Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: Best MLB Position Player Picks for May 24

The hot dogs, hamburgers and brats are on the grill. The beer is in the cooler. Cornhole bags are likely flying in the backyard. And, to top it all off, MLB baseball is playing on the television. These are the makings of a perfect Memorial Day weekend.

One way to make that even better is to have incentive to root for specific players. That's exactly what DraftKings provides with daily fantasy baseball. Before all the fun starts again, here's a look at the best MLB position player picks for Sunday afternoon.

First Baseman: Eric Hosmer, Kansas City Royals ($4,400)

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

Even in a rain-shortened game, Eric Hosmer found a way to make an impact. The Kansas City Royals first baseman tallied his second extra-base hit in the last three games and scored a run in only three at-bats on Saturday.

While he hasn't enjoyed a lot of success against Michael Wacha, Hosmer has been a completely different batter this season. Whether it's through contact or power hitting, the Royals slugger will continue to thrive on Sunday.

Second Baseman: Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Indians ($4,500)

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Over his last five starts, Jason Kipnis has hit .400 with two doubles, a triple, three RBI and six runs scored. Still not convinced he's worthy of tabbing as your second baseman? How about the fact that he's third in the MLB in hits (59) and touts a .408 on-base percentage.

Then there's that part about Kipnis facing a young starting pitcher with minimal experience at the MLB level. That pitcher is Raisel Iglesias, who will be starting in place of Johnny Cueto, according to the Reds' official Twitter account:

Iglesias may have electric stuff, but he's no match for Kipnis as a right-hander. The Indians infielder is hitting .420 with three of his four homers against righties this season. Expect huge things from Kipnis on Sunday, making him a must-have for every fantasy lineup.

Third Baseman: Jimmy Paredes, Baltimore Orioles ($4,400)

Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

I keep leaving him out, and Jimmy Paredes just keeps hitting. The surprise breakout star for the Baltimore Orioles now ranks fourth in American League slugging percentage (.590) and OPS (.973) in 29 games this season.

O's manager Buck Showalter spoke about Paredes and his confidence in the third baseman, via Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun:

"

I think it is great. I don't think he is going to sneak up on anybody anymore. He is out of the ambush mode, but he keeps doing it. He got two hits [Friday] night because he can run. ...

He's played like a guy that should be leading the American League in hitting. Every time you think [he'll stumble], all the sudden there goes another one. I'm really happy for Jimmy because he is getting something back from what he put in it.

"

Considering he has nine hits in his last five games, Paredes really isn't sneaking up on pitchers anymore. But a lineup without Paredes on Sunday will likely be one that's not sneaking into the top of any fantasy games.

Shortstop: Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs ($4,100)

Despite the young talent coming in and stealing the spotlight away, Starlin Castro has remained a force for the Chicago Cubs.

Though he hasn't hit for power often, Castro is still registering over seven fantasy points per game in his last 10 games. Knocking multiple hits over the last two starts, he's also finding ways to score huge points in DraftKings with contact hitting alone.

Also take into account that Castro is hitting better on the road this season than at home, tallying seven fantasy points per away game. Going against Jeremy Hellickson, who boasts a 5.52 ERA and .296 average allowed, Castro will continue to post quality numbers for fantasy owners.

Outfielder: Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates ($5,100)

Oh, hey there, Andrew McCutchen. So nice of you to finally join the party. After an awful start to the 2015 season, McCutchen is starting to look like he's shaking off the woes. That's been evident over the last 10 games, hitting .361 (13-for-36) with four home runs and 10 RBI.

Things were so bad for McCutchen that we actually had him in a dud section at one point. Thankfully, he's now back in the good graces of fantasy owners and a prime candidate for a No. 1 outfielder spot again. With two three-hit games—both including a homer—this week, trust McCutchen to come through—finally.

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