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

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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Top MLB DFS Sleeper Picks for May 8th

Identifying the right sleeper picks is crucial for separating yourself from the pack in MLB DFS. These under-owned players offer significant upside potential, giving you an edge over those relying solely on popular, high-priced options. Our criteria for selecting sleeper picks include favorable matchups, recent performance improvements, and low ownership projections based on various DFS platforms.

Identifying Sleeper Potential

• Favorable Matchups: We look for players facing pitchers with historically weak performances against their batting style.

• Recent Performance Improvements: A player showing a sudden uptick in key stats (e.g., batting average, on-base percentage, strikeouts) is a potential sleeper.

• Low Ownership Projections: Tools and resources predict low ownership percentages for certain players, signaling a potential for higher-than-expected scores and a lower risk of shared points.

• Sleeper Picks for May 8th:

  • Brandon Nimmo (NYM, OF): Nimmo has a history of strong performance against the opposing pitcher, and his recent batting average suggests he's breaking out of a slump. He's projected for a low ownership percentage, making him a high-value sleeper pick. (Projected Points: 12-15)
  • Shane McClanahan (TB, P): McClanahan is facing a weak-hitting team, providing a high probability of a quality start and substantial points in MLB DFS. While he’s not a complete unknown, his projection is slightly lower than his potential, making him a valuable sleeper pick for this MLB DFS slate. (Projected Points: 25-30)
  • Alec Bohm (PHI, 3B): Bohm is quietly having a good season, and his power potential, combined with a favorable matchup, puts him in the sleeper conversation. Look for him to exceed expectations in this game, especially in points-based scoring formats. (Projected Points: 10-13)

Value Plays: Finding Bargains in Your MLB DFS Lineups for May 8th

Value plays are a cornerstone of successful MLB DFS strategy. They're the players who provide a high projected point total relative to their salary. Identifying these budget-friendly options allows you to allocate funds to higher-priced players in other positions, building a balanced and powerful lineup within your salary cap.

Defining Value in MLB DFS

Value in MLB DFS is not solely about the lowest salary. It’s about the bang for your buck. A value player is expected to significantly outperform their salary cost, maximizing your points per dollar spent.

• Value Plays for May 8th:

  • Bobby Witt Jr. (KC, SS): Witt Jr. offers a significant amount of power and speed, especially when accounting for his relatively low salary. He represents a high-value play due to his projected points exceeding his cost significantly. (Salary: $4,500, Projected Points: 14-18)
  • Kyle Tucker (HOU, OF): Tucker consistently delivers solid stats without a hefty price tag. His consistent performance makes him a reliable value play within many MLB DFS lineups. (Salary: $4,800, Projected Points: 12-16)
  • Jose Abreu (HOU, 1B): Abreu's consistent batting skills make him a solid value player given his modest salary compared to some of his higher-priced counterparts. (Salary: $4,200, Projected Points: 10-14)

MLB DFS Player Projections & Lineup Optimization for May 8th

Utilizing player projections is a vital part of any successful MLB DFS strategy. However, remember that these projections are just estimations, and unexpected events can significantly impact performance. Combine projections with your own analysis of player form, matchups, and recent news.

Utilizing Player Projections

• Range of Projections: Always consider the range of projections. A player may have a high-end projection of 20 points but a low-end of 5 points – demonstrating the inherent risk and variability involved. This is critical in properly assessing risk for your MLB DFS strategy.

• Key Player Projections (Examples): (Note: These are hypothetical projections and should be checked with up-to-date sources prior to lineup creation) Aaron Judge (High: 25, Medium: 18, Low: 10), Shohei Ohtani (High: 30, Medium: 20, Low: 12), Mookie Betts (High: 22, Medium: 15, Low: 8).

Building Optimal Lineups

Building an optimal lineup involves carefully considering several factors:

• Salary Cap Management: Ensure your total lineup salary fits within the DFS platform’s constraints.
• Positional Balance: Avoid stacking too many players from the same team. Diversification minimizes risk of multiple players underperforming simultaneously.
• Team Stacking (Strategic): While diversification is important, strategically stacking 2-3 players from a team expected to score a lot of runs can be a high-reward strategy.
• Utilizing MLB DFS Tools: Take advantage of the various DFS tools and resources available – sites often provide projections and lineup optimizer features.

Conclusion: Maximize Your MLB DFS Success on May 8th

Remember, successfully navigating MLB DFS involves more than simply choosing high-profile players. Utilizing sleeper picks like Brandon Nimmo and Shane McClanahan, incorporating budget-friendly value plays such as Bobby Witt Jr and Kyle Tucker, and carefully optimizing your lineup using player projections are key strategies to maximizing your return on investment. Consider all the factors discussed before finalizing your lineup to avoid potential pitfalls. Remember that projections are just estimates; using your knowledge and understanding of the game adds an extra layer of insight. Utilize these MLB DFS insights to dominate your contests on May 8th! Mastering MLB DFS is about combining data with shrewd decision-making and, most importantly, having fun!