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 plenty of pop, and Bailey Ober’s 4.64 ERA doesn’t exactly make me want to avoid them. Ober is capable of having good outings, so there is some risk here, but Atlanta has enough power to punish mistakes. I especially like this as a tournament spot because the Braves can be frustrating enough that the field may not want to keep going back to them. If they get the good version of the offense tonight, the ceiling is definitely there.
Jun 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) walks off the field after a strikeout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers
Tomoyuki Sugano’s 4.43 ERA isn’t terrible, especially considering the environment he’s been pitching in, but now he has to deal with the Dodgers at Coors. That’s a completely different challenge. The altitude raises the ceiling for an offense that’s already capable of putting up crooked numbers, and the Dodgers have enough power that a few mistakes could turn into a huge night. They’re going to be popular, but I’m not fighting it. This is a spot where I’m happy to eat some ownership.
Chicago Cubs
Luis Castillo has a 4.96 ERA, but I’m not going to pretend he’s a bad pitcher. He’s still capable of dominating a lineup when he’s locating, which makes this a little more of a boom-or-bust tournament spot. That said, the Cubs have way too much offensive upside for me to completely ignore them. If Castillo isn’t at his best, Chicago has the power to turn this into a big score quickly. I won’t be as aggressive as I would against a true gas can, but I’ll definitely have some exposure.
Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman against the New York Yankees during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Colorado Rockies
Blake Snell is making his second start back from the IL, so I’m interested in seeing how deep he’s actually able to go. Add in the fact that Colorado is at home in the altitude, and I definitely want some Rockies exposure. This obviously isn’t a matchup where I’m expecting Colorado to be safe, but Coors gives them a ceiling that few other offenses have. If Snell isn’t fully stretched out or isn’t quite sharp yet, the Rockies could take advantage. Tournament play for sure.
Detroit Tigers
Carmen Mlodzinski is only going a couple of innings at a time, but I’m still interested in Detroit. He’s allowed nine runs over his last two appearances covering just five innings, so it’s not like he’s been particularly effective in that role. The Tigers should get a chance to attack multiple arms, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing from a DFS perspective. I like them as a lower-owned tournament stack, especially if the bullpen behind Mlodzinski has to cover a lot of innings.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Sep 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a double in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Lawrence Butler vs. Michael Wacha: 3-7 with a HR and three RBI
Byron Buxton vs. Martin Perez: 4-13 with two 2B, an RBI, and three BB
Nico Hoerner vs. Luis Castillo: 6-11 with a 2B
Shohei Ohtani vs. Tomoyuki Sugano: 5-8 with a 2B and three HR
THREE MLB Value Plays
Jeff McNeil ($3300 DK / $2400 FD) 4-9 with a 2B and two RBI against Michael Wacha
Brett Sullivan ($3300 DK / $2700 FD): 1.223 OPS in his last seven games
Luis Torrens ($2600 DK / $2600 FD): 8-18 with four HR and 10 RBI in his last seven games