X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

MLB DFS Picks Today: Daily Fantasy Baseball Strategy and Tips For FanDuel, DraftKings (5/18/25)

Pete Crow-Armstrong - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Prospects, Draft Sleepers

Andy's top DraftKings and FanDuel MLB DFS picks for today, Sunday, 5/18/25. His favorite daily fantasy baseball lineup sleepers and value picks for DFS on DraftKings and FanDuel.

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We have an action-packed Sunday slate featuring several of the sport's young aces, such as Spencer Schwellenbach of the Atlanta Braves and Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. On the hitting side, we have several favorable matchups to target, including the red-hot Cubs, who will look to complete the sweep over the White Sox.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/18/2025. I'll focus most of my picks on the main slate starting at 1:05 p.m. EDT on both sites. The lineup picks will showcase elite players, mid-priced options, and value plays.

You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is always essential.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Shane Baz - TB vs. MIA ($8.3K DK; $8.8K FD) 

After looking like a breakout pitcher in his first three starts, Shane Baz has taken a big step back, posting a 7.88 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP over his last 24 innings. However, the young right-hander is poised to return to form in a favorable matchup against the Marlins.

This season, the Marins have posted the third-highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching. Baz should be in a prime position to return to the double-digit punchout upside he flashed earlier this season.

Spencer Schwellenbach - ATL vs. BOS ($8.9K DK; $9K FD)

Spencer Schwellenbach has looked brilliant at times during his sophomore season, but has also had a handful of blow-up starts. Through his first nine starts, Schwellenbach allowed two or fewer runs in six. However, he has allowed six runs in two.

This afternoon, he will look for another strong outing against the Boston Red Sox, who have posted the fourth-highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching this season.

Colin Rea - CWS vs. CHC ($7.2K DK; $8.3K FD) 

My other pitcher to target this afternoon is Colin Rea of the Chicago Cubs. Rea has begun to have a permanent role in the starting rotation with both Justin Steele (elbow) and Shota Imanaga (hamstring) on the injured list. Over his last four starts (22 2/3 innings), Rea has held a solid 3.18 ERA with a 1.28 WHIP.

While he has yet to flash high strikeout upside, facing the White Sox, who have posted the seventh-highest strikeout rate against right-handed pitching, should put him in a great position to post his best start of the young season.

Also Consider: Freddy Peralta - MIN vs. MIL ($9.7K DK; $9.7K FD), Paul Skenes - PIT vs. PHI ($9.9K DK; $10.3K FD)

 

Want more MLB DFS tools and content? Our MLB Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Lineup Optimizer, and access to our Premium Discord Chatrooms, where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Win more with expert tools and advice from proven winners!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Dansby Swanson, SS -  CWS vs. CHC ($4.3K DK; $3.3K FD) 

Dansby Swanson launched his 10th home run of the 2025 campaign on Saturday afternoon and will look to stay hot this afternoon, facing Jonathan Cannon of the White Sox. Entering Saturday, Swanson began finding his footing in the box, posting a stellar .364/.450/.606 line with two doubles and two long balls.

This afternoon, he will face Cannon, who relies on his cutter. When facing cutters from right-handers, Swanson has generated an elite .699 xSLG, which is the second-highest mark on the team among Cubs who have seen this pitch more than 50 times (more on the other player later).

Bo Bichette, SS - DET vs. TOR ($3.6K DK; $3K FD)

Bo Bichette has been one of the hottest hitters in the sport and is an excellent target this afternoon, facing Detroit right-hander Jackson Jobe. Jobe's fastball (his second-most-used pitch) has generated a hefty .466 xSLG and a .408 xwOBA. When facing fastballs from righties, Bichette has generated an impressive .594 xSLG.

Entering Saturday, Bichette has been swinging a hot bat, posting a .407/.484/.889 slash line over his last seven contests.

Yandy Diaz, 1B/3B on DraftKings, 1B on FanDuel - TB vs. MIA  ($3.8K DK; $3K FD) 

Entering Saturday, Yandy Diaz was in the midst of a slump, but he should be in a good position to snap this skid on Sunday. Over his last eight games, Diaz has held an underwhelming .219 AVG with two home runs.

