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
Max Scherzer coming off the IL with a 10.23 ERA? Yeah, you read that right. I’m not sure how much I want to trust a pitcher coming back from injury when the season-long results have been that ugly. The Nationals aren’t usually an offense I go out of my way to stack, but this is a pretty unique matchup, and Scherzer’s name should keep ownership down. If his stuff isn’t sharp right away, Washington has a chance to make this a long night. Definitely a tournament spot for me.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio (11) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game two of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs
Matthew Liberatore has an ERA over 5, and that’s enough to get me interested in this Cubs offense. Chicago can be incredibly volatile — we’ve seen the offense disappear completely at times — but the ceiling is exactly what I’m looking for in tournaments. If Liberatore isn’t locating, the Cubs have enough power to put up a crooked number quickly. I don’t need to force them into every lineup, but I definitely want some exposure.
Milwaukee Brewers
Tyler Mahle has a 5.31 ERA, and I’m not going to let the game being in San Francisco scare me away from the Brewers. Sure, the park could lower ownership a little bit, but I honestly don’t care. This is still a matchup I like, and Milwaukee has enough offensive depth to score runs without needing a bunch of home runs. If Mahle is struggling with command, the Brewers can take advantage. One of my favorite spots on the slate.
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
Arizona Diamondbacks
Mitch Keller is never someone I’m going out of my way to avoid. He’s capable of putting together a good start, but I don’t think the matchup is intimidating enough to keep me away from Arizona. The Diamondbacks have plenty of power and enough depth to make Keller work, and if he starts giving up traffic, this is the type of offense that can turn a decent matchup into a big inning. I like them as a tournament stack.
Cincinnati Reds
I think the Reds could go a little under the radar with some of the other offenses getting more attention. Great American SmallPark is obviously a big part of the appeal, and Slade Cecconi’s 4.60 ERA gives Cincinnati a pitcher they can absolutely attack. The Reds are volatile, but in this park, that volatility is exactly what I want. I could easily see them putting together one of those big offensive games that nobody saw coming. Definitely a tournament stack I’m interested in.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Bo Bichette vs. Martin Perez: 6-12 with two 2B and an RBI
Michael Busch vs. Matthew Liberatore: 3-9 with a 2B and HR
Luis Garcia Jr. vs. Max Scherzer: 6-11 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Otto Lopez vs. Zach Wheeler: 5-14 with two 2B, an RBI, and two BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Francisco Alvarez ($3300 DK / $2600 FD): 1.326 OPS in his last seven games
Hao-Yu Lee ($2400 FD): 11-game hitting streak (1.059 OPS during)
Pedro Ramirez ($3500 DK / $2400 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.081 OPS during)