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
Atlanta Braves
The Braves have been frustrating enough this season that I understand why people may not want to go back to them. I’m still going to be overweight. Miles Mikolas has been awful, and this is one of the cleanest offensive matchups on the slate. Atlanta has too much talent for me to ignore when the pitching matchup lines up this well. If Mikolas starts missing spots, the Braves have enough power to turn one bad inning into a slate-breaking performance. Sometimes you just have to keep betting on the talent, even when the offense keeps making you sweat.
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
New York Yankees
Even with the injuries, I don’t mind sprinkling in some Yankees here. David Peterson has been rough all season, carrying a 5.80 ERA and 1.52 WHIP, and that’s enough for me to take some shots against him. New York obviously isn’t as deep without everyone healthy, so I’m not treating them like an automatic core stack, but there’s still plenty of power in this lineup. If Peterson continues putting runners on base, the Yankees can absolutely make him pay. More of a tournament sprinkle than an all-in spot, but I like the matchup.
Chicago Cubs
Max Fried has been fine, but he hasn’t exactly been untouchable. That’s enough for me to at least consider the Cubs in tournaments. Chicago’s offense is volatile as hell — they can look completely lost one night and then hang eight runs on a good pitcher the next — but that volatility is exactly what creates the GPP appeal. I’m not forcing them into lineups against Fried, but I can see some shares making sense if ownership stays low. The ceiling is always there.
Jun 27, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) hits a home run off a pitch from Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Mike Paredes (53) in the first inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
Colorado Rockies
I’m almost always willing to have at least some Rockies exposure when they’re at home. Coors Field changes everything, and Luinder Avila is the type of average pitcher I’m comfortable attacking in this environment. Colorado is obviously much more dangerous at home, and they don’t need a perfect matchup to put up runs at altitude. I’m not saying they’re a lock, but this is the kind of spot where I want some shares rather than watching a big Rockies game from the sidelines.
Detroit Tigers
Give me a good offense in a hitters’ park against a pitcher with a 6.45 ERA, and I’m going to have interest. Jack Perkins hasn’t been able to keep runs off the board, and Detroit has enough power to take advantage if he continues struggling. This doesn’t need to be complicated. The Tigers have a favorable environment, a weak opposing starter, and plenty of upside. I’ll have some exposure and wouldn’t be surprised if they end up being one of the better stacks on the slate.
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Apr 18, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) dives back into first base against the New York Mets during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yordan Alvarez vs. Jacob deGrom: 5-9 with three HR
Ian Happ vs. Max Fried: 7-11 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Nick Kurtz vs. Framber Valdez: 4-9 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Austin Riley vs. Miles Mikolas: 7-20 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Colt Keith ($3500 DK / $2500 FD): 1.214 OPS in his last seven games
James McCann ($2500 DK / $2500 FD): 13-25 with three HR and 10 RBI in his last seven games (1.147 OPS)
Joc Pederson ($3000 DK / $2900 FD): 1.340 OPS in his last seven games