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
This is one of those spots where I don’t really care that the opposing pitcher is talented. Michael King has been excellent when healthy, but asking anybody to navigate this Dodgers lineup in Sacramento is a pretty brutal assignment. The Dodgers haven’t looked quite as unstoppable as we’re used to seeing at times this season, but the ceiling is still ridiculous, especially in a park that’s played much friendlier to hitters than expected. I don’t know that they’ll be the highest-owned offense on the slate given the matchup, and that only makes them more appealing to me.
August 1, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (5) runs after hitting a double against the Oakland Athletics during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Athletics
I’m probably going right back to the A’s again. Tyler Phillips has shown he can compete at this level, but he’s also the kind of pitcher who can get into trouble quickly when hitters start stringing together quality at-bats. The Athletics have been one of my favorite tournament offenses all season because they just don’t need much to put up a crooked number. Add in the Sacramento environment, and this feels like another spot where the upside outweighs whatever risk comes with rostering them. I’ll definitely have exposure.
Baltimore Orioles
This is just a really good spot. Brady Singer has had a rough season, carrying a 5.12 ERA and 1.54 WHIP, and those are exactly the types of numbers I’m looking to attack in DFS. Baltimore’s offense has been inconsistent at times, but they still have enough power throughout the lineup to make a pitcher pay in a hurry if he’s not locating. Honestly, this feels like one of the cleaner offensive spots on the slate, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the Orioles end up being one of the more popular stacks.
Sep 26, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers (23) hits a walk-off RBI double during the ninth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Cincinnati Reds
This feels like a pretty fun tournament spot. Trevor Rogers has a season ERA of 4.99 with a 1.31 WHIP, and Great American Ball Park has a way of making good pitchers look a lot less comfortable than usual. The Reds are volatile, which is exactly what I want in GPPs — they can disappear for a night or they can hit four home runs before you know what happened. I think they could be a priority stack for most people, and that’s enough for me to have some interest.
New York Yankees
I’m always interested when the Yankees get a shot at a pitcher who’s still trying to establish himself. Mike Paredes has some upside, but facing this lineup is a completely different animal than working through the bottom half of a rebuilding team’s order. The Yankees can beat you with patience, power, or by simply forcing a starter into a high pitch count early. They’re cold offensively, yes, but I’d rather be ahead of them getting out of it as the ceiling is obvious and that’s tough to ignore on any slate.
For other popular plays, our revamped MLB Research Station has every stat you need to send your research to the next level!
Jul 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts (50) during the All-Star Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
FOUR MLB BvP Matchups
Mookie Betts vs. Michael King: 6-19 with three HR, eight RBI, and two BB
Corbin Carroll vs. Kyle Harrison: 2-6 with a 2B and HR
Shohei Ohtani vs. Michael King: 9-21 with two 2B, three HR, five RBI, and three BB
Christian Walker vs. Nick Martinez: 6-12 with a 2B, HR, and four RBI
THREE MLB Value Plays
Ty France ($3300 DK / $2600 FD): 1.429 OPS in his last seven games (10-21 with two 2B, two HR, and four RBI)
Miguel Rojas ($2400 DK / $2400 FD): six hits in his last 13 AB (1.313 OPS)
Esmerlyn Valdez ($3000 FD): 1.795 OPS in his last seven games (13-23 with two 2B, four HR, and nine RBI)