The second half of the season kicks off tonight with most teams in action. Everyone’s had five days off, so while we can’t rely solely on trends and streaks, we can see some nice spots to jump on in large-field tournaments. Let’s see where we can attack the slate given that all the players are rested, refreshed, and ready to go. 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 Mets (4.6 IRT)
We’re starting off with one of the hotter offenses coming into the break. The Mets have one of the better pitching matchups tonight in Edward Cabrera, who has been abysmal this season (an 8.26 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in his seven starts this season), and according to our MLB Leverage Stacks, the Mets’ wOBA matchup is nearly tops tonight as well; in fact, as of this writing, they’re our top leverage stack. Brandon Nimmo and Francisco Lindor are where my stacks are starting, and Mark Vientos has been sneakily good over the past month as well.
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
New York Yankees (5.07 IRT)
I like the Yankees at home tonight facing Zack Eflin who hasn’t been all that spectacular this season; he’s striking out just 19.6% of batters while having an ERA of 3.99. New York is a game behind Baltimore in the AL East and is going to want to get off to a strong start in the second half, and I think that starts tonight. Small 7.5 O/U in this one, but in large-field tournaments, I don’t mind some shares as their offense can go off. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are your usual suspects, and I like Ben Rice as well.
Kansas City Royals (4.84 IRT)
The Royals are two games out of the last wild card spot as the second half starts, and they’ll look to kick things off right facing the lowly White Sox at home (where they are 31-18). Chicago trots Chris Flexen to the mound tonight, and his 4.82 ERA and 71 Ks in 97 innings do not intimidate. For stacking, Bobby Witt Jr. is almost an auto-play, and Salvador Perez is streaking as well; Maikel Garcia and Hunter Renfroe are both hitting over .300 in the last week.
May 22, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates after hitting a grand slam home run during the sixth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros (3.57 IRT)
Taking a shot here on a solid upside offense in a somewhat tough matchup. The Astros really need to kick it into gear in the second half, but over the three weeks leading up to the break, they’ve scored the most runs in the league, and they’ll look to keep it rolling tonight against Luis Castillo and the Mariners. Yordan Alvarez has a good record against the Ms’ pitcher, so I’m starting with him and Jose Altuve; Alex Bregman has really turned it up over the past month and a half, and Jake Meyers has enjoyed a solid run for a solid price.
Oakland A’s (4.49 IRT)
Feels a little gross to write up, but the Angels’ pitching is not good, and Oakland has some pop (as evidenced by them putting up 18 runs last Sunday. Obviously they’re not doing that tonight, but when facing a pitching staff that has given up the fifth most runs in the league (and that has the third-worst team ERA), let’s take some shots. Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler both have been hot, and Shea Langeliers has good upside as well.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 25, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) walks off the field after a strikeout against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Yordan Alvarez vs. Luis Castillo: 7-15 with a 2B, three HR, and six RBI
Yandy Diaz vs. Gerrit Cole: 14-44 with two 2B, two HR, six RBI, and four BB
Freddie Freeman vs. Nick Pivetta: 12-33 with two 2B, 3B, HR, and six RBI
Juan Soto vs. Zach Eflin: 14-31 with three 2B, two HR, 10 RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Pedro Pages ($2400 DK / $2500 FD): Eight-game hitting streak (OPS of .868 and hitting 10-28 with five RBI during)
Jon Singleton ($2900 DK / $2500 FD): Hits in 10 of his last 12
Max Schuemann ($2300 DK / $2500 FD): Hits in eight of his last nine; seven RBI in his last five