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
Philadelphia Phillies
Dean Kremer has actually looked pretty good since joining the Twins, allowing just two earned runs across his two starts. The problem is the bigger sample still has him sitting at a 5.25 ERA on the season. Now he gets a Phillies offense with plenty of power, and I’m willing to bet on the larger body of work here. Philadelphia has the ability to put up a big number if Kremer’s recent improvement doesn’t stick. I like this as a strong tournament stack.
May 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Boston Red Sox
We know what the Red Sox are capable of when the bats are clicking. I was on them last night when Paul Skenes was pitching as they’d be a great tournament-uspide option, but with him getting his start today pushed back, I’m even more bullish on this offense now. This is the kind of game that they should be able to be effective and get another win in the win column as they head down the stretch. Definitely want some shares.
New York Mets
Jake Irvin has been bad all season, carrying a 5.79 ERA, and the recent results are even uglier. He’s allowed 12 earned runs over his last three starts, going 5/2/5 in those outings. The Mets haven’t exactly been an efficient offense this season, which should keep them from attracting much ownership, but there’s still plenty of talent in this lineup. If Irvin continues pitching like this, New York has a chance to put together a big game at low ownership. This is exactly the type of GPP spot I want to take advantage of.
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
St. Louis Cardinals
Edward Cabrera is making his first start coming off the IL, and I’m interested in seeing what he looks like right away. Before the injury, he had a 5.10 ERA, so it’s not like we’re talking about a pitcher who was dominating before getting hurt. First starts back can be tricky, especially if the pitch count is limited or the command isn’t quite there. The Cardinals aren’t the most exciting offense on the slate, but that’s part of the appeal. I’ll take some lower-owned tournament exposure and hope Cabrera isn’t quite ready to go.
Chicago Cubs
I’m almost always going to consider the Cubs in tournaments because of the offensive ceiling, and facing their biggest rival makes this even more interesting. Hunter Dobbins doesn’t exactly intimidate me, and Chicago has enough power to make him pay if he gives them mistakes. The rivalry angle isn’t something I’m going to overweight, but I do like the possibility of the Cubs coming out aggressive. If the field is hesitant to play them, I’m happy to go over the field and chase that upside.
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; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Alex Bregman vs. Hunter Dobbins: 3-5 with a 2B and HR
Francisco Lindor vs. Jake Irvin: 8-23 with three 2B, two HR, and five RBI
Jose Ramirez vs. Casey Mize: 6-14 with two HR, five RBI, and two BB
Masyn Winn vs. Edward Cabrera: 3-6 with a 2B
THREE MLB Value Plays
Joshua Baez ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): why not?
Ryan McMahon ($2700 DK / $2500 FD): 6-14 with a 2B, two HR, and five RBI against Dylan Cease
Luis Rengifo ($3600 DK / $2500 FD): 6-11 with a 2B and HR against Tanner Bibee