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
Chicago Cubs
Yes, please. Merrill Kelly has been awful, carrying a 5.37 ERA on the season, and his last four starts have produced 5, 1, 6, and 6 earned runs allowed. That one good outing doesn’t exactly outweigh the three blowups surrounding it. Now he gets a Cubs offense that always has tournament-winning upside. Chicago can be frustrating, but this is the type of matchup where I’m happy to lean in. I’ll have plenty of Cubs.
Jun 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber (12) at bat against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Phillies
I know Logan Gilbert is a good pitcher, and Seattle isn’t exactly where you go looking for the best hitting environment. That’s exactly why I like Philadelphia as a tournament play. The Phillies have enough offensive firepower to put up a big number against anybody, and good pitching can sometimes create leverage when the field wants to avoid a matchup. I’m not going crazy with exposure, but I’ll absolutely have some Phillies stacks. The upside is just too good to ignore.
San Diego Padres
This is a pure tournament spot for me. Braxton Ashcraft has actually been very good lately, so I’m not looking to go heavy against him. But the Padres still have plenty of offensive talent and the kind of upside that can break a slate if everything clicks. That’s enough for me to want some exposure, especially if Ashcraft’s recent run drives ownership way down. San Diego can absolutely frustrate you, but for a smaller sprinkle in GPPs, I like taking the shot.
Jun 30, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) hits a home run against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Minnesota Twins
Hitters’ park plus a pitcher sitting at 3-11 with a 6.02 ERA? Yeah, I’m interested. Jeffrey Springs has been one of those guys I’ve been happy to attack all season, and the Twins have enough upside to make this a really appealing spot. Minnesota can be a little volatile, but against a pitcher allowing this much damage in a favorable environment, I want exposure. This is one of the better spots on the slate for me.
Athletics
Zebby Matthews and his 5.12 ERA don’t exactly scare me, especially with this game being in a hitters’ park. The Athletics always have plenty of volatility, but the upside is there when the bats get going, and Matthews has been hittable enough to make this matchup worth targeting. I like the A’s as a tournament stack and wouldn’t be surprised if they go a little overlooked compared to some of the bigger-name offenses, and even with all of their injuries, I could see a sprinkle making a bit of sense.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) slides into third base during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Michael Busch vs. Merrill Kelly: 4-8 with a 2B, 3B, HR, five RBI, and two BB
Michael Conforto vs. Merrill Kelly: 5-14 with three 2B, an RBI, and four BB
JT Realmuto vs. Logan Gilbert: 2-6 with a HR
Corey Seager vs. Jose Urquidy: 4-12 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Mickey Gasper ($2900 FD): 1.210 OPS in his last seven games (including three HR and 10 RBI)
Connor Norby ($2600 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.095 OPS during)
Taylor Walls ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 3-8 with a 2B and 3B against Framber Valdez