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
Atlanta Braves
Atlanta always has the ceiling to make things interesting, and Tyler Glasnow making his first start since May 6 gives me another reason to take some shots. That’s a very lengthy layoff, and we have no idea exactly how sharp he’ll be or how deep he’ll be allowed to pitch. The Braves can obviously be frustrating, but this is the kind of situation where I don’t mind betting on their upside. I won’t need to go all-in, but some exposure makes plenty of sense.
Mar 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs to first on a single against the Athletics in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs
Brandon Pfaadt has been very good lately, but I’m still interested in the Cubs. He just allowed five earned runs in his last start after four straight starts without allowing an earned run, which is a good reminder that he’s still gettable. Chicago’s offense is always worth considering in tournaments because the ceiling is so high. This isn’t a matchup I’m forcing, but if Pfaadt’s recent blowup carries over, the Cubs can absolutely make him pay.
San Diego Padres
This is definitely risky, but that’s why it’s a tournament play. Paul Skenes hasn’t really looked like the dominant version of Skenes we’ve come to expect this season, and the Padres are talented enough to take advantage if he’s anything less than his best. Most people aren’t going to want to stack against him, so the leverage could be significant. I wouldn’t go crazy here, but a good offense like San Diego is worth considering for some MME exposure against a pitcher who has been more vulnerable than usual.
May 3, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits an RBI triple during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals
Max Scherzer’s name still carries plenty of weight, but a 7.40 ERA is a 7.40 ERA. Kansas City isn’t the sexiest offense on the slate, and that’s exactly why I think they have some tournament appeal here. You don’t need to go heavy, but the upside is there if Scherzer’s struggles continue. I’ll take a sprinkle against a pitcher who has been nowhere close to the version of himself we’re used to seeing.
Minnesota Twins
Gage Jump has some strikeout upside, so there is definitely some risk here, but he’s also allowed 16 earned runs over his last 19 innings. That’s the part that interests me, especially with this game being in a hitters’ park. If Jump’s command is off, the Twins have enough capable bats to take advantage. I like Minnesota as a tournament option with plenty of upside, even if the floor isn’t especially safe.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Matt McLain vs. Adrian Houser: 4-6 with two 2B
Salvador Perez vs. Max Scherzer: 13-35 with two 2B, four HR, and nine RBI
Miguel Vargas vs. Jacob deGrom: 3-6 with two 2B and an RBI
Daulton Varsho vs. Will Warren: 4-5 with two HR and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Alejandro Kirk ($3200 DK / $2700 FD): 12-game hitting streak (1.108 OPS during)
Tyler Stephenson ($3400 DK / $2700 FD): 4-12 with two 2B, a HR, six RBI, and two BB vs. Adrian Houser
Luis Torrens ($2500 DK / $2600 FD): 1.368 OPS in his last seven games (including hitting 6-18 with four HR and six RBI)