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
Chicago Cubs
I don’t mind taking a few shots on the Cubs here at all. Zebby Matthews is still trying to find his footing at the major league level, and young pitchers can get into trouble quickly when they start falling behind hitters. The Cubs have enough power throughout the lineup to make a few mistakes hurt, and this feels like the kind of spot where one bad inning could completely change the game. Close enough to a core stack for me as I like the upside if Matthews doesn’t have his best command.
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
This is one of those spots where I’m willing to go right back to Houston. Kyle Bradish has the talent to be a very good pitcher, but he’s been far too inconsistent this season, and the bad innings have been really bad. The Astros still have a lineup with enough power and patience to punish a pitcher who isn’t locating. I don’t think this is a must-play stack for me, but I like the tournament upside quite a bit and wouldn’t be mad going overweight.
Cincinnati Reds
Yeah, I’m going to have some Cincinnati here. Ryan Feltner simply hasn’t been good enough this season, and now he has to pitch in Colorado against an offense that has enough power to take advantage of even small mistakes. Great American Ball Park is one thing; Coors Field is another entirely. The Reds are volatile, but this is exactly the type of environment where I want to chase that volatility. If Feltner starts putting runners on base, this game could get ugly in a hurry.
Jun 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
San Diego Padres
This is one of the more interesting spots on the slate. Noah Cameron has shown some ability, but he’s still a young pitcher trying to navigate major league lineups, and the Padres are a pretty tough group to work through when they’re locked in. San Diego has enough power to punish mistakes, and I like the chances of them making Cameron work early. I don’t know that they’ll be the highest-owned offense, but I definitely see enough upside here to make them a strong tournament stack.
Kansas City Royals
I’m not sure how much interest the field will have in Kansas City here, which is probably exactly why I do. German Márquez is a name people are familiar with…because he’s just been so bad everywhere he’s been. The Royals aren’t an offense I’m going to force into every lineup, but I don’t mind some MME exposure at all.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) hits a double in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Jake Burger vs. Grant Holmes: 3-5 with two HR and three RBI
Elly de la Cruz vs. Ryan Feltner: 2-5 with a 2B and RBI
Yandy Diaz vs. Sonny Gray: 5-8 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Taylor Ward vs. Hunter Brown: 3-10 with a 2B and four BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Steven Kwan ($2600 DK / $2600 FD): 1.183 OPS in his last seven games
Tyler Tolbert ($3500 DK / $2700 FD): 1.500 OPS in his last seven games
Jose Trevino ($2800 FD): 1.269 OPS in his last seven games
