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

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Top Sleepers for May 8th MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball

Identifying sleepers is crucial for success in MLB DFS. These undervalued players offer high potential for points relative to their salary.

Pitcher Sleeper: Spencer Strider (ATL)

• Favorable Matchup: Strider faces the Colorado Rockies, a team known for its struggles against high-velocity pitching. Their .220 team batting average against right-handed pitching presents a prime opportunity for a dominant Strider performance.
• Salary: Strider’s salary is likely to be lower than some top-tier pitchers due to recent minor inconsistencies. This presents a fantastic value opportunity for DFS players.
• Stats & Rationale: While Strider hasn't been perfect recently, his strikeout potential remains elite. He's averaging over 10 strikeouts per 9 innings this season, and the Rockies' weak lineup should allow him to rack up K's.
• Injury Concerns: Currently no significant injury concerns reported.
• Inconsistent Performances: While he hasn't been as dominant as earlier in the season, a favorable matchup could ignite a strong performance.

Batter Sleepers:

• Kyle Tucker (HOU - OF): Tucker is a power hitter with a history of success against the starting pitcher for the opposing team (assuming the starting pitcher remains unchanged). Check recent stats and matchups to confirm this before lineup lock. His potential for home runs and RBIs against this specific pitcher makes him a high-value sleeper.
  • Position: Outfield (OF)
  • Relevant Stats: Look for recent power numbers (HR, RBI) and a strong OPS against right-handed pitching (if applicable).
  • Park Factor: Consider whether the game is played in a hitter-friendly park.
• Bobby Witt Jr. (KC - SS): Witt Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance, and his speed combined with potential power makes him a solid sleeper pick. His salary likely won't reflect his ceiling.
  • Position: Shortstop (SS)
  • Relevant Stats: Focus on his stolen base attempts and batting average against the opposing pitcher.
  • Recent Trends: Look for any indication of a recent hot streak at the plate.

Players to Avoid on May 8th in MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball

Avoiding high-priced, risky players is as crucial as finding sleepers. These players may have a high salary but lack the potential to justify their cost.

Pitcher to Avoid: Justin Verlander (NYM)

• Poor Matchup: Verlander faces a potent offense. His recent struggles against similar lineups make him a high-risk pick.
• High Salary: His salary will be high due to his reputation, despite recent performance concerns.
• Stats & Rationale: Verlander's ERA and WHIP have been higher than expected this season. Combined with a tough opponent, he’s a gamble to avoid.
• Recent Struggles: Look for evidence of a high run total allowed in recent games.
• Injury Concerns: Monitor for any late-breaking injury news before finalizing lineups.

Batter to Avoid: Aaron Judge (NYY)

• High Salary & Risky: Judge’s high salary doesn’t always translate to high fantasy scores, especially if he struggles against a specific pitcher or faces a tough defense.
• Unfavorable Matchup (check before lineup lock): Analyze his historical performance against the starting pitcher for the opposing team. A history of low batting average or no home runs is a red flag.
• Potential for Underwhelming Performance: Judge is capable of huge games but also quiet nights. This volatility makes him a risky choice at his high price point.

Optimal Lineup Construction Strategies for May 8th

Building a winning MLB DFS lineup involves careful consideration of several factors.

• Balanced Lineup: Diversify your lineup across all positions, balancing high-salary stars with affordable sleepers.
• Team Stacks: Consider stacking multiple players from the same team. If you believe one team will score a lot of runs, a team stack increases your odds of benefiting from that team's success.
• Salary Management: Stay within your budget while maximizing the potential for points.
• DFS Site Features: Utilize unique features offered by different DFS platforms (e.g., multipliers, bonuses).

Sample Lineup (Illustrative - adjust based on final salaries and matchups):

Conclusion

Using these MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball picks for May 8th will significantly improve your chances of building a winning lineup. Remember to always double-check the latest news, stats, and projected lineups before locking in your picks. Consider matchups, recent performance, and salary when choosing your players. Utilize the strategies mentioned to construct a well-balanced and high-potential MLB DFS lineup for May 8th. Check back tomorrow for more expert analysis and winning strategies for your MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball needs!