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
Houston Astros
Houston is getting healthier, they’re playing better, and this matchup lines up nicely. Kumar Rocker has the raw talent to be dangerous, but he’s also been inconsistent enough that I’m comfortable attacking him with an offense that’s starting to look more complete. The Astros can make pitchers work, and if Rocker starts falling behind or losing command, they have enough quality throughout the lineup to make him pay. This is a spot where I’m happy being over the field.
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.
New York Yankees
The Yankees’ injury situation could keep ownership down again, and I don’t mind taking advantage. Colin Rea has a 4.67 ERA, and even without some of the bigger names, New York still has enough power to punish mistakes. This is similar to the spot the other day: the missing bats make the lineup less intimidating, but they may also create a nice leverage opportunity. I’m not going all-in, but I’ll definitely have some Yankees shares if the field stays away.
Cincinnati Reds
Great American SmallPark is always going to get my attention, and Mitch Keller certainly isn’t a pitcher who scares me away. He’s carrying a 4.83 ERA this season, and that’s enough for me to want some Reds exposure in this environment. Cincinnati can be wildly inconsistent, but the power upside is always there, especially at home. A couple of Keller mistakes can turn into a crooked inning pretty quickly in this park, so I like the Reds as a tournament stack with plenty of ceiling.
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
St. Louis Cardinals
How do you not take at least a few shots against a pitcher with a 9.49 ERA and 1.82 WHIP? Yep, you read those numbers correctly. Max Scherzer’s name may still carry some weight, but the results have been brutal, and now he gets a Cardinals lineup that can put together quality at-bats when things are clicking. I’m not necessarily making St. Louis my highest-exposure stack, but I absolutely want some shares. If Scherzer’s struggles continue, this could turn into one of the better spots on the slate.
Cleveland Guardians
This could be one of those under-the-radar spots that nobody really wants to click. Cleveland’s offense isn’t the sexiest and Merrill Kelly isn’t a complete disaster, but a 4.86 ERA tells me he’s absolutely gettable. The Guardians don’t need to hit four home runs to score runs, either. They can put the ball in play, create pressure, and make a pitcher work. If the field overlooks them because they lack the big-name bats, I’m happy to take some tournament exposure.
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; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yordan Alvarez vs. Kumar Rocker: 3-4 with a 2B, two HR, and four RBI
Andrew Benintendi vs. Griffin Jax: 5-14 with a HR and three RBI
Francisco Lindor vs. Sandy Alcantara: 10-33 with two 2B, two HR, nine RBI, and four BB
Dansby Swanson vs. Gerrit Cole: 4-11 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Nick Fortes ($2400 DK / $2400 FD): 1.190 OPS in his last seven games
Spencer Jones ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 6-17 with three HR and six RBI in his last seven games (1.303 OPS)
James McCann ($2400 DK / $2500 FD): eight-game hitting streak (1.478 OPS during)