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
Los Angeles Dodgers
One of the strongest ceiling offenses on the slate is in play here given both lineup depth and pitching volatility on the other side. Brandon Sproat has a 5.75 ERA and 1.53 WHIP this season, and the issue has been damage stacking once traffic builds rather than isolated mistakes. That profile is exactly what I want to attack with elite offenses that can force pitch count stress early and break games open in one inning. This is a top-tier full-stack for me with clear slate-breaking upside.
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
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals can be very up and down offensively, but in this instance there’s some interest here. Brady Singer enters this contest with a 4.30 ERA and 1.30 WHIP this season, and while there’s some strikeout ability in the profile, contact risk increases once he gets into hitter’s counts. That makes this a playable offense environment depending on construction and ownership flow. This fits more as a secondary stack or game-stack piece rather than a primary target, but there’s enough volatility to justify exposure.
Cleveland Guardians
More of a secondary tournament look than a core target, but there’s enough volatility here to keep it in play. Andrew Painter sits at a 4.40 ERA and 1.24 WHIP in limited MLB action this season, and while the raw stuff is strong, innings can still stretch when hitters force deeper counts and put balls in play. Not a spot I’m necessarily building around heavily, but I’m fine mixing them into MME builds where leverage matters more than projection and the matchup is a positive one.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) follows through on a two-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2.
Cincinnati Reds
This is one of those lower-owned tournament spots that can pay off if the game opens up early. Matthew Liberatore carries a 4.70 ERA and 1.55 WHIP, and the underlying profile still allows traffic when hitters extend at-bats and force long innings. I don’t need this to be a core stack necessarily, but it’s absolutely viable in large-field builds where I’m looking for leverage and inning volatility.
Chicago Cubs
Even as a Cubs’ fan, I can admit how gross this spot is…they’re just so cold right now. Still, Peter Lambert’s 3.57 ERA and 1.08 WHIP while solid are also prime for some regression. As a tournament spot that will go unowned, I think it’s a spot that opens the door for some of your builds, especially in tournaments where lower-owned, high-upside stacks are important. It’s risky, sure.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 20, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran (16) hits a home run during the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Alec Burleson vs. Brady Singer: 3-7 with two 2B, a HR, and two RBI
Jarren Duran vs. Bailey Ober: 2-6 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Trevor Larnach vs. Sonny Gray: 4-8 with two HR and six RBI
Josh Naylor vs. Seth Lugo: 3-9 with a HR and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Alec Bohm ($3100 DK / $2700 FD): 1.149 OPS in his last seven games
Blake Dunn ($3400 DK / $2800 FD): 10 hits in his last 23 AB
Kyle Manzardo ($2900 DK / $2600 FD): 1.193 OPS in his last seven games