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
Los Angeles Dodgers
Luis Castillo is good enough talent-wise to maybe make this uncomfortable, but he’s not been terribly effective this season, and I’m never going to completely write off the Dodgers regardless of pitching matchup. This lineup is too deep, and they can punish one bad inning better than almost anybody. If Castillo is even a little off, Los Angeles has the patience and power to turn a few baserunners into a crooked number. I don’t expect them to be a priority for most people with other spots available, and that makes the leverage interesting in tournaments.
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
I’m going right back to the Padres against Michael Lorenzen. He’s had some rough outings this season (a 6.53 ERA is about all you need to know) and the Padres have enough quality hitters to make him pay if the command starts slipping. This isn’t necessarily a spot where I expect them to be sneaky, but I don’t need them to be. San Diego has shown it can score in bunches and Lorenzen is the kind of pitcher I’m comfortable attacking when the matchup lines up. One of the stronger offenses on the slate for me.
Boston Red Sox
Gage Jump has some talent, but this is still a young pitcher getting a tough assignment against a Red Sox lineup that can do plenty of damage when it gets rolling. Boston isn’t always the easiest offense to trust, but the power upside is there, and I don’t mind attacking a young arm before he gets fully comfortable at the major league level. If Jump starts falling behind hitters or has trouble getting through the order a second time, the Red Sox could put together a big inning in a hurry. I like them as a tournament stack.
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
Reid Detmers has always had the strikeout stuff to make this a risky matchup, but the inconsistency is still there. When he’s locating, he can be a problem; when he’s not, the walks and hard contact can pile up quickly. Houston has enough veteran hitters to make him work and take advantage if the command disappears. I don’t know that the Astros will be a popular stack, but I like the ceiling and wouldn’t mind being a little overweight in tournaments.
Minnesota Twins
Seth Lugo is a decent pitcher, so this isn’t a matchup I’m looking to force. But the Twins have been one of those offenses that can make even strong pitchers look ordinary when the power starts showing up. Minnesota is volatile enough that the field may not want much to do with them, but to me, this creates some tournament appeal. I wouldn’t make them a core stack, but I like taking a few shots because the upside is still very real.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 30, 2022; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Xander Bogaerts vs. Michael Lorenzen: 6-6 with an RBI
Francisco Lindor vs. Chris Sale: 16-41 with two 2B, two HR, and eight RBI
Shohei Ohtani vs. Luis Castillo: 4-11 with two 2B, a HR, two RBI, and two BB
Marcus Semien vs. Chris Sale: 6-18 with three HR, four RBI, and two BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Andruw Monasterio ($3000 DK / $2500 FD): nine-game hitting streak (1.440 OPS during)
Cooper Pratt ($3200 DK / $2900 FD): 1.255 OPS in his last seven games
Luis Rengifo ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 4-11 with two HR against Michael Lorenzen