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
Los Angeles Dodgers
I’m always willing to take some shots with the Dodgers, and this matchup gives me another reason to do it. Los Angeles has posted a .836 OPS in 168 plate appearances against Brandon Pfaadt, so they’ve already had plenty of success against him. Pfaadt has shown flashes of being a good pitcher, but I’m not going to let that stop me from playing one of the deepest offenses in baseball when the matchup history is this good. The Dodgers should get plenty of attention, but I don’t mind eating some ownership here.
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
The Padres have been frustratingly volatile for most of the season, and honestly, that’s exactly why I like them here. People seem to be getting tired of playing this offense, but Peter Lambert isn’t someone who makes me want to stay away just because of his name. San Diego has plenty of power and the ceiling is still there even if the floor has been ugly at times. I’m not looking for safety with this one; I’m looking for the upside. In tournaments, I’ll gladly take some Padres and hope we get the good version of this offense.
Chicago Cubs
Seth Lugo doesn’t really scare me here. A 4.41 ERA and 1.39 WHIP aren’t exactly numbers that make me want to avoid an offense, and the Cubs are always going to be viable in tournaments because of the ceiling they bring. Sure, they can disappear completely, but they can also put up a huge number when everything clicks. That’s the kind of volatility I’m willing to embrace in GPPs, especially against a pitcher who’s been this hittable.
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
Tampa Bay Rays
This is one of those spots where I’m probably going to be a little more interested than the field. George Kirby is obviously capable of pitching well, but I like the upside Tampa Bay brings against him, especially if they’re able to get into his pitch count and force him into the bullpen. The Rays aren’t the first offense most people think of when they’re looking for stacks, which makes this even more appealing. If Kirby isn’t at his best, I could see Tampa putting together a sneaky big game.
St. Louis Cardinals
A 6.81 ERA is ugly enough, but Kyle Freeland’s 8.29 ERA away from home is what really catches my eye. St. Louis is in a pretty important stretch of the season, and this is exactly the type of pitching matchup they need to take advantage of. Freeland has struggled all year, and taking him out of Colorado certainly hasn’t helped. I like the Cardinals quite a bit here, especially if the field focuses on some of the bigger-name offenses.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jul 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) during the All-Star Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Mookie Betts vs. Brandon Pfaadt: 11-27 with a 2B, two HR, four RBI, and two BB
Freddie Freeman vs. Brandon Pfaadt: 9-27 with three 2B, a HR, four RBI, and two BB
Cal Raleigh vs. Griffin Jax: 4-6 with a 2B, HR, five RBI, and four BB
Miguel Vargas vs. Gavin Williams: 4-8 with a HR, four RBI, and two BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Blaze Jordan ($2400 DK/ $2800 FD): seven-game hitting streak (.870 OPS during)
James McCann ($2700 DK / $2500 FD) : 1.275 OPS in his last seven games
Cam Smith ($2800 DK / $2700 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.208 OPS during)