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
This is a pretty interesting spot for Chicago because Kyle Harrison’s numbers could scare people away. He’s been legitimately good this season, going 10-3 with a 2.79 ERA, so I understand why the field may not want to go here. But we’re talking about the Cubs in a tournament, and we’ve seen enough from this offense to know the ceiling is always there. The fact that this is the first game of a three-game series between NL Central foes doesn’t hurt, either (and the Cubs need every win they can get if they want to catch Milwaukee for the division). I definitely want some shares and love them as a ceiling play.
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
Brandon Pfaadt has been good for most of the season, but the recent results give me enough reason to take some shots. He’s allowed nine earned runs over his last 12.1 innings after four straight starts without allowing an earned run. And the Phillies have already had plenty of success against him, hitting .317 with a .919 OPS in 107 plate appearances. That’s a pretty strong combination for a tournament stack. Philly has the offensive ceiling to make Pfaadt’s recent regression hurt, and I like having some exposure.
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore is about as boom-or-bust as it gets, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing when we’re talking tournaments. They’re in Colorado, so the altitude immediately raises the ceiling, and Tanner Gordon isn’t exactly a pitcher who makes me want to back away. The Orioles have enough power to take advantage if Gordon gives them some mistakes. I wouldn’t call this a safe stack by any means, but the combination of the environment and Baltimore’s upside makes this a spot where I want some exposure.
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
Arizona Diamondbacks
Aaron Nola has been better lately, allowing just nine earned runs over his last five starts, so this isn’t exactly a matchup where I’m expecting Arizona to smash automatically. But his season ERA is still 5.03, and that’s enough to keep the Diamondbacks in play. They have plenty of offensive upside, and I like the idea of getting some shares while Nola’s recent improvement may make people less interested in attacking him. Not a core stack for me, but definitely a tournament option.
Colorado Rockies
I’m always going to at least take a look at the Rockies at home, and Kyle Bradish doesn’t give me much reason to stop. He’s got a 4.03 ERA this season, and that number rises about half a run higher on the road. Now he has to deal with the altitude, which only adds to the potential upside for Colorado. Bradish isn’t someone who intimidates me anyway, and Coors can turn an otherwise mediocre matchup into a very interesting tournament spot. The Rockies are definitely on my GPP radar.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 25, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Brewers designated hitter Christian Yelich (22) rounds third base en route to scoring during the third inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Luis Arraez vs. Brandon Pfaadt: 13-24 with two 2B, a 3B, HR, and three RBI
Dillon Dingler vs. Taj Bradley: 3-5 with a 2B and HR
Lars Nootbaar vs. Aaron Nola: 4-9 with a 2B, HR, and three BB
Christian Yelich vs. Clay Holmes: 3-7 with two 2B, two RBI, and three BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Hector Rodriguez ($2700 FD): 1.303 OPS in his last seven games
Edmundo Sosa ($2800 DK / $2600 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.393 OPS during)
Tyrone Taylor ($3200 DK /$2700 FD): 1.322 OPS in his last seven games