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 (note: this is for the afternoon slate as it’s larger than the evening/main)
Houston Astros
This is one of the more appealing offense spots on the slate given the volatility attached to the arm they’re facing. Brandon Sproat has a 5.75 ERA and 1.53 WHIP this season, and the biggest issue has been innings getting away from him once hitters start forcing deeper counts and creating traffic. Houston’s offense has been inconsistent at times this year, but this is still a lineup with enough power throughout to punish mistakes quickly. I like the upside here quite a bit, especially if Sproat’s command starts slipping early.
Apr 10, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds (10) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Tampa Bay Rays
Reid Detmers continues to be one of those pitchers who can look dominant for stretches before everything unravels quickly. He owns a 4.38 ERA and 1.31 WHIP this season, and the home run risk is always present when he falls behind hitters and has to challenge in the zone. Tampa Bay’s offense has been better lately after a slow start to the year, and this feels like a strong tournament environment where the Rays can string together damage if they get traffic on the bases early. Solid secondary stack with upside.
Pittsburgh Pirates
I don’t mind taking some tournament shots here because Bailey Ober’s profile can become vulnerable once hitters start forcing contact early in counts. He’s pitched to a 4.41 ERA and 1.27 WHIP this season, and while the command is generally solid, the hard-contact risk has shown up more often this year than we’re used to seeing. Pittsburgh isn’t an offense I’m looking to build around heavily, but this is the type of lower-owned stack that can pay off if Ober doesn’t have his best command.
Apr 16, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams (5) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Minnesota Twins
There’s definite game-stack appeal here because Mitch Keller has been inconsistent all season long. He carries a 4.83 ERA and 1.36 WHIP, and the issue has been failing to put innings away once traffic builds. Minnesota’s offense can be volatile, but the power upside is always present against pitchers who allow contact and don’t consistently miss bats in big spots. I’m perfectly fine getting tournament exposure here, especially if ownership stays in check.
Washington Nationals
This is more of a deep-field leverage stack than a core offense spot, but there’s at least some path to upside if Michael King isn’t sharp. King has pitched very well overall this season with a 3.08 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, though the Nationals have shown enough speed and athleticism at times to create pressure if opposing pitchers lose efficiency and start working from the stretch constantly. I won’t have heavy exposure here, but I don’t mind mixing them in lightly in large-field tournaments.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
May 10, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton (25) slides into third base during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Josh Bell vs. Mitch Keller: 6-14 with a 2B, 3B, three RBI, and four BB
Yandy Diaz vs. Reid Detmers: 3-10 with a 2B and HR
Adam Frazier vs. Reid Detmers: 5-12 with a 2B and four RBI
Bryson Stott vs. Michael King: 3-5 with two HR and four RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Owen Caissie ($2800 DK / $2600 FD): 1.171 OPS in his last seven games
Isiah Kiner-Falefa ($2200 DK / $2500 FD): 8-17 with a HR, six RBI, and four BB in his last seven games (1.124 OPS)
Taylor Trammel ($2300 DK / $2700 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.067 OPS during)