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
Philadelphia Phillies
This might be one of the highest-upside stacks on the entire slate. Shane Bieber has a 5.11 ERA and 1.68 WHIP, and that’s a pretty ugly combination when you’re facing an offense with as much firepower as Philadelphia. The Phillies don’t need much help to put up a big number, and a pitcher allowing that much traffic gives them plenty of opportunities. I really like this spot, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Philadelphia ends up being one of the top-scoring offenses of the day.
May 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Boston Red Sox
JT Ginn has actually been pretty solid, so I’m not going to pretend this is some obvious matchup. But we’ve already seen the downside — he gave up eight runs a few starts ago against the White Sox — and now he gets one of the best offenses in baseball. Boston has been absolutely rolling offensively, and I don’t need Ginn to be terrible for the Red Sox to have a big night. If he makes a few mistakes, this lineup is more than capable of turning them into runs. I like Boston quite a bit here.
St. Louis Cardinals
Michael Lorenzen is always going to be someone I consider attacking when he’s carrying a 6.94 ERA. The road numbers are better at 5.16, so I’m not expecting him to completely implode just because he’s away from home, but I still like the Cardinals as a stacking option. St. Louis has enough capable hitters to take advantage if Lorenzen isn’t locating, and this feels like a nice spot to get some exposure without having to pay up for one of the obvious offenses.
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
Chicago Cubs
Randy Dobnak has been good this season, so I’m not going to force the Cubs here. But you guys know me by now: I’m almost always willing to consider Chicago in tournaments because the offensive ceiling is just too good to completely ignore. They’ve been volatile, but that’s what makes them interesting in GPPs. If Dobnak finally has an off night, the Cubs have enough power to make him pay. More of a sprinkle than a priority, but I want some exposure.
Miami Marlins
It’s Sunday, so naturally I’m going to talk myself into something weird. Grayson Rodriguez has a 7.24 ERA, and while Miami obviously isn’t an offense I normally rush to stack, I don’t mind taking some tournament shares here. This is exactly the type of matchup where ownership should be minimal, and if Rodriguez continues pitching anywhere close to his season-long results, even the Marlins can take advantage. Definitely not a cash-game play, but for MME? I’m interested.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jul 26, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) hits an RBI single during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Alec Burleson vs. Michael Lorenzen: 4-5 with two HR and three RBI
Luis Garcia Jr. vs. Grant Holmes: 4-10 with two 2B and a HR
Steven Kwan vs. Davis Martin: 5-11 with two BB
Mickey Moniak vs. Michael McGreevy: 4-6 with a HR
THREE MLB Value Plays
Luke Keaschall ($3100 DK / $2900 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.140 OPS during)
Bryson Stott ($3800 DK / $2900 FD): 1.239 OPS in his last seven games
Tyler Tolbert ($3200 DK / $2500 FD): 1.143 OPS in his last seven games