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
Houston Astros
I love the upside the Astros have in this matchup. Merrill Kelly has been pretty bad this season with a 5.08 ERA and 1.47 WHIP, and Houston has enough power throughout the lineup to really punish a pitcher who is allowing that much traffic. This is one of those spots where I don’t want to get too cute — Kelly is someone I think we should be attacking, and I’m going to have plenty of Astros exposure.
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers
Jackson Kent did have a really nice start last time out, allowing just one run over seven innings, but it was against the Marlins. Before that, he gave up 11 runs over 12.2 innings across three starts, and the control is a major concern. He’s walked between three and five batters in each of his four starts, which is a terrible combination against a Dodgers lineup that can make pitchers pay once they start putting runners on base. Young pitcher + control issues + Dodgers is enough for me to have interest. The ceiling here is obvious.
Chicago Cubs
Janson Junk hasn’t been going particularly deep into games, and the 4.11 ERA isn’t exactly intimidating. That’s enough for me to get some Cubs exposure, especially knowing what this offense is capable of when things are clicking. Even if Junk only gives them five innings, Chicago should have opportunities against the bullpen, too. I’m not necessarily making this my biggest stack of the night, but I definitely want some Cubs.
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
Kansas City Royals
This is more of a matchup play for me than anything. The Royals’ offense can be extremely hit or miss outside of a few bats, but Jameson Taillon has been bad enough that I don’t mind taking the shot. He’s carrying a 5.68 ERA, and Kansas City doesn’t need to put up 10 runs for this stack to work — a few of their better hitters getting to Taillon could be enough. Definitely more of a tournament option for me, but I think there’s some sneaky upside here.
St. Louis Cardinals
We just saw the Orioles go into the altitude and struggle offensively, so I’m not going to blindly assume every team that goes to Coors is going to explode. That said, you still need exposure to offenses playing at Coors, especially when they’re facing a pitcher like Ryan Feltner. The Cardinals have enough power to take advantage if Feltner makes mistakes, and the environment gives this lineup a ceiling that it simply doesn’t have in most other parks. I’m not going overboard here, but I’m definitely getting some Cardinals into tournaments.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Apr 21, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) hits a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: John Froschauer-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Jazz Chisholm Jr. vs. Walker Buehler: 6-10 with a 2B, two HR, and seven RBI
Zach Gelof vs. Logan Gilbert: 3-8 with a 2B and HR
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Daniel Lynch IV: 4-8 with a HR
Cal Raleigh vs. JT Ginn: 3-6 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Roman Anthony ($4800 DK / $3000 FD): 1.219 OPS in his last seven games
Thomas Saggese ($3000 DK / $2800 FD): 10-19 with three HR and seven RBI in his last seven games (1.651 OPS)
Tyrone Taylor ($3300 DK / $2700 FD): 1.240 OPS in his last seven games