MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball: May 8th Picks - Sleepers & Avoid

Felix Dubois

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for May 8th MLB DFS

Finding value in your MLB DFS lineup is crucial for success. High-priced players don't always guarantee a win, and smart selection of undervalued players can be the difference between a winning and losing day.

Identifying Value Plays

The key to finding value lies in strategic analysis. Don't just look at the big names; dig deeper!

• Favorable Matchups: Look for hitters facing pitchers with high ERAs or weak WHIPs, and pitchers facing teams with low batting averages.
• Recent Hot Streaks: A player on a hot streak, even if not a superstar, can provide significant value. Check recent game logs for consistent performance.
• Low Ownership Projections: Targeting players with lower projected ownership can significantly boost your lineup's uniqueness and increase your chances of winning if they perform well.

For example, let's consider ** pitcher Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels**. He faces the Oakland Athletics, a team known for their struggles against left-handed pitching. Anderson has a decent WHIP and has shown improved control recently, making him an excellent value pick for May 8th.

Positional Sleepers

Let's explore some specific sleeper picks across different positions:

• Pitcher: Eduardo Rodriguez (DET) – Rodriguez has a solid matchup against a weaker-hitting team and offers a decent strikeout potential at a lower price point.
• Catcher: Elias Díaz (COL) – Díaz provides a good power bat against right-handed pitching. Colorado's home field advantage could make him even more appealing for a cheap option.
• Infielder: Brendan Rodgers (COL) – Similar to Díaz, Rodgers benefits from playing in Coors Field and possesses the potential for a big game at a more budget-friendly salary.
• Outfielder: Jake McCarthy (ARI) – McCarthy has shown flashes of power and speed recently, and his cheaper salary could make him a great value play, especially if his ownership remains low.

High-Value Plays (But High-Risk)

While sleepers can be game-changers, sometimes it's worth taking a gamble on star players.

Analyzing Star Players

High-priced players often come with high ownership projections. This presents a risk/reward scenario.

• Consistency: Consider the player's recent performance. Are they consistently producing, or is their high price based on past success?
• Ceiling Potential: While riskier, a star player with immense upside can single-handedly propel your team to victory.
• Ownership Percentage: High ownership can decrease your overall return if that player underperforms.

For example, Shohei Ohtani might seem like an obvious pick, but his high ownership percentage means a lower ROI if he performs as expected. The risk is balanced by his potential for massive points.

Players to Avoid on May 8th

Identifying potential busts is just as important as finding sleepers.

Identifying Potential Busts

Several factors can indicate a player is likely to underperform.

• Injuries: Check for any recent injuries or injury reports. A player playing through pain might not perform to their usual standard.
• Poor Recent Performance: Consistent underperformance is a red flag. Look at recent batting averages, ERAs, and WHIPs.
• Tough Matchups: Facing a dominant pitcher or a strong defensive team can significantly hinder a player's performance.
• High Ownership: High ownership means less unique upside.

For example, avoid Juan Soto if he’s facing a dominant right-handed pitcher, given his struggles against righties in recent games.

Considering Ownership Percentage

High ownership can severely limit your upside. If your high-priced player underperforms and many other lineups feature them, you'll likely fall short. Diversifying your lineup with lower-ownership players is a key strategy in MLB DFS.

Maximize Your MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Winnings

To recap, for May 8th, consider players like Tyler Anderson, Eduardo Rodriguez, Elias Diaz, Brendan Rodgers, and Jake McCarthy as potential sleepers. Remember to be wary of high-ownership plays and carefully assess matchups before selecting your lineup. While star players like Shohei Ohtani hold the potential for huge scores, weigh the risk against their often-high ownership. Players like Juan Soto should be approached with caution depending on the matchup.

Remember, carefully analyzing player form, matchups, and ownership percentages is crucial for success in MLB DFS. Use this information to build a strong, unique lineup that gives you the best chance to win.

Check back tomorrow for more MLB daily fantasy baseball picks and strategies! Improve your MLB DFS game with our daily insights!