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
Atlanta Braves
I’m not letting Dustin May or the Braves’ volatility offensively scare me away. The stuff is still really good, but he hasn’t consistently looked like the dominant version of himself, and this Braves lineup is more than capable of making even good pitchers uncomfortable. Atlanta can put pressure on you from the first hitter to the ninth, and once they get into a bullpen, they have a habit of piling on. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they end up being one of the highest-scoring teams on the slate.
Sep 26, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a walk-off RBI double during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Athletics
The A’s have become one of those teams I almost hate leaving out because the upside is always there. Noah Schultz is a legit pitching prospect, so this is definitely not an easy matchup, but Sacramento has been such a good hitting environment that I’m willing to take some chances anyway. Nobody’s going to be excited about stacking against a top prospect, which is exactly why I like it in tournaments. If Schultz is anything less than sharp, this lineup has enough power to make things get weird in a hurry.
Chicago Cubs
This feels like one of those spots that people are going to maybe gloss over because Andrew Abbott has been throwing the ball a lot better lately. Fair enough. But this game is still in Great American Ball Park, and that place has a way of turning a quality start into a four- or five-run outing in a hurry. The Cubs have enough pop throughout the lineup that I’m always interested when they’re playing in this park. I don’t think they’re a must-play by any means, but the upside is definitely there if Abbott is even a little off.
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
Matthew Boyd has actually looked decent since coming off the IL, so this isn’t me necessarily picking on a pitcher who’s completely lost. It’s more about where the game’s being played. Great American Ball Park can make life miserable for any starter, and the Reds have enough power to take advantage if Boyd leaves a couple over the plate. I don’t know that they’ll be one of the first stacks people click on, but I could definitely see them sneaking up with six or seven runs.
Chicago White Sox
Yeah…this is a tournament dart, but it’s a dart that paid off for a lot of us a couple of nights ago, and those are the kinds of spots that can separate you from the field. In JT Ginn we’ve seen enough inconsistency that I’m willing to take a few shots against him, especially with essentially nobody wanting to roster the White Sox. You’re not betting on Chicago suddenly becoming a great offense. You’re betting on Ginn having one of those games where nothing feels comfortable and the White Sox happen to be the team that benefits. That’s good enough for me in MME.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Apr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a three RBI home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Jose Altuve vs. Mackenzie Gore: 4-8 with a HR and three RBI
Josh Jung vs. Cristian Javier: 4-7 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
Austin Riley vs. Dustin May: 3-8 with two HR and four RBI
Dansby Swanson vs. Andrew Abbott: 6-17 with two 2B, two HR, three RBI, and four BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Austin Hedges ($2400 DK / $2500 FD): Seven-game hitting streak (1.137 OPS during)
Tristan Peters ($2800 DK / $2700 FD): 1.582 OPS in his last seven games
Tyler Tolbert ($3300 DK / $2700 FD): 1.320 OPS in his last seven games