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
San Diego Padres
Padres in Colorado against Ryan Feltner? Yes, please. The altitude already gives San Diego a huge offensive ceiling, and Feltner comes in with a 5.88 ERA. This is one of the obvious spots on the slate, but I’m not going to avoid it just because the field will be interested. I want exposure to the Padres and the massive upside that comes with playing in Coors.
May 30, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) hits a solo home run in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Atlanta Braves
Kevin Gausman has been pretty volatile and hasn’t been terribly consistent all season, so I don’t mind taking some shots with an offense that has this much upside. Atlanta can be frustrating at times, but when this lineup gets going, they can put up a big number in a hurry. Gausman is certainly capable of shutting them down, which keeps the ownership reasonable, but that’s exactly why I like taking some tournament shares.
Houston Astros
This is a fun leverage spot because Michael Wacha has actually been pretty solid this season, so Houston shouldn’t attract a ton of attention. But the Astros have gone 28-for-87 with a .863 OPS against him, which gives me plenty of reason to take some shots. I like the combination of the historical success and the likely lower ownership. Wacha can absolutely pitch well here, but if Houston gets to him, this could be a really nice tournament result.
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
Colorado Rockies
Walker Buehler has a 4.61 ERA on the season, and then we get the altitude on top of that. The Rockies have also hit him pretty well as a team, going 12-for-37 with a .916 OPS in their previous 49 PA against him. I’m not expecting Colorado to suddenly become an elite offense, but this is exactly the kind of matchup where I don’t mind taking a few shots on the home team. Definitely tournament-only, but the upside is there.
Chicago Cubs
Kevin Gausman has been pretty volatile and hasn’t been terribly consistent all season, so I don’t mind taking some shots with an offense that has this much upside. Atlanta can be frustrating at times, but when this lineup gets going, they can put up a big number in a hurry. Gausman is certainly capable of shutting them down, which keeps the ownership reasonable, but that’s exactly why I like taking some tournament shares.
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May 7, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a triple in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Matt Olson vs. Kevin Gausman: 6-19 with a 2B, three HR, and four RBI
Juan Soto vs. Shane Baz: 3-5 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
Mike Trout vs. Logan Gilbert: 4-11 with a 2B, two HR, and four RBI
Bobby Witt, Jr. vs. Hunter Brown: 3-9 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Drew Gilbert ($3100 DK / $2600 FD): 3-5 with two 2B and an RBI against Andre Pallante
Nathan Lukes ($2800 DK / $2600 FD): 11-game hitting streak (.810 OPS during)
Josh Rojas ($2400 DK / $2100 FD): 5-12 with a 2B, RBI, and two BB against Hunter Brown