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
The Cubs just keep rolling along, and the spot tonight is another really good one: Jack Leiter’s 5.45 season ERA (and 4.50 home mark) and the fact that he’s given up three or more earned in each of his last five starts are conducive to the Chicago offense having another good game here, and this is a spot to take advantage of.
Mar 31, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs to first on a single against the Athletics in the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Atlanta Braves
Roki Sasaki has gotten more than 15 outs just once in six starts while allowing three or more in four of those outings. This on paper looks like an offensive explosion waiting to happen given the pitching, so I’d want to be heavy on both sides, and the Braves are playing better baseball right now.
New York Mets
This is definitely a matchup play, but it’s one that’s almost too good to ignore. Even though the Mets’ offense hasn’t been that good this season other than for a couple of games (and players) here and there, Merrill Kelly’s 9.93 ERA makes them in play tonight. In 19 innings of work over four starts, he’s allowed 21 earned runs while walking 15 batters. New York can make him pay for that kind of result (as can any offense), so make sure you have some exposure here.
May 7, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; New York Mets designated hitter Juan Soto (22) hits a triple in the third inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
New York Yankees
Tournament play here for the Yankees. We know how explosive their offense can be, and tonight they’ve got a tough matchup at least on paper: Kyle Harrison has been very good as a Brewer this season, pitching to a 2.32 ERA and 1.11 WHIP). You could gain some leverage if New York can get to him, especially when the field will go to one of the other elite offenses in better spot. Have some shares here in case this happens.
Los Angeles Dodgers
You can go right back to the Dodgers here. The verdict will be out for awhile on whether or not Spencer Strider can regain his elite form, but right now he doesn’t look like he’s anywhere close (even though he is making his way back from injury). Three earned runs in 3.1 innings of work in his first start doesn’t look good, but remember that he is trying to build up the endurance and such. While that’s good for him and for Atlanta, you can roster the Dodgers here and take advantage of this.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jun 9, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates after hitting a rbi double during the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Colt Keith vs. Michael Wacha: 7-20 with two 2B and two RBI
Manny Machado vs. Dustin May: 9-33 with two 2B, two HR, five RBI, and two BB
Brandon Nimmo vs. Edward Cabrera: 6-16 with a 2B, RBI, and seven BB
Will Smith vs. Spencer Strider: 5-9 with two 2B
THREE MLB Value Plays
Isaac Collins ($2900 DK ? $2800 FD): 1.109 OPS in his last seven games
Ezequiel Duran ($2800 DK / $3000 FD): eight hits and five RBI in his last 21 AB
Zach McKinstry ($ DK / $2500 FD): 6-13 with a 3B vs. Michael Wacha