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
Boston Red Sox
The numbers against Chris Bassitt are pretty hard to ignore: Boston has a .835 OPS and .314 average over 134 PAagainst him, while Bassitt comes in with a 4.97 ERA. That’s enough history plus current-season struggles for me to want exposure. Boston has plenty of bats capable of taking advantage, and I think this is a really nice tournament spot if the ownership isn’t excessive.
May 3, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits an RBI triple during the seventh inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals
Sure, Max Scherzer turned back the clock in his last start, but I’m not convinced we’re suddenly getting vintage Scherzer again. He’s still carrying a 6.16 ERA, which is beyond gross, and I think the more likely outcome is that we see the pitcher we’ve seen for most of the season rather than the guy who showed up last time. Kansas City is volatile offensively, but this is exactly the kind of matchup where I’ll take some shots.
Houston Astros
The Astros are in a fight for the division title, and that’s enough to keep them firmly on my tournament radar. There’s plenty of upside in this lineup, and I don’t need much convincing to take some shots when Houston has a meaningful game and the matchup gives them room to produce. I’m not necessarily forcing them into everything, but I’ll definitely have some shares.
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
Arizona Diamondbacks
I’m always willing to attack a young pitcher, especially when he hasn’t exactly been dominant. Ethan Pecko has allowed nine earned runs in 13 innings over three starts, and Arizona has enough offensive firepower to make him work. There are certainly some strikeout concerns here depending on how Pecko approaches the lineup, but the upside is there if the Diamondbacks can get to him early. I like this as a tournament stack.
St. Louis Cardinals
It’s another game at Coors, so exposure is pretty much mandatory for me. I’m not going to overthink it just because we saw the Orioles struggle in the altitude — the environment is still the environment, and the Cardinals have plenty of ways to take advantage. This is one of those spots where I’ll have some shares simply because of the ceiling that comes with playing in Colorado.
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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
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Wilyer Abreu vs. Chris Bassitt: 8-16 with two 2B, two HR, nine RBI, and two BB
Pete Alonso vs. Sonny Gray: 4-11 with two HR and five RBI
Adley Rutschman vs. Chris Bassitt: 5-16 with three 2B and two RBI
Salvador Perez vs. Max Scherzer: 14-38 with two 2B, four HR, and 10 RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Amed Rosario ($3000 DK / $2600 FD): 6-17 with four 2B against Robbie Ray
Thomas Saggese ($3000 DK / $2800 FD): 1.584 OPS in his last seven games
Eli White ($2500 DK / $2400 FD): 5-11 with two 2B and a BB against Chris Bassitt; hits in four straight games