MLB DFS: May 8th - Sleeper Picks, Value Plays & Player To Avoid

Henrik Larsen

4 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for May 8th MLB DFS

Focus: Identify under-the-radar players with high potential for significant fantasy points.

• Player 1: Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays, OF) – Arozarena is known for his explosive offensive capabilities. While his ownership might be lower than expected, his recent batting average against right-handed pitching (.300) and his potential for stolen bases make him an attractive sleeper pick, especially if he's facing a pitcher with a history of allowing hits to left-handed batters. He's a strong candidate for multiple categories (runs, RBIs, stolen bases).

• Player 2: Alec Bohm (Philadelphia Phillies, 3B) – Bohm has shown flashes of brilliance this season, particularly at home. Check the Phillies' schedule for May 8th; if they're playing at home, and facing a pitcher that has struggled against left-handed batters, Bohm presents strong upside with a potentially low ownership projection given his recent inconsistency. A strong home run potential adds to his value.

• Player 3: Adolis García (Texas Rangers, OF) – García possesses significant power, and if he's facing a pitcher susceptible to home runs, he is a worthy gamble. Look for favorable pitcher matchups, checking historical stats for the pitcher's performance against right-handed batters. While his average might fluctuate, his potential for a big game with multiple RBIs and home runs makes him a solid sleeper pick for MLB DFS.

Additional Considerations: When evaluating sleeper picks, consider recent hot streaks, projected weather conditions (windy conditions can impact power numbers), and the opposing pitcher's handedness and recent performance against similar hitters.

Value Plays: Maximizing Your MLB DFS Budget

Focus: Identify players with a strong chance of delivering solid fantasy points relative to their salary.

• Player 1: Brendan Rodgers (Colorado Rockies, 2B) - Salary: $3,800 – Rodgers consistently provides solid production at a low price point. At this salary, his consistent batting average and potential for runs scored provide excellent value in your MLB DFS lineup. Check for potential for stolen bases, as this can significantly increase his value in daily fantasy baseball.

• Player 2: Jake Cronenworth (San Diego Padres, 2B) - Salary: $4,200 – Cronenworth might be slightly undervalued based on his recent performance if he's on a hot streak. Consider his salary against his projected points; if his projected points exceed his salary significantly, he's a valuable addition to your MLB DFS lineup.

• Player 3: Whit Merrifield (Toronto Blue Jays, 2B/OF) - Salary: $4,000 – Merrifield's speed makes him an excellent source of stolen bases. If facing a pitcher that struggles with base stealers, this value play could provide exceptional returns given his low salary.

Additional Considerations: Balancing your lineup with high-salary stars and cost-effective value plays is crucial. Don't be afraid to stack players from the same team if there's a favorable matchup.

Pitcher Considerations for Value Plays

Focus: Analyze pitchers with high strikeout potential at lower salaries.

• Identify pitchers with a history of high strikeout numbers against the opposing lineup. Check their historical stats for insights into their effectiveness against specific teams.

• Consider pitchers facing teams with a high strikeout rate. This suggests the pitcher has a good chance of accumulating strikeouts.

• Evaluate the opposing team’s batting average against right-handed/left-handed pitching (if applicable). A pitcher with a strong record against the opposing team's batting style is ideal.

Players to Avoid on May 8th in your MLB DFS Lineups

Focus: Highlight players with a high risk of underperforming relative to their salary or projected points.

• Player 1: Jose Abreu (Houston Astros, 1B) – Abreu is a powerful hitter, but his recent slump could continue. Avoid him if his projected points don't justify his high salary, especially if facing a dominant pitcher. Check his stats against the opposing pitcher's historical performance.

• Player 2: Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels, OF) – While an elite player, if Trout has injury concerns or is likely to be rested on May 8th, he presents a significant risk for your MLB DFS lineup. Always check for the latest injury updates before locking in your lineup.

• Player 3: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels, P/DH) – Ohtani's dual role makes him risky. If projected ownership is extremely high, his potential points might not justify the investment if many other players select him, leading to a lower return.

Additional Considerations: Be wary of players with questionable health, those likely to sit due to rest, or players with high ownership projections.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the world of MLB DFS requires careful consideration of various factors. By identifying sleeper picks, utilizing value plays, and avoiding potential pitfalls as outlined in this guide for May 8th, you'll significantly improve your chances of constructing a winning lineup. Remember to always stay updated on the latest news and adjust your strategy accordingly. Use this analysis to optimize your MLB DFS strategy and increase your chances of winning! Good luck with your MLB DFS lineups!