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
Tampa Bay Rays
This is probably going to be chalk, and I’m perfectly happy to eat it. Max Scherzer has a 6.59 ERA this season, which is not a number I’m going to ignore just because of the name on the back of his jersey. Tampa Bay has plenty of offensive upside, and if Scherzer continues struggling, this could get ugly in a hurry. Sometimes we overthink these spots because of reputation. Right now, the results say attack, and that’s exactly what I’ll do.
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
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is not the spot to get cute, in my opinion. The Dodgers have absolutely mashed Kyle Freeland, hitting .306 with a .890 OPS in 266 plate appearances against him, and Freeland is carrying a 6.27 ERA this season. That’s a massive sample of success against a pitcher who has been very hittable anyway. Los Angeles will be popular, but sometimes the obvious play is obvious for a reason. I’m happy to eat the ownership and let other people get too clever.
Cincinnati Reds
Great American SmallPark plus Matthew Liberatore is a combination I’m always going to have interest in. Liberatore has a 5.07 ERA, and this is one of the better environments in baseball for hitters. Cincinnati can be volatile, but that power upside plays extremely well in this park. If Liberatore starts giving up hard contact, the Reds have a real chance to put up a crooked number. Strong tournament option.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) follows through on a two-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2.
Athletics
The injuries may keep some people away from the Athletics, which makes them at least somewhat interesting in tournaments. They’re still at home in a hitters’ park, and Seth Lugo isn’t a pitcher I feel the need to completely avoid. I’m not calling this a core stack, especially with the lineup shorthanded, but a sprinkle makes sense. Oakland still has enough upside to make things interesting if Lugo is off, and the lower ownership could be worth chasing.
New York Yankees
Chris Bassitt has a 5.11 ERA and 1.62 WHIP, which is a pretty ugly combination when you’re facing the Yankees. New York has also hit him reasonably well, posting a .775 OPS in 114 plate appearances. Even with the injury concerns, there is still plenty of power in this lineup, and Bassitt has been allowing a ton of traffic. If the Yankees get runners on early, they have the bats to turn this into a big night. I like having some exposure 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. Kyle Freeland: 11-44 with four 2B, three RBI, and three BB
Zack Gelof vs. Seth Lugo: 4-9 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Chris Bassitt: 4-9 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Shohei Ohtani vs. Kyle Freeland: 9-16 with a 2B, three HR, and nine RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Andres Gimenez ($3100 DK / $2700 FD): 3-7 with a HR and four RBI against Drew Rasmussen
Michael Massey ($3700 DK / $2600 FD): 1.140 OPS in his last seven games
Taylor Walls ($3300 DK / $2600 FD): nine-game hitting streak (.860 OPS during)