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 the cleaner spots on the slate for me. Sean Manaea has had plenty of good moments in his career, but this is a matchup where I feel pretty comfortable going right back to the Phillies. Philadelphia has too much depth and too much power for me to worry about one or two hitters having a bad night. If Manaea isn’t sharp early, this lineup can turn a couple of baserunners into a crooked inning very quickly. I like the Phillies quite a bit here and expect them to be one of my higher-exposure offenses.
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
Trevor Rogers has looked better lately, so I’m not necessarily going to pretend this is some automatic smash spot, but he’s still carrying a 4.48 ERA for the season, and I don’t mind taking some shots on Houston in tournaments because of that. The Astros haven’t been the most consistent offense in baseball, but the talent is still there, and they can absolutely punish a pitcher who starts missing over the plate. This is more of a “get some exposure and hope Rogers looks like the earlier version of himself” spot for me, but I definitely ike the upside.
Atlanta Braves
I’m definitely interested in Atlanta here. Mackenzie Gore has been good enough to miss bats, but the 4.63 ERA tells you he’s also been very hittable at times, and this Braves lineup has enough talent to make him pay when he falls behind. There’s also a chance Ronald Acuña Jr. returns this weekend, which would obviously give the entire offense another gear. Even without him, I like the Braves as a tournament stack; if he does make it back, the upside gets even more interesting.
Apr 11, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) grounds into a force during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Baltimore Orioles
This is maybe my favorite tournament spot on the slate. Spencer Arrighetti has been absolutely brutal over the last month, allowing at least four earned runs in four of his last five starts, and that includes one outing where he gave up six earned runs and two separate starts where he allowed eight. Yeah…I’m going to attack that. Baltimore’s offense has been inconsistent, but this is exactly the kind of matchup where I want to give them another chance. If Arrighetti is still pitching like he has been lately, the Orioles could put up a huge number. One of my favorite stacks of the night.
Kansas City Royals
This is exactly the kind of MME spot I don’t mind taking a few swings on. Kansas City isn’t an offense people typically go out of their way to roster, and I understand why. But Griffin Canning has been a disaster this season, with a 6.47 ERA, a 1.60 WHIP, and a 1-7 record. That’s a pretty ugly combination, and at some point you have to stop respecting the name and start attacking the results. I’m not going to suddenly make the Royals a core stack, but against a pitcher who’s been this bad, I have no problem getting some exposure and hoping Kansas City is the offense that finally takes advantage.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
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
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Ozzie Albies vs. Mackenzie Gore: 6-17 with two 2B, a HR, and two RBI
Michael Harris II vs. Mackenzie Gore: 4-15 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Bryce Harper vs. Sean Manaea: 7-21 with two 2B, a HR, and two RBI
Juan Soto vs. Jesus Luzardo: 7-21 with a 2B, HR, five RBI, and seven BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Tim Tawa ($2500 DK / $2500 FD): 1.275 OPS in his last seven games
Tyler Tolbert ($3300 DK / $2700 FD): 1.500 OPS in his last seven games
Masataki Yoshida ($2900 DK / $2700 FD): 1.159 OPS in his last seven games
