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
Minnesota Twins
This is one of my favorite spots on the slate. Ryan Feltner has been really rough overall this season with a 4.79 ERA and 1.30 WHIP, and that type of profile just tends to unravel when a lineup strings together a couple of good at-bats. The Twins have been good for most of the season and they’ve still got enough thump to turn walks and singles into crooked innings fast. I don’t mind being overweight here at all in tournaments.
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
Washington Nationals
Maybe not exactly a sexy stack on paper, but this is the kind of spot I don’t mind taking some shots in tournaments. Kyle Bradish is a solid arm when he’s locked in, but he’s also had stretches where the command wobbles and innings get a little messy once traffic starts building. Washington isn’t going to scare anyone, but they’re scrappy enough to take advantage if they’re getting free passes and extra chances. More of a secondary MME piece than anything, but playable.
Cincinnati Reds
I’m kind of in on Cincinnati here with Mitch Keller sitting at a 4.89 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. He’s usually not that good at limiting the big blow-up innings, and the Reds are exactly the type of volatile offense that can sneak through when he’s even a little off. Not necessarily a core play, but definitely heavier in the tournament mix for me.
Jun 17, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (2) hits a double in the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Pirates
This is a pretty clean GPP target. Brady Singer has a 4.81 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, and that combination usually means you’re going to get innings where everything piles up quickly once runners start reaching. Pittsburgh isn’t always consistent, but they don’t need much help to cash in if a pitcher starts missing spots or falling behind. I like them as a stack even if they’re popular, but there’s real upside if Singer is off early and don’t hate being overweight anyway.
Tampa Bay Rays
This is a nicely interesting one for me. Merrill Kelly has been decent in stretches, but the 5.71 ERA and 1.52 WHIP still point to plenty of outings where traffic builds and things start to get uncomfortable. Tampa Bay isn’t the easiest offense to trust, but they have a lot of pop, and that’s kind of the point in tournaments… they can grind you to death when they’re clicking. I like them a ton this afternoon.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
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
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Bryan Reynolds vs. Brady Singer: 6-16 with a 2B, 3B, two HR, and six RBI
Spencer Steer vs. Mitch Keller: 8-21 with three 2B, a HR, two RBI, and three BB
Seiya Suzuki vs. Brandon Woodruff: 5-11 with two 2B, a HR, and three RBI
Taylor Ward vs. Zach Littell: 5-11 with two HR and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Derek Hill ($2500 FD / $2400 FD): seven-game hitting streak (1.200 OPS during)
Hao-yu Lee ($2600 DK / $2200 FD): eight hits (including a HR) in his last 17 AB (1.206 OPS)
Jorbit Vivas ($2400 DK / $2400 FD): 1.187 OPS in his last seven games