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
Chicago Cubs
I love the Cubs (it’s no secret to our members), and we saw their offense do quite well yesterday with the wind blowing out. We’ll see the same thing today but with a higher temperature, so I’m definitely high on them tonight. Ian Happ, PCA (who is starting to heat up), Moises Ballesteros (who looks like he has a handle on major league pitching), and Nico Hoerner are my favorite pieces.
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Ángeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have hit (by their standards) a bit of a cool patch, but facing a no-name starting pitcher who is followed by one of the league’s worst bullpens is a recipe for success for Los Angeles tonight. Dodger hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Max Muncy, and Freddie Freeman will be popular facing Steven Okert (who?) and whoever follows him (likely pretty quickly).
New York Yankees
The Yankees could be the upside pivot from the chalkier Cubs and Dodgers tonight; Shane Baz and his 4.50 ERA come into the Bronx, and that bodes well for New York’s hitters: they’re a combined .370 in 46 AB, good for a 1.321 OPS). Aaron Judge is being his usual self, and Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice (if he’s in the lineup) are also legit contenders to be over the field on; I’d also mix in Jose Caballero.
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
Atlanta Braves
I love the tournament upside of Atlanta tonight: they’re going to Seattle to face Logan Gilbert who is usually quite solid but who has been down a smidge (a 4.03 ERA so far) to start the season. The Braves are also hitting just .207 against him in 87 AB (a ..603 OPS as well), but their offense has been so good over the past few weeks. I would absolutely consider having them in my MME mix, and I’d start with Matt Olson, Michael Harris II, and Ozzie Albies (and I think people may be off of them even more with Ronald Acuna Jr. out for a couple of weeks as well).
New York Mets
Another tournament-only consideration, we see the Mets coming into Coors for a series. Tomoyuki Sugano has been solid, but in that ballpark any offense is under consideration, and New York does have a few pieces with some pop. It’s gross at first glance given they’re only averaging a bit over three runs a game, but this is a low-floor, good-ceiling play that could propel you up the standings. Juan Soto is definitely in play tonight in this environment, and hitters like Bo Bichette and Mark Vientos should be mixed in even if you’re just doing mini-stacks.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 15, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (1) celebrates after a three-run double against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Jazz Chisholm vs. Shane Baz: 5-7 with a 2B, HR, and two RBI
Aaron Judge vs. Shane Baz: 4-10 with two HR and two BB
Vinnie Pasquantino vs. Tanner Bibee: 9-15 with a 2B, 3B, two HR, three RBI, and two BB
Bobby Witt vs. Tanner Bibee: 8-22 with two HR, three RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Michael Massey ($2800 DK / $2400 FD): two HR in 11 AB against Bibee
Dane Myers ($2900 DK / $2300 FD): 1.192 OPS in his last seven games
Austin Wells ($2600 DK / $2500 FD): 3-4 with a HR vs. Baz; five hits and two HR in his last five games