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
We start off where we usually do: with the Dodgers in a good spot. Zac Gallen enters this one with a 4.86 ERA and 1.34 WHIP, and the inconsistency has shown up most when innings start extending and traffic builds. Even with the strikeout ability still present, he’s been vulnerable to multi-run frames when command slips within the zone. That’s exactly the type of profile the Dodgers can punish with their depth and patience throughout the order. This remains a top-tier full-stack spot regardless of slate context.
Aug 13, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Oakland Athletics second baseman Zack Gelof (20) celebrates with Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker (25) after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Braves
The Braves will be chalky tonight and with good reason: Patrick Corbin enters with a 3.65 ERA and 1.36 WHIP this season, and while the surface numbers are better than past versions of him, the underlying profile still leans toward traffic and extended innings when command wavers. When he falls behind in counts, he can still run into trouble quickly against disciplined lineups that force long at-bats and capitalize on mistakes in the zone. Atlanta has the type of power to turn that into a crooked number inning. Strong tournament stack with clear ceiling. My favorite stack on the slate.
Athletics
Always good to go with some A’s stacks and the upside that comes with them. Colin Rea has a 4.61 ERA and 1.32 WHIP this season, and the profile continues to lean toward contact-heavy innings where traffic can build once he falls behind in counts. That kind of pitching environment keeps opposing offenses in play even when the matchup doesn’t immediately jump off the page. The Athletics aren’t the most consistent stack, but they do have enough pop to take advantage when pitchers allow baserunners in bunches. I’m fine mixing them in as a secondary tournament option.
Apr 13, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) reacts during an at bat during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Angels
This is a really nice play, but there’s good upside that comes from it (as there always is when stacking against Colorado). Michael Lorenzen has a 7.22 ERA and 1.90 WHIP this season, and the results have been extremely difficult from a run-prevention standpoint. Once baserunners get on, innings have consistently snowballed rather than stabilized, which keeps opposing offenses live even in otherwise neutral matchups. The Angels are inconsistent, but this is still a spot where they can capitalize on mistakes and build multi-run innings if Lorenzen’s command wavers early. Secondary stack with real upside.
Philadelphia Phillies
This is one of the stronger offense spots on the slate for me. Walker Buehler has pitched better recently than his overall numbers might suggest, but he still owns a 4.97 ERA and 1.26 WHIP this season. The bigger appeal here is that Philadelphia continues to be one of the most consistent offenses in baseball, capable of creating traffic throughout the lineup and forcing starters out of games earlier than expected. Buehler has shown signs of settling in over his last few outings, but I’m still willing to attack him with a lineup that has this much depth and run-scoring upside. I like the Phillies as a strong tournament stack and one of the better offenses on the board.
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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
Jo Adell vs. Michael Lorenzen: 6-11 with two HR and three RBI
Ozzie Albies vs. Patrick Corbin: 14-32 with three 2B, a 3B, HR, and 12 RBI
Jose Ramirez vs. Gerrit Cole: 12-36 with three 2B, a 3B, two HR, seven RBI, and eight BB
Austin Riley vs. Patrick Corbin: 9-29 with three 2B, three HR, 11 RBI, and five BB
THREE MLB Value Plays
Donnie Walton ($ DK / $2500 FD): seven-game (.907 OPS during)
Masyn Winn ($2900 DK / $2800 FD): 5-11 with a 2B, HR, and four RBI against Mackenzie Gore
Mikę Yastrzemski ($ DK / $2500 FD): six hits, two 2B, and three RBI in his last 13 AB