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
San Diego Padres
Connor Prielipp has a 5.34 ERA, and the recent form is even more concerning. He just gave up eight earned runs to the Phillies and has allowed 14 total earned runs across his last three starts. That’s exactly the kind of trend I’m willing to attack with a Padres lineup that has plenty of power when it gets going. San Diego can be frustrating, sure, but this matchup is too good to ignore. I like the Padres quite a bit here and expect to have a healthy amount of exposure.
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
Houston Astros
JT Ginn has been decent this season, so this isn’t a matchup I’m attacking because the opposing pitcher has been terrible. This is more about the upside Houston brings. The Astros have enough talent throughout the lineup to put up a huge number against almost anybody when the bats get rolling. I don’t need to go crazy here, but I’ll definitely have some shares. If Ginn has one of his off nights, Houston has the kind of ceiling that can break a slate.
Tampa Bay Rays
Trevor Rogers has been solid over the last month, which is why I’m keeping this strictly in the tournament bucket. The matchup isn’t as clean as some of the others on the slate, but Tampa Bay brings enough offensive upside to take some shots. If Rogers’ recent run starts to cool off, the Rays can absolutely take advantage. I don’t expect them to be especially popular, and that makes them a nice GPP option.
Apr 11, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles first baseman Pete Alonso (25) grounds into a force during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have been a little off lately, but I’m still willing to take some shots against Freddy Peralta. A 5.27 ERA is enough to make me interested regardless of Baltimore’s recent form. The O’s still have plenty of power, and a struggling pitcher is exactly the kind of matchup that can get an offense back on track. This isn’t necessarily a core stack for me, but I can’t argue with having some tournament exposure here.
Arizona Diamondbacks
This one could get lost in the shuffle with so many other stacking options on the slate, and that’s part of what I like about it. Nick Lodolo is capable of pitching well, so I’m not treating Arizona as some obvious smash spot, but the Diamondbacks have enough offense to make him work. A low-owned sprinkle is exactly how I’d approach this one. If Lodolo is even a little off, Arizona has enough upside to make being overweight worthwhile.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Rafael Devers (16) hits a solo home run in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Willy Adames vs. Sonny Gray: 6-19 with a 2B, HR, two RBI, and eight BB
Rafael Devers vs. Sonny Gray: 6-21 with a 2B, two HR, eight RBI, and two BB
Yandy Diaz vs. Trevor Rogers: 7-13 with three 2B and two RBI
Brandon Nimmo vs. Reid Detmers: 3-7 with a HR
THREE MLB Value Plays
Kaelan Culpepper ($2600 DK / $2500 FD): seven-game hitting streak (.830 OPS during)
Rafael Flores Jr. ($3200 DK / $2700 FD): 1.610 OPS in his last seven games (10-23 with five HR and 10 RBI)
Randal Grichuk ($3200 DK / $2500 FD): 6-19 with a 2B, 3B, two HR, and two BB against Sean Manaea