This afternoon, he will face Cal Quantrill, who has struggled to command his fastball. When facing fastballs from righties this season, Diaz has generated an impressive .691 xSLG.

Also Consider: Michael Busch - 1B ($4.9K DK; $3K FD), Matt McLain- 2B on DraftKings, (2B/SS on FanDuel) ($4.7K DK; $3.1 FD), Addison Barger - 3B on DraftKings, (3B/OF on FanDuel) ($2.7K DK; $2.5K FD)

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Josh Lowe, OF - TB vs. MIA ($4.2K DK; $3.3K FD) 

Josh Lowe missed the majority of the start of the campaign with an oblique injury he suffered on Opening Day. However, Lowe was cleared to return earlier this week. Over his first two games since returning, Lowe has gone 4-for-9 at the plate with a long ball.

Like his teammate Diaz, Lowe has also found success when facing fastballs from right-handed pitchers. When facing this pitch, Lowe has generated a 1.689 xSLG.

Pete Crow-Armstrong - CWS vs. CHC ($5K DK; $3.9K FD) 

The former top prospect has had an incredible weekend and has begun to establish himself as one of the top center fielders in the show. Entering Saturday's game, Crow-Armstrong held a .367/.394/.700 line with three home runs and 10 RBI over his last eight games. On Saturday, he stayed hot, posting two hits and bringing in two runs.

When facing cutters from right-handed pitching (Cannon's most-used pitch), Crow-Armstrong has generated an incredible .954 xSLG.

Will Benson - CLE vs. CIN ($3.3K DK; $2.6K FD) 

Will Benson has enjoyed a strong week at the plate. Entering Saturday, Benson posted a .389/.476/.833 slash line with two doubles and two long balls over his last six contests. This afternoon, he should be in a prime position to say hot, facing Luis L. Ortiz of the Cleveland Guardians.

Ortiz's primary pitch, his fastball, has generated a .521 xSLG. Benson has generated a stellar 1.081 xSLG and a .630 xwOBA when facing fastballs from right-handed pitching.

Also Consider: Austin Hays - OF ($5K DK; $3.3K FD), Riley Greene - OF ($4.6K DK; $3.4K FD), Alec Burleson - OF on DraftKings, (OF/1B on FanDuel) ($3.3K DK; $2.3K FD)

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Cal Quantrill (MIA)

Quantrill has posted a high 7.00 ERA and a 1.64 WHIP across his first 36 innings this season. Under the hood, he sits in the sixth and fourth percentiles in xERA and xBA. Quantrill has generated a 44.6% hard-hit rate and an 11.6% barrel rate, which place him in the 27th and 16th percentiles, respectively.

His four-seamer (21.6% usage, second-most used pitch) has generated a hefty .960 xSLG and a .503 xwOBA.

Top stack:  J. Lowe, Diaz, B. Lowe, Aranda

Chicago Cubs  vs. Jonathan Cannon (CWS)

Cannon enters this matchup with a modest 3.60 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP across his first 50 innings. However, he has generated a 3.99 xERA and a .255 xBA, which suggests he should see some regression.

His primary pitch, his cutter, has generated a hefty .510 xSLG, which is much higher than the .378 SLG it currently carries.

Top stack:  Crow-Armstrong, Swanson, Kelly, Busch

Cincinnati Reds vs. Luis L. Ortiz (CLE)

While Ortiz has shown flashes of high strikeout upside this season (26.1% K rate), his batted-ball metrics are not ideal. He currently sits in the 15th percentile in xERA and 35th percentile in xBA.

As stated above, his fastball has generated a high .521 xSLG, which should put the Cincinnati bats in a great position to be productive at the plate this afternoon.

Top stack:  Benson, Hays, McLain, Wynns



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

NHL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
NHL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
NHL

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
NHL

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Riley Greene

Homers Twice, Drives in Six on Wednesday
Max Muncy

Exits With Apparent Knee Injury
Christian Moore

Exits Early with Thumb Irritation
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish