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
The Braves have handled Eury Pérez well, and that gets my attention before we even factor in where Atlanta is in the playoff race. They’re moving toward another postseason run, and this offense has enough talent to break a slate whenever it gets rolling. Pérez has plenty of upside, so there’s risk here, but Atlanta knows him and has had success against him. I like the Braves as a strong tournament stack and wouldn’t be surprised if they put up a big number.
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
San Diego Padres
San Diego is pushing its chips in for a postseason run, and this looks like a spot where the offense can take advantage. Mitch Bratt has a 5.23 ERA, and that’s enough for me to want some Padres exposure. San Diego has been inconsistent at times, but the lineup has enough power to make a struggling pitcher pay quickly. I don’t know that they’ll be the chalkiest stack on the slate, which makes the tournament appeal even better. I like the Padres quite a bit here.
Boston Red Sox
Boston has been the best team in baseball over the last month, and I’m not looking to step in front of that momentum. Sean Burke has been good with a 3.04 ERA, so this isn’t a matchup I’m targeting because the pitcher is struggling. It’s simply a case of riding the hottest offense in baseball and trusting that the lineup can continue doing what it’s been doing. The Red Sox may not be sneaky, but I’m completely fine with some exposure. Sometimes the hottest team is just worth playing.
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
Dean Kremer may have a new home in Minnesota, but a change of scenery doesn’t automatically erase a 6.50 ERA. Kansas City isn’t usually an offense I’m rushing to stack, which is why I like this more as a tournament sprinkle than a core play. If Kremer’s struggles follow him into his new situation, the Royals have enough capable bats to take advantage, and the lower ownership only adds to the appeal. I don’t need a ton here, but I’ll have some shares.
Detroit Tigers
Bryan Woo’s 4.56 ERA makes this matchup more interesting than it might look at first glance. Detroit sold off some pieces, so the lineup isn’t quite as intimidating as it was earlier in the year, but there’s still enough talent left to put up runs if Woo isn’t sharp. This is probably more of a deep GPP play than something I’m prioritizing, but I don’t mind taking a few shots. The Tigers should be low-owned, and the matchup isn’t nearly scary enough to completely write them off.
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May 30, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. Eury Perez: 3-6 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Andrew Benintendi vs. Sonny Gray: 11-29 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
Drake Baldwin vs. Eury Perez: 3-6 with two HR, four RBI, and two BB
Gleyber Torres vs. Bryan Woo: 6-11 with a 2B
THREE MLB Value Plays
Travis d’Arnaud ($2300 FD): 7-15 with five 2B, a HR, and two RBI against Trevor Rogers
James McCann ($2500 DK / $2500 FD): 10-game hitting streak (1.470 OPS during)
Zack McKinstry ($2700 DK / $2400 FD): 1.196 OPS in his last seven games