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
Athletics
The A’s are going to keep showing up in my tournament pool simply because of heir upside. Tyler Mahle has just not pitched well this season (a 6.04 ERA and 1.57 WHIP), which won’t keep ownership down here even in San Francisco, but this offense has shown all year that they can put runs on the board in a hurry when the power starts showing up. If Mahle has anything less than his best stuff, the Athletics have the ability to make him pay. Always one of my favorite stacks and a spot I don’t mind being overweight as I think the ballpark may keep ownership down a smidge.
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
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers have cooled off and have burned some people as of late, but that’s a spot you go right back to in tournaments. Rhett Lowder has plenty of talent, but pitching in Great American Ball Park is never easy, especially against a lineup that’s been as productive as Milwaukee’s has been overall this season. The Brewers continue to put pressure on opposing pitchers with both power and speed, and the ballpark only boosts the upside. If Lowder gets into trouble early, this feels like a spot where Milwaukee could put up a big number.
Philadelphia Phillies
I’m interested in Philadelphia again here as one of my favorite stacks (but it will be a lot of people’s as well, and for good reason). Miles Mikolas has been one of the more attackable veteran arms in baseball this season, carrying a 5.47 ERA and 1.28 WHIP, and that’s usually a profile I’m willing to target. The Phillies are one of the deepest offenses in the league and don’t need many opportunities to string together runs. This feels like one of the cleaner attack spots on the slate, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Philadelphia ends up being one of the higher-scoring teams of the night. (NOTE: Phillies are only on the FanDuel slate.)
Sep 10, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first base Bryce Harper (3) watches his ball clear the wall for a home run against the New York Mets during the seventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Dodgers
This is one of the stronger spots on the slate for me. Connor Prielipp has talent, but it’s a difficult assignment against an offense as deep as the Dodgers. Los Angeles hasn’t always looked like the juggernaut we’re used to seeing, but the ceiling is still obvious every time they take the field. I think they’re worth some shots here.
Minnesota Twins
If you’re looking for a leverage stack, this is the one that stands out. Nobody is going to be excited about stacking against Shohei Ohtani, and understandably so, but that’s exactly why the ownership should be almost nonexistent. Ohtani can dominate any lineup in baseball, but tournaments aren’t won by playing it safe. The Twins have enough power throughout the lineup to capitalize if he has an off night and they’ve been hitting very well all season long. On a larger slate I don’t mind taking a few shots just because of how unique the build will be.
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
Dylan Crews vs. Aaron Nola: 5-10 with a 2B, 3B, and two RBI
Paul Goldschmidt vs. Tarik Skubal: 5-10 with two HR and three RBI
Bryce Harper vs. Miles Mikolas: 9-25 with two 2B and two HR
Manny Machado vs. Martin Perez: 7-20 with a 2B, HR, three RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Alec Bohm ($NA DK / $2700 FD): 7-16 with two 2B, a HR, and two RBI against Miles Mikolas
Victor Caratini ($2900 DK / $2500 FD): 1.308 OPS in his last seven games
Blake Perkins ($2500 DK / $2300 FD): five hits (including two 2B and a HR) in his last 12 AB