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
I like this divisional matchup for Atlanta. Aaron Nola has a 4.76 ERA this season, and the Braves have already hit him pretty well, posting a .873 OPS in 442 PA. Atlanta has been inconsistent, but there’s still plenty of ceiling in this lineup, and I don’t mind betting on that against a pitcher who’s been pretty ordinary this year. I’ll have some Braves 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
Baltimore Orioles
Max Scherzer had that one vintage-looking start a couple of outings ago, but I’m still viewing him as the pitcher who’s been sitting around a 6.03 ERA all season. I’m not going to let one good performance completely change my opinion. Baltimore has been inconsistent, but there’s enough power here to take advantage if the bad version of Max shows up. I like this as a tournament spot, especially if the field is hesitant to attack him because of his name.
Milwaukee Brewers
We know Milwaukee’s offense is good, and Andrew Abbott has given us plenty of reason to attack him. He’s allowed 19 earned runs over his last 23 innings and has a 4.43 ERA on the season. That’s a lot of damage in a relatively small sample, and the Brewers have the kind of lineup that can keep the pressure on. I like this spot quite a bit and want some exposure.
Jun 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) hits a single during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Mariners
Hitters’ park plus Jeffrey Springs and his 6.02 ERA? Yeah, I’m interested. Springs hasn’t given me much reason to be afraid of this matchup, and Seattle has enough offensive talent to take advantage if he’s not sharp. The Mariners can be frustrating, but this is exactly the kind of spot where I’ll take some tournament exposure and hope the bats finally put it together.
Texas Rangers
This is the kind of low-owned offense I like sprinkling into tournaments. Merrill Kelly has been absolutely horrid, and the Rangers aren’t going to attract a ton of attention compared with the bigger-name offenses on the slate. That’s fine with me. Texas has enough bats to take advantage if Kelly continues struggling, and if they put up a big number, the leverage could be really nice. Definitely a GPP sprinkle.
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Apr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a three RBI home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Ronald Acuna, Jr. vs. Aaron Nola: 22-62 with seven 2B, four HR, 10 RBI, and eight BB
William Contreras vs. Andrew Abbott: 7-22 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Matt Olson vs. Aaron Nola: 10-41 with three 2B, four HR, eight RBI, and nine BB
Austin Riley vs. Aaron Nola: 23-68 with five 2B, six HR, 11 RBI, and three BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Justin Foscue ($3200 DK / $2600 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.079 OPS during)
Nathan Lukes ($2900 DK / $2600 FD): eight-game hitting streak (.875 OPS during)
Cam Smith ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 1.309 OPS in his last seven games; hitting ninth but is a nice wraparound piece