate.
Chicago Cubs
This is more of a tournament spot than a matchup I’m actively looking to pick on, but that’s exactly why I’m interested. Freddy Peralta is one of the better strikeout pitchers in baseball, yet we’ve seen this Cubs offense put up big numbers against quality pitching all season. They can be frustrating at times, but when things click, the power throughout the lineup gives them slate-breaking upside. I don’t expect many people to prioritize them against Peralta, which makes them an appealing leverage stack in GPPs.
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
St. Louis Cardinals
This feels like a sneaky tournament spot. Zac Gallen hasn’t looked like the dominant version of himself for much of the season, and he’s been far more attackable than his name value would suggest. Most people will see the matchup and move on, which is exactly what makes the Cardinals interesting in GPPs. They don’t have the same ceiling as some of the elite offenses on the slate, but they can string together quality at-bats and take advantage if Gallen’s inconsistency shows up again. I like them as a lower-owned secondary stack.
New York Mets
The Mets haven’t been an offense I’ve gone out of my way to target very often this season, but this is a matchup that gets my attention. Matthew Boyd is making his first start in close to two months, and the Mets are getting healthier with Francisco Lindor back in the lineup. Their offense has been inconsistent, which should help keep ownership down, but the path is there if Boyd isn’t locating well. Not a core stack for me, but I can definitely see getting some tournament exposure.
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Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
CJ Abrams vs. Cristopher Sanchez: 6-19 with an RBI
Pete Crow-Armstrong vs. Freddy Peralta: 6-17 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI (also is the hottest hitter in baseball right now)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Mackenzie Gore: 4-8 with a 2B, HR, and four RBI
Trea Turner vs. Cade Cavalli: 3-9 with a 2B and RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Davis Schneider ($2200 DK / $2300 FD): 3-7 with a 2B and HR against Mackenzie Gore
Jorbit Vivas ($2200 DK / $2300 FD): Seven-game hitting streak (1.313 OPS during)
Jacob Young ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 3-9 with three BB against Cristopher Sanchez