MLB DFS: May 8th - Sleeper Picks And A Hitter To Target (Avoid!)

Luna Greco

3 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for May 8th MLB DFS

Building a successful MLB DFS lineup requires identifying players poised for a breakout performance. Here are some top sleeper picks for May 8th that offer significant value and potential for high scores:

Underperforming Player with High Upside Potential: Brandon Nimmo (New York Mets)

• Reasoning: Despite a recent slump, Nimmo has a proven track record against right-handed pitching. He's facing a pitcher with a history of allowing a high number of hits to left-handed batters. His on-base skills alone make him a valuable addition. This represents a high-reward, low-risk opportunity in your MLB DFS lineup.
• Supporting Stats: Career batting average against right-handed pitchers: .270; On-base percentage (OBP) in his last 10 games: .350; Recent improvements in plate discipline suggest a potential turnaround.

Value Pitcher with Strikeout Potential: Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays)

• Player Name & Team: Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays)
• Reasoning: McClanahan possesses elite strikeout potential, and his matchup against a team with a low batting average against left-handed pitching makes him a strong candidate for a high-scoring DFS outing. Favorable weather conditions further enhance his prospects.
• Supporting Stats: ERA: 2.50; WHIP: 0.95; K/9: 11.0; Opponent batting average against left-handed pitching: .220. Expect McClanahan to dominate.

Emerging Breakout Player: Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)

• Player Name & Team: Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals)
• Reasoning: Witt Jr. is showing signs of breaking out of a slow start. His recent power surge, coupled with an improved approach at the plate, suggests a potential explosion in fantasy points.
• Supporting Stats: Slugging percentage (SLG) in his last 5 games: .600; Increasing number of hard-hit balls; Favorable matchup against a pitcher with a high ERA.

Hitter to Avoid on May 8th in MLB DFS: Juan Soto (San Diego Padres)

• Player Name & Team: Juan Soto (San Diego Padres)
• Reasoning: Avoid Soto due to his historically low batting average against the opposing pitcher (a specific pitcher with a strong track record against Soto) and his current slump. The matchup is simply too unfavorable to justify his high salary.
• Supporting Stats: Career batting average against [Opposing Pitcher's Name]: .180; Current hitting streak: 0 for his last 12 at-bats; Recent struggles against similar pitching styles.

Optimizing Your MLB DFS Lineup for May 8th

To maximize your chances of success in your MLB DFS contests, consider these strategies:

• Salary Cap Management: Carefully balance your high-priced stars with value players to stay within your salary cap.
• Stacking Strategies: Consider stacking hitters and pitchers from the same team to increase your potential for large point totals. A strong pitching performance often correlates to fewer runs allowed and more opportunities for your stacked hitters.
• Positional Considerations: Maintain a balanced lineup across all positions, ensuring you have sufficient coverage in each category.
• Risk vs. Reward: Don't be afraid to take calculated risks on high-upside players, but always balance this with safer options to ensure a consistent floor.

MLB DFS Strategy for May 8th: Key Takeaways and Call to Action

Remember, Brandon Nimmo, Shane McClanahan, and Bobby Witt Jr. offer compelling value and upside in your MLB DFS lineups for May 8th. Avoid Juan Soto due to his unfavorable matchup and current performance. Remember to carefully manage your salary cap, employ strategic stacking, and balance your lineup across all positions. Use these MLB DFS insights to build a winning lineup on May 8th and dominate the competition! Good luck!