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
Washington Nationals
Yeah, this is probably going to be chalk, and I’m not going to fight it. Kyle Freeland has been bad, and now he has to pitch in Colorado, which is about as rough a combination as you can ask for. The Nationals are more often than not an offense people get excited about, but Coors changes the equation completely. If Freeland is struggling to keep the ball off the barrel, Washington has a very real chance to put up a big number. Sometimes the obvious play is just the right play, and I think this is one of those spots.
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
Chicago Cubs
This is a pretty interesting spot for the Cubs. Jack Flaherty is still capable of missing bats, but he’s also had enough inconsistency that I don’t mind taking shots against him when the matchup is right. Chicago has the kind of lineup that can make a pitcher work, and if Flaherty isn’t locating early, the Cubs have enough power to turn a couple of mistakes into a big inning. This is one of my favorite stacks on the slate as I like the upside as a tournament option…especially with the wind blowing out.
Houston Astros
Janson Junk has looked better lately, but I think the recent results need a little context. His last two starts were against Seattle and Toronto, and he allowed just two earned runs total. Before that, though, he faced Washington, Tampa Bay, and Atlanta and gave up 19 earned runs. That’s a pretty significant difference in competition, and now he gets a Houston offense that’s much more capable of making him work than the recent opponents. I’m not going to overreact to the last two starts. I like the Astros quite a bit here.
Apr 6, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) doubles in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Arizona Diamondbacks
This is one of my favorite spots on the slate. Jeffrey Springs has a 6.42 ERA and 1.42 WHIP for the season, and the recent form is even worse: he’s allowed at least six runs in four of his last five starts. Yeah, I’m going to attack that. Arizona has enough power throughout the lineup to make a pitcher pay when things start going sideways, and this feels like one of those spots where the Diamondbacks could put up a crooked number before Springs has a chance to settle in. I’m going to be overweight here even if Corbin Carroll is out.
Milwaukee Brewers
Freddy Peralta has not been a difficult matchup this season, so this is a spot where I don’t mind seeing Milwaukee in a bunch of lineups. The Brewers are one of those offenses that can still be dangerous against decent to good pitching because they don’t need to rely on one specific thing to score. They can string together at-bats, run the bases, and punish mistakes when they get them. Peralta is good enough that I wouldn’t make this a priority stack, but in tournaments, I don’t mind having some exposure to a lineup that can get there in a lot of different ways.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jul 31, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer (4) celebrates with designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) after hitting a home run against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Luis Arraez vs. Michael Wacha: 6-16 with two HR and five RBI
Mauricio Dubon vs. JP Sears: 6-20 with three 2B, a HR, and two RBI
George Springer vs. Nick Martinez: 6-17 with two HR, three RBI, and three BB
Dansby Swanson vs. Jack Flaherty: 6-16 with three 2B, a HR, and four RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Michael Conforto ($3300 DK / $2600 FD): 4-8 with a 2B, HR, and five RBI against Jack Flaherty
Griffin Conine ($3100 DK / $2800 FD): 1.526 OPS in his last seven games
Randal Grichuk ($3200 DK / $2500 FD): 5-13 with two 2B and two HR against Jacob deGrom
