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 Ángeles Dodgers
I’m not going to let the Aaron Nola name scare me off this one. He’s carrying a 5.68 ERA, and the Dodgers just got to Zack Wheeler last night, so I don’t see any reason to assume Nola is automatically going to shut them down. This lineup is too deep, too talented, and too capable of making adjustments for me to ignore in a spot like this. If Nola’s struggles continue, the Dodgers could put up another big number, and I like the idea of going right back to them.
Oct 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) reacts after striking out against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning during game three of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Chicago Cubs
This is a pretty interesting matchup for the Cubs. Keider Montero has shown flashes, but he hasn’t been the most consistent pitcher, and Chicago has enough power to make him pay if he starts leaving pitches over the plate. The Cubs can be a frustrating offense to roster, but when they’re clicking, they can put up a crooked number quickly. I don’t think they’ll be one of the highest-owned stacks on the slate, which makes the upside more appealing.
Boston Red Sox
I don’t mind the Red Sox here at all., especially given how well they’ve played over the last few weeks. Dean Kremer has enough ability to make this a little uncomfortable, but he’s also the type of pitcher who can get into trouble when the command isn’t quite there. Boston has enough power throughout the lineup to punish mistakes, and I like the idea of getting to Kremer early before the bullpen becomes a factor. This isn’t a smash spot for me, but the upside is definitely there for tournaments. Stick with the hot team.
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
Sandy Alcantara is still a talented pitcher, but he hasn’t looked like the dominant version of himself consistently enough for me to be afraid of this matchup. Houston has enough quality hitters to take advantage if he loses the zone or starts leaving pitches over the plate. I don’t think this is the safest stack on the slate, but the Astros have plenty of upside here, especially if Alcantara struggles to put hitters away.
Detroit Tigers
I’m interested in Detroit here in tournaments. I don’t have a ton of confidence in Colin Rea, and the Tigers have enough depth in the lineup to make him work. They don’t need to rely on one or two hitters to carry the offense, which is a big part of the appeal for me. This feels like a solid tournament spot, especially if the ownership ends up going elsewhere.
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May 26, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) runs after hitting a single during the third inning Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Mookie Betts vs. Aaron Nola: 10-24 with a 2B, 3B, two HR, and seven RBI
Manny Machado vs. Martin Perez: 7-21 with a 2B, HR, three RBI, and six BB
Trea Turner vs. Eric Lauer: 6-16 with a 2B, two HR, and five RBI
Christian Walker vs. Sandy Alcantara: 5-14 with a 2B, HR, and three RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Ty France ($3200 DK / $2900 FD): nine-game hitting streak (1.537 OPS during)
Miguel Rojas ($2300 DK / $2300 FD): 11-36 with three 2B and five RBI against Aaron Nola
Masataka Yoshida ($3000 DK): 1.154 OPS in his last seven games