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
We saw the Cubs’ ceiling last night, and obviously I’m not expecting them to put up another game like that. But that’s not really the point — they’re still the Cubs, and they’re always viable in tournaments when they’re facing merely average pitching. Robert Gasser doesn’t do much to change that for me. Chicago has enough power and depth to put together another strong offensive game even if last night’s eruption isn’t repeated. I wouldn’t chase yesterday’s score, but I’ll absolutely keep some Cubs exposure tonight.
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Jackson Chourio (11) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game two of the NLCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Brewers
Matthew Boyd has been good for most of the season, so I’m not looking at this as some obvious matchup to attack. But after getting absolutely demolished 17-3 last night, I don’t hate a little Brewers revenge narrative. Obviously we can’t expect them to put up another 17 runs, but Milwaukee has enough contact ability to make Boyd work if he’s not sharp. This is more of a sprinkle for me, but if you’re building a bunch of tournament lineups, I think there’s enough upside to get some shares.
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
Athletics
This is a deeper tournament option, but I actually like the case for Oakland. Mackenzie Gore’s 4.40 ERA doesn’t exactly intimidate, and the Athletics have absolutely crushed him in their limited sample, hitting .381 with a .990 OPS in 71 plate appearances. That’s a pretty ridiculous BvP number, even if the sample isn’t enormous. The fact that this should be low-owned is what really makes it interesting. I’m not going heavy, but this is exactly the kind of weird, low-owned stack I’ll sprinkle into MME.
Colorado Rockies
I’m always going to 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 is 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. Last night disappointed (as it seems one game every Coors series does), so the odds are tonight will feature more offense.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks second base Ketel Marte (4) throws to first base against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
William Contreras vs. Matthew Boyd: 5-12 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Ketel Marte vs. Jesus Luzardo: 5-12 with a 2B, two RBI, and three BB
Jeff McNeil vs. Mackenzie Gore: 8-17 with an RBI and two BB
Isaac Paredes vs. Sean Burke: 3-6 with two 2B and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Yainer Diaz ($3300 DK / $2700 FD): 1.159 OPS in his last seven games
Edmundo Sosa ($2700 DK / $2600 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.393 OPS during)
Tyrone Taylor ($3200 DK / $2700 FD): 1.449 OPS in his last seven games