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
Washington Nationals
The Nationals is one of my favorite offenses on the slate. Trevor Rogers has shown flashes at times, but he’s very inconsistent (a 5.30 ERA on the season says it all) and still has trouble pitching deep into games consistently.. Washington has quietly shown plenty of upside this season, and they’ve proven they can put up runs in bunches when things start clicking. I don’t think they’ll draw a ton of ownership, which makes them an appealing stack to me tonight.
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 tough not to have interest in the Dodgers here. Walker Buehler has had an up-and-down season, pitching to a 3.96 ERA and 1.32 WHIP, though he has been better lately, and that’s a profile this lineup is more than capable of taking advantage of. Los Angeles has cooled off a bit from its usual standards, but the upside is still as high as any offense in baseball. If Buehler starts allowing traffic early, the Dodgers have more than enough firepower to put together a crooked number or two. I also like the fact that Buehler is facing his former team in this one.
Minnesota Twins
I’m interested in the Twins here given their very good offense and the fact that Tomoyuki Sugano has generally not pitched well this season. Minnesota has been one of those offenses that can disappear for a night and then score eight or nine runs the next, and that’s exactly the kind of volatility I like targeting in GPPs. Sugano isn’t a huge strikeout pitcher, so if the Twins can string together quality at-bats and get traffic on the bases, they’ve got enough pop to make this matchup interesting. A solid tournament stack in all formats.
Jun 30, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (25) rounds third base to score in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
San Diego Padres
This is one of my favorite leverage spots on the slate. Roki Sasaki has good stuff, but we absolutely haven’t seen that from him this season, but it’s a large slate and I don’t expect a ton of people to stack against him. That’s exactly what makes San Diego interesting in tournaments. The Padres have enough power throughout the lineup to punish mistakes, and if Sasaki’s command is even a little off, they have the upside to separate you from the field. It’s maybe risky, but the leverage is real.
Athletics
The A’s are going to keep making these writeups because the upside just doesn’t go away. Walbert Urena is decent, but I want to attack him regardless. The Athletics have shown all season they can leave the yard in bunches, and if Urena gets behind in counts or has trouble limiting baserunners, this could turn into another big offensive night. One of my favorite tournament stacks on the slate.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Rafael Devers vs. Reynaldo Lopez: 6-15 with a 2B, HR, and four RBI
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Nathan Eovaldi: 12-27 with two 2B, two HR, five RBI, and two BB
Steven Kwan vs. Luis Castillo: 7-17 with a 2B and HR
Juan Soto vs. Zach Wheeler: 15-56 with two 2B, three HR, five RBI, and 17 BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Victor Caratini ($3000 DK / $2500 FD): 1.308 OPS in his last seven games
Caleb Durbin ($2900 DK / $2600 FD): 1.413 OPS in his last seven games
Donnie Walton ($2800 DK / $2800 FD): nine-game hitting streak (1.303 OPS during)