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
This isn’t quite the slam-dunk Dodgers spot we sometimes get, especially with Michael Wacha pitching better over the past month. Still, I’m not going to get cute and completely fade this offense. The Dodgers have too much talent and too much upside, and it only takes a couple of mistakes for this lineup to turn a decent pitching matchup into a big DFS score. Wacha being in better form makes me a little less aggressive, but I’ll always have some exposure to the Dodgers because of that ceiling.
Jun 27, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero (13) hits a home run during the first inning against Arizona Diamondbacks at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Rays
I really like this spot for Tampa Bay. Mason Barnett has allowed 10 earned runs over his last 12.2 innings across three starts since moving into more of a starter role, and now he gets a Rays offense in a hitters’ park. That’s a pretty appealing combination. Tampa has plenty of ways to score, and if Barnett continues struggling to work deep into games, the Rays could have opportunities against the bullpen as well. This is one of the offenses I’m going to be looking at pretty closely.
Houston Astros
This is one of my favorite leverage spots. Carson Whisenhunt has a 7.25 ERA and has allowed 18 earned runs over his last five starts, including 14 over his last three. That’s ugly. The only thing that could keep ownership down is the fact that Houston is playing in San Francisco, and I actually like that part of it. The field can be hesitant to target offenses there, but runs can still be scored, especially against a pitcher pitching like this. I’m more than happy to be overweight on Houston.
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
Chicago White Sox
Nick Lodolo is making his first start coming off the IL, and that alone makes me interested in taking some shots with Chicago. He’s got a 4.60 ERA on the season, so even if he’s completely healthy, this isn’t exactly a matchup that scares me away. The White Sox obviously aren’t an offense I’m looking to play heavily every slate, but this is the kind of spot where I can see taking a few low-owned shares and hoping Lodolo isn’t quite ready to go deep or isn’t fully sharp.
Kansas City Royals
This is a pretty interesting dart throw. Blake Snell is making his first start since May 9, so I’m not expecting him to suddenly go seven innings and look like peak Snell. But if he’s limited or still building back up, a few innings of him at less than full strength could create opportunities for Kansas City. The Royals aren’t an offense I’m going to force into a ton of lineups, but that’s exactly why I like this as a sprinkle. If Snell is rusty and the Royals get into the bullpen early, there could be some sneaky tournament value here.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Freddie Freeman vs. Michael Wacha: 8-15 with a 2B, HR, three RBI, and five BB
Teoscar Hernandez vs. Michael Wacha: 6-11 with a 2B, two HR, and six RBI
Francisco Lindor vs. Martin Perez: 11-25 with a 2B, 3B, HR, four RBI, and five BB
Kyle Schwarber vs. Andre Pallante: 4-9 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Freddy Fermin ($2600 DK / $2200 FD): seven-game hitting streak (.962 OPS during)
Cam Smith ($3100 DK / $2800 FD): 1.517 OPS in his last seven games
Bryson Stott ($3800 DK / $3000 FD): 1.265 OPS in his last seven games