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
Atlanta Braves
This matchup has great upside. Bubba Chandler has electric stuff and plenty of strikeout ability, but he’s also shown command issues at times and can put extra runners on base when he’s not locating consistently. Atlanta is exactly the type of offense that can punish those mistakes quickly. I think this is a spot to be over the field on as the ceiling is too high to ignore, especially if people shy away because of Chandler’s talent.
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
Athletics
This feels like one of those great tournament spots with lovely upside. Mike Burrows has struggled for much of the season, carrying a 5.40 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on his ESPN profile. Traffic has been a major issue for him, and when runners get on base, innings have had a tendency to snowball. The Athletics aren’t always easy to trust, but they have enough power throughout the lineup to make him pay if those issues continue. I don’t mind getting some exposure here in GPPs.
Houston Astros
I’m definitely interested in Houston here. Gage Jump is a talented prospect and has real strikeout upside, but he’s still making the adjustment to major league hitters after arriving from Triple-A, where he posted a 4.50 ERA. Young pitchers with upside can still get into trouble quickly when facing experienced lineups, and Houston has enough veteran bats to capitalize if Jump falls behind in counts. I like the upside quite a bit, especially if ownership stays reasonable.
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
Philadelphia Phillies
This is one of my favorite spots on the slate. David Sandlin has flashed some strikeout ability in the minors, but he’s still a young arm trying to establish himself at the major league level, and that’s usually a profile I’m willing to attack with an offense as deep as Philadelphia’s. The Phillies don’t need much help to put up runs, and if they can get Sandlin into some stressful innings early, there’s a lot of upside here. Strong full-stack option and one of the better offenses on the board.
Seattle Mariners
Seattle is interesting here because Jack Flaherty has had a rough season, carrying a 5.73 ERA and 1.73 WHIP on his ESPN player page. He’s also allowed plenty of traffic throughout the year, and that’s the kind of profile I’m willing to target in tournaments. The Mariners can be frustrating offensively at times, but the power upside remains, and this feels like a spot where they could put together a few big innings if Flaherty’s command isn’t sharp.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (27) celebrates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Riley Greene vs. Luis Castillo: 4-11 with a 2B, 3B, and two RBI
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. vs. Shane Baz: 5-15 with a HR and two RBI
Cedric Mullins vs. Sandy Alcantara: 5-14 with two HR, three RBI, and a BB
Taylor Ward vs. Kevin Gausman: 6-15 with two 2B, a 3B, and an RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Colton Cowser ($2200 DK / $2600 FD): 1.232 OPS in his last seven games
Michael Massey ($2900 DK /$2500 FD): 1.198 OPS in his last seven games
Wenceel Perez ($2700 DK / $2500 FD): 4-6 against Luis Castillo