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
Hard not to stay here as a top-end offense, even against a pitcher with some pedigree. Michael Soroka has a 3.94 ERA and 1.28 WHIP this season, but the underlying concern is still consistency deep into games and how quickly things can shift once traffic starts building. The Dodgers are one of the few offenses that doesn’t need matchup help to post a slate-breaking inning — they create pressure through every spot in the order. I’m still very comfortable treating them as a premium full-stack option.
Jun 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder Corbin Carroll (7) loses his helmet as he runs to third base on a triple against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Arizona Diamondbacks
This is a spot I like quite a bit given both recent offensive form and the pitching matchup. Eric Lauer has a 5.95 ERA and 1.39 WHIP this season, and the profile has generally leaned toward allowing contact and traffic when he falls behind in counts. Arizona remains a lineup that can punish mistakes quickly and has shown strong ability to string together innings when the top of the order gets on. One of the cleaner full-stack options on the slate with both floor and ceiling.
Athletics
Jameson Taillon has a 5.37 ERA and 1.28 WHIP this season, and while he can work efficiently at times, the margin for error isn’t huge if he starts allowing contact early in counts. The Athletics are inconsistent, but they do have enough pop in the lineup to take advantage if mistakes stack up. I don’t need heavy exposure, but I’m fine mixing them in as a strong stack in large-field builds and would be happy going over the field here.
Sep 10, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays during the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Houston Astros
This is a strong upside spot if Bubba Chandler’s command isn’t sharp early. He’s a high-upside arm with real swing-and-miss ability, but still very much in the development phase, and that often comes with traffic and pitch count volatility against disciplined lineups. Houston has been inconsistent offensively, but this is still a lineup with enough power and experience to punish mistakes quickly if they come. I like them as a tournament stack with real ceiling if they can force Chandler into deep counts early.
Colorado Rockies
Even away from Coors, this is still one of the more interesting offense spots on the slate given the arm they’re facing. Grayson Rodriguez has a 7.53 ERA and 1.67 WHIP this season, and while the strikeout ability is real, he’s still had stretches where traffic builds and innings extend once he loses the zone. Colorado isn’t always consistent, but they’re the type of lineup that can capitalize quickly when pitchers miss spots, especially if they get extended looks the second and third time through. I’m fine mixing them in as a secondary tournament stack and can see some game stacking here as well.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Apr 17, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) hits a three RBI home run during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Nolan Arenado vs. Eric Lauer: 8-27 with a 2B, four HR, seven RBI, and five BB
Ketel Marte vs. Eric Lauer: 8-21 with a 2B, two HR, and three RBI
Austin Riley vs. Kevin Gausman: 4-6 with a HR and two RBI
Jesus Sanchez vs. Bryce Elder: 6-12 with two 2B, two 3B, a HR, and four RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Tristan Peters ($2800 DK / $2500 FD): 1.409 OPS in his last seven games (11-19 with four 2B and two RBI)
Miguel Rojas ($2600 DK / $2400 FD): 4-10 with a BB vs. Michael Soroka
Donnie Walton ($2400 DK / $2500 FD): eight hits in his last 19 AB