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
New York Yankees
The Yankees are right in the middle of the playoff chase, and now they get Aaron Judge back. That’s a pretty good time to take another look at this offense. They’ve also absolutely crushed Tomoyuki Sugano historically, posting a .924 OPS with four HR over 57 PA, while Sugano has a 5.19 ERA on the season. Judge returning only adds to the upside here. I think the Yankees are one of the better tournament stacks on the slate.
Jun 27, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) throws to first base for an out in the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers
It’s the Dodgers, so we’re always going to have some interest, and Rhett Lowder isn’t exactly giving me a reason to stay away. He’s carrying a 5.43 ERA and 1.49 WHIP, which is plenty of opportunity for this lineup to put up a big number. Los Angeles can beat you in so many different ways that I don’t need much more convincing than that. They’re always tournament viable.
Chicago Cubs
This is a battle between two really good teams, and I don’t think that should scare me away from the Cubs. Logan Henderson is obviously capable of pitching well, but Chicago has been one of the best offenses in baseball and they’re always capable of putting together a crooked number. This isn’t necessarily a matchup I’m going to force, but the Cubs are always tournament-viable because of the ceiling this lineup brings.
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
Tampa Bay Rays
This is definitely volatile, but that’s what makes Tampa Bay interesting in tournaments. They’re facing Reynaldo Lopez in his first appearance in more than a month and a half after coming off the IL, so we have no idea exactly what the workload or command is going to look like. The Rays aren’t an offense I need to trust blindly, but there’s enough upside here for me to take some shots at what could be a rusty Lopez.
Kansas City Royals
I think the Royals could be one of the more interesting lower-owned stacks on the slate. The matchup against Zac Gallen is just too good to ignore — he just isn’t intimidating, and this is the kind of spot where Kansas City could surprise people. The Royals aren’t an offense I’m going to blindly trust, but that’s exactly why I like them as a tournament play. If the field overlooks them despite the matchup, even better.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 30, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) celebrates after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Aaron Judge vs. Tomoyuki Sugano 7-9 with three HR
Jake McCarthy vs. Max Fried: 4-8 with an RBI
Isaac Paredes vs. Cristopher Sanchez: 4-8 with a HR
Jose Ramirez vs. Shane Baz: 2-7 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Jose Caballero ($3600 DK / $2700 FD): 1.023 OPS in his last seven games
Randal Grichuk ($3400 DK / $2400 FD): 1.105 OPS in his last seven games
Isiah Kiner-Falefa ($3000 DK / $2500 FD): 1.171 OPS in his last seven games