MLB DFS: May 8th - Sleeper Picks, Value Plays, And Hitters To Avoid

Luna Greco

5 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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Top Sleeper Picks for May 8th MLB DFS

Identifying undervalued players is key to winning in MLB DFS. A "sleeper pick" in MLB DFS refers to a player with a relatively low projected ownership percentage but a high potential for a significant fantasy point output. This section highlights players who could significantly outperform expectations.

Identifying Undervalued Players

Finding sleeper picks requires careful analysis. Here’s what to look for:

• Lower Projected Ownership: Focus on players projected to be in fewer lineups than their potential warrants. DFS sites often provide ownership projections.
• Positive Recent Trends: Look for players showing improvements in batting average, on-base percentage (OBP), slugging percentage (SLG), or other key metrics. A recent hot streak is a strong indicator.
• Favorable Matchups: Analyze the opposing pitcher's stats and history against the hitter's handedness. A pitcher struggling against lefties? A left-handed hitter could be a sleeper pick.
• Potential for a Breakout Game: Consider players with a history of occasional power surges, even if their overall season stats are modest. One big game can dramatically impact your DFS score.

For example, let's say outfielder X, a left-handed hitter, is playing against pitcher Y, who historically struggles against left-handed batters. X might be a sneaky good MLB DFS sleeper pick due to this favorable matchup.

Sleeper Pitcher Recommendations

Identifying sleeper pitchers requires a different approach, focusing on potential for quality starts and strikeouts.

• ERA, WHIP, and K/9: Examine a pitcher's Earned Run Average (ERA), Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched (WHIP), and Strikeouts per nine innings (K/9). Lower ERA and WHIP combined with a high K/9 are desirable.
• Opposing Lineup Weakness: Analyze the opposing team's batting order. Is it heavy on right-handed hitters, and does the pitcher excel against right-handed hitters? This creates a favorable matchup.
• Quality Start Potential: Look for pitchers with a good chance of going deep into the game, accumulating innings pitched.
• High Strikeout Potential: Pitchers with high strikeout potential can quickly rack up DFS points.

A pitcher with a lower salary and a favorable matchup against a weak-hitting team could be an excellent value MLB DFS sleeper pick.

Value Plays: Maximizing Your MLB DFS Budget

Value plays are crucial for maximizing your MLB DFS lineup’s potential within budget constraints. These players offer a high projected points-to-salary ratio.

Finding Bargains in the Lineup

Identifying value plays requires a keen eye for undervalued assets. Consider these factors:

• Consistent Production at a Lower Salary: Look for players with consistently good stats who are priced lower than their performance suggests.
• Increased Playing Time: Injuries or other lineup changes can increase a player's playing time, making them a value pick.
• Salary vs. Projected Points: The most important factor is the ratio of salary to projected points. A higher ratio indicates a better value pick.

For instance, a player with a consistent batting average of .280 who is priced lower than other players with similar averages is a potential value play.

Budget-Friendly Pitching Options

Finding affordable pitchers who can deliver significant fantasy points is a key strategy in MLB DFS.

• Lower Salaries, Strong Potential: Seek pitchers with lower salaries but strong potential for high strikeout totals or quality starts.
• Recent Performance and Matchups: Analyze recent performances and upcoming matchups. A pitcher with a low salary facing a weak-hitting lineup can be a tremendous value.
• Risks and Rewards: Understand the risks involved with cheaper pitchers. They might have higher volatility, but the reward can be substantial.

Choosing budget-friendly pitchers wisely can free up salary to acquire high-priced stars in other positions.

Hitters to Avoid on May 8th: Protecting Your MLB DFS Lineup

Knowing which hitters to avoid is just as important as identifying good ones. This prevents wasted salary and potential lineup derailment.

Identifying High-Risk, Low-Reward Players

Several factors suggest a hitter should be avoided in your MLB DFS lineup:

• Poor Recent Performance: Players struggling at the plate (low batting average, high strikeouts) are risky.
• Tough Matchups: A hitter facing a pitcher with a strong track record against that hitter's handedness is a red flag.
• Injury Concerns: Even minor injuries can significantly impact a player's performance.
• Potential Lineup Changes: Check for news regarding potential lineup changes that might reduce a player's playing time.

Avoid players showing negative trends or facing exceptionally tough matchups.

Pitcher-Hitter Matchups to Steer Clear Of

Understanding pitcher-batter matchups is critical.

• Historical Performance: Examine the history between the hitter and pitcher. Has the hitter historically struggled against this specific pitcher?
• Statistical Trends: Analyze statistical trends and patterns. Are there noticeable trends showing poor performance in past matchups?

Paying close attention to these matchups can save you valuable salary and prevent your MLB DFS lineup from underperforming.

Conclusion

Building a successful MLB DFS lineup on May 8th requires a balanced approach. By carefully considering our expert analysis of sleeper picks, value plays, and hitters to avoid, you'll significantly improve your chances of winning. Remember to analyze player statistics, consider matchups, and stay updated on the latest news affecting player performance. Don't forget to factor in projected ownership percentages when making your final lineup decisions.

Ready to build a winning MLB DFS lineup for May 8th? Use our expert insights on sleeper picks, value plays, and hitters to avoid to increase your chances of success! Don't miss out on maximizing your potential – start building your winning MLB DFS team today!