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
Tampa Bay Rays
This is one of those spots where I’m probably going to be heavier than the field. Seth Lugo has had some bumps along the way this season (a 4.18 ERA), he’s still capable of putting together quality outings against anybody. That said, Tampa Bay is exactly the type of offense that can make things uncomfortable by grinding out at-bats and forcing pitchers to work. I like the spot and I don’t hate taking a few tournament shots either.
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers in Sacramento against a young pitcher is about as appealing a DFS recipe as you’ll find. JT Ginn has had trouble keeping innings under control when traffic starts building, and that’s not exactly what you want against a lineup this deep. Los Angeles hasn’t been quite as relentless offensively as we’re used to seeing, but the ceiling is still obvious every night they take the field. Add in the hitter-friendly environment in Sacramento, and this is one of my favorite spots on the slate.
Minnesota Twins
This feels like a great tournament spot and one that would work in SE as well. Tatsuya Imai has not looked good all season, posting a 5.38 ERA with many ugly outings along the way. Still, Minnesota has enough power throughout the lineup that I’m always willing to take some shots when I think ownership will be modest. Close to a core stack for me and definitely one I’ll have in the player pool.
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
Milwaukee Brewers
I’m pretty interested in Milwaukee here, especially because they’ve let people down a few times over the last week or so. Andrew Abbott has had stretches where he’s looked really good, but he’s also shown that when command slips even a little bit, things can unravel quickly. The Brewers have power and speed to put pressure on pitchers in a lot of different ways. I don’t think they’ll be one of the chalkier offenses on the slate, which only adds to the appeal for me.
Athletics
This is exactly the type of spot that I love. The Athletics have shown all year that they can hit anybody when the power starts showing up, and the game being in Sacramento helps. Charlie Barnes is not someone I care to shy away from, either. It’s a spot that will be popular, but I don’t mind at all.
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Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) hits a home run off a pitch from Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Paredes (53) in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Junior Caminero vs. Seth Lugo: 3-6 with two HR and three RBI
Jackson Chourio vs. Andrew Abbott: 3-7 with two HR and three RBI
Hunter Goodman vs. Max Meyer: 4-6 with two HR and three RBI
Brandon Lowe vs. Zach Wheeler: 5-18 with two 2B, a 3B, HR, two RBI, and two BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Sal Frelick ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 1.217 OPS in his last seven games
Cedric Mullins ($3200 DK / $2700 FD): 5-11 with a 2B and HR against Seth Lugo
Esmerlyn Valdez ($2300 FD): 1.926 OPS in his last seven games (12-21 with three 2B, four HR, and seven RBI)