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
Houston Astros
This one has some appeal for sure. Kumar Rocker still has the pedigree, but the major league results have been all over the place, and we’ve seen command issues lead to some ugly innings. Houston isn’t the offensive juggernaut they’ve been in years past, but this is still a veteran lineup that doesn’t give away many at-bats. If Rocker starts handing out free baserunners, I like the Astros’ chances of making him pay. I think they’ll be one of the chalkier stacks, but I plan on being overweight.
May 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) runs after hitting a single during the third inning Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Ángeles Dodgers
I’m never going to complain about getting the Dodgers against a pitcher who’s capable of beating himself. Brandon Pfaadt has shown flashes throughout his career, but he’s also had plenty of outings where the command disappears for an inning and everything snowballs from there. That’s a dangerous recipe against this lineup. The Dodgers don’t need many mistakes to hang a crooked number, and if Pfaadt falls behind hitters early, I could see this turning into one of the higher-scoring games on the slate. They’re firmly in my player pool once again.
Chicago Cubs
This isn’t the easiest matchup on paper, but I like it more than I think most people will. Nick Lodolo has good stuff, but he’s also been vulnerable when the command isn’t sharp, and pitching in Great American Ball Park doesn’t exactly give him much room for error. The Cubs have been one of the more volatile offenses in baseball this season, which is exactly what I’m looking for in tournaments. They can disappear for a night, but they can also hit four home runs and break a slate. I like the upside here.
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
Cincinnati Reds
I’m pretty interested in Cincinnati here. Javier Assad is a perfectly capable major league starter, so this isn’t a matchup I’m attacking because I think the pitcher is bad (though to be fair he’s far from elite). It’s more about the environment. Great American Ball Park has a way of turning routine fly balls into souvenirs, and that’s always something I want exposure to in DFS. The Reds have enough power throughout the lineup to take advantage of the park, and even if Assad pitches reasonably well, this game still has plenty of upside. I like them as a strong secondary stack with the potential for a lot more.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves have been heating up lately, and this feels like another spot where they can keep it rolling. Matthew Liberatore has been inconsistent all season, and he’s the type of pitcher I don’t mind targeting because contact tends to pile up once hitters get comfortable. Atlanta still has one of the deeper lineups in baseball, and if Liberatore can’t get ahead in counts, this offense has more than enough firepower to make him work. One of the stronger stacks on the board for me.
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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
Mookie Betts vs. Brandon Pfaadt: 10-24 with a 2B, two HR, three RBI, and two BB
Freddie Freeman vs. Brandon Pfaadt: 8-24 with three 2B, a HR, four RBI, and two BB
Ian Happ vs. Nick Lodolo: 8-23 with five 2B, a HR, and four RBI
Seiya Suzuki vs. Nick Lodolo: 5-15 with three 2B, three RBI, and 10 BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Justin Foscue ($3500 DK / $2700 FD): 1.235 OPS in his last seven games
Lane Thomas ($3500 DK / $2600 FD): 1.203 OPS in his last seven games
Jose Trevino ($2600 DK / $2400 FD): 1.087 OPS in his last seven games