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
Andrew Painter has a 5.71 ERA on the season, so I’m definitely willing to take some shots with the Braves here. Atlanta’s offense can be pretty volatile, but this is a good enough matchup that the upside is worth chasing. Painter obviously has the talent to put together a strong start, but we haven’t seen it much, so in tournaments I like the Braves. Divisional rivals here as well.
May 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) runs after hitting a single during the third inning Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers
Eury Perez has allowed 16 earned runs over his last three starts, and now he gets the Dodgers. Good luck. The Dodgers offense is the Dodgers offense, and I don’t really need much more of an explanation to want exposure here. Perez has shown that he can get hit, and this lineup has the talent to turn a bad outing into a massive DFS score. They’re one of the offenses I’ll be looking at heavily in tournaments.
Chicago Cubs
Bubba Chandler just isn’t that intimidating to me, especially against a Cubs offense that can go completely nuts when things are clicking. Chicago has plenty of power throughout the lineup, and I don’t need a perfect matchup to get interested in them. Chandler could certainly pitch well, but there’s enough upside here to make the Cubs one of those tournament stacks I’ll keep coming back to.
Sep 10, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Houston Astros
Freddy Peralta has been better since coming over to Tampa Bay, so I’m not treating this as some easy matchup. But he’s still carrying a 4.82 ERA on the season, and Houston has enough offensive upside to make this interesting. The Astros are also a lineup I’m comfortable getting behind in tournaments because they can put up a big number without necessarily being one of the highest-owned stacks. Solid GPP option.
New York Yankees
The cross-town matchup plus Aaron Judge being back makes the Yankees pretty interesting. Christian Scott has been solid, but I wouldn’t call him spectacular, and that’s enough for me to take some shots with an offense that can obviously explode. The Yankees have been extremely volatile, which is exactly why I prefer this as a tournament play. If they put it together, the ceiling is massive, and Judge back only makes that ceiling more appealing.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 9, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Elly de la Cruz vs. Robert Gasser: 2-5 with a HR and two RBI
Bryce Harper vs. Grant Holmes: 2-6 with a HR and four BB
Gunnar Henderson vs. Dylan Cease: 2-5 with a 2B and three BB
Trea Turner vs. Grant Holmes: 3-10 with a 2B, HR, two RBI, and two BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Nathan Church ($2600 DK / $2700 FD): 11-game hitting streak (.829 OPS during)
AJ Ewing ($3200 DK / $3000 FD): 1.317 OPS in his last seven games
Brayan Rocchio ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 4-10 with two 2B, a HR, and three RBI against Joe Ryan