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
Cleveland Guardians
This is a pretty straightforward spot. Gabriel Hughes is 0-4 with a 6.69 ERA, and now the game is in Colorado. Cleveland will probably be popular, but I’m not going to shy away from the chalk just because other people see the same thing. Coors Field raises the ceiling, and Hughes has done very little to suggest he can keep an offense off the board. The Guardians aren’t the flashiest lineup, but this matchup and environment are too good to ignore. I’ll have exposure.
May 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) runs after hitting a single during the third inning Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Houston Astros
Jacob Lopez has a 5.22 ERA, and that’s enough for me to have interest in the Astros. Houston has the kind of offense that can put up a big number without needing the opposing pitcher to completely implode, so when the matchup gives them a little extra room for error, I’m happy to take some shares. Lopez isn’t someone who scares me off this lineup, and if Houston gets things rolling early, the ceiling is absolutely there.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Jared Jones is the definition of volatile right now. He just threw five innings of one-run ball against Boston, but the start before that he gave up eight runs in three innings against the Mets. So…which version are we getting? I have no idea. 😂 What I do know is that the Dodgers are the Dodgers, and when a pitcher carries that kind of volatility, I’m always interested in taking shots against him. Jones could absolutely pitch well again, but if the bad version shows up, Los Angeles has more than enough firepower to bury the slate.
Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs
Kade Anderson is a big-time prospect making his major-league debut, and that’s exactly what makes this interesting from a tournament perspective. The talent is obviously there, but first starts can be unpredictable. Maybe he looks completely composed and dominates. Maybe the nerves show up, the command isn’t there, and the Cubs get to him early. I’m not going overboard because prospect debuts can go either way, but Chicago is always one of my favorite upside offenses for GPPs. A sprinkle absolutely makes sense if you think the moment gets to Anderson.
New York Mets
I like the Mets here. Luis Castillo has a 4.99 ERA on the season, and New York has had plenty of success against him, hitting .305 with an .817 OPS in 85 plate appearances. That’s a pretty solid combination of a hittable season-long profile and matchup history. The Mets haven’t always been the most trustworthy offense, which could keep ownership in check, but there are enough capable bats here to do some damage if Castillo is off. I’ll definitely have some tournament exposure.
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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
Pete Alonso vs. Shane McClanahan: 3-10 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
Byron Buxton vs. Shane Mize: 8-23 with three 2B, two HR, and four RBI
Francisco Lindor vs. Luis Castillo: 8-15 with three 2B, two HR, and five RBI
Zach Neto vs. Cody Bradford: 5-9 with a 2B and RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Rafael Flores ($3000 DK / $2800 FD): 1.235 OPS in his last seven games
Taylor Walls ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 10-game hitting streak (.868 OPS during)
Weston Wilson ($2200 DK / $2300 FD): 4-10 with two 2B against David Peterson