While the great MLB franchises are filled with superstars, fantasy baseball success is not directly correlated to winning percentage. Sometimes players on bad teams provide the biggest fantasy baseball value.
There's always a reason why a team has a poor record. Perhaps a player or numerous have struggled to find their footing. In that case, perhaps those teams decide to give an opportunity to a more unheralded names. Overall, struggling teams need to find a spark. And oftentimes it can come from places least expected.
Which is where the waiver wire comes in. The players on this list were afterthoughts on draft day. Many weren't even expected to be playing a large role on their teams. However, heading into Week 8 they are, and fantasy baseball players should take notice.
There's no warning for when a hot streak might cool off. Whether their teams are winning or losing, these four players make for strong Week 8 waiver wire pick ups.
Every player on this list is owned in 20 percent or fewer of all ESPN fantasy baseball leagues.
Abraham Toro – INF, Oakland Athletics
While the Oakland Athletics are performing much more admirably than many were expecting, they are still 19-22 on the season. Still, Abraham Toro has been scorching out West, proving to be one of the hottest hitters in baseball.
Over his last 13 games, Toro is hitting .412 with a home run and seven RBI. He has hit five doubles while crossing home plate 11 times. The hot stretch has brought Toro's season totals to a .293 batting average with three home runs, 16 RBI and a stolen bases.
When he is in the lineup, Toro usually functions as the team's leadoff hitter. While the Athletics may not have the scariest offense, he's in a prime run scoring position. Furthermore, he has played second, third and first base in 2024. If he gets fantasy baseball eligibility at all three positions, Toro's value only goes up.
The Athletics will soon no longer player in Oakland. But as long as they are, Toro is looking to give fans a show. Don't miss out on your tickets on the Week 8 waiver wire.
Jon Singleton – 1B, Houston Astros
Jon Singleton was one of the bigger, “what ifs,” in Houston Astros franchise history. He was the first player ever to sign an extension before appearing in an MLB game back in 2013. But by 2015, he was no longer with the Astros as he fell out of the league completely.
In 2023, he made his MLB return with the Milwaukee Brewers before rejoining Houston. And in 2024, Singleton has a fairly significant role on the first major league club he ever played for.
Jose Abreu has struggled mightily in 2024, forcing the Astros to option him to the minor leagues. In his place, Singleton has stepped up at first. Over 27 games, Singleton has hit .218 with four home runs and 10 RBI.
If you need batting average, Singleton might not be the best add. But if you're lacking in the power department, the first baseman is your man. Two of his bombs came over his last six games. Singleton will likely occupy the first base position in Houston barring injury or an Abreu return. Between that opportunity and his power stroke, Singleton has become an intriguing fantasy baseball pick up.
Tommy Pham – OF, Chicago White Sox
Nothing has seemed to go right for the Chicago White Sox in 2024. At 12-28, Chicago is already 12 games back of first place in the NL Central. That makes Tommy Pham a prime candidate to be dealt at the trade deadline. But as long as he is with the White Sox, Pham looks like a strong fantasy baseball contributor.
Serving as Chicago's leadoff hitter, Pham sets the table for the White Sox. It has led to nine runs scored in his 14 games with the team. The outfielder is hitting .309 with two home runs, eight RBI and a stolen base overall.
Over his last six games, Pham is hitting .292 with a home run, five RBI and a stolen base. Where Singleton provided power, Pham helps any fantasy baseball owner struggling in the batting average or run scoring department.
If/when Pham is traded, his both real life and fantasy baseball value might change. He could move down the lineup or not have such a premium role. But until then, he is a useful contributor in numerous categories and an apt Week 8 pick up.
Reese Olson – SP, Detroit Tigers
Reese Olson bucks the trend of Week 8's list for a pair of reasons. Firstly, he is the only pitcher. Secondly, the Detroit Tigers actually have a winning record; albeit 20-19. Still, Olson is a pitcher who has been a consistent force throughout the season. Week 8 should be the final time fantasy baseball players underestimate him.
Over his seven starts in 2024, Olson has put up a 2.52 ERA with a 35/15 K/BB ratio. He has allowed over two runs in just one of his outings. Furthermore, he has at least four strikeouts in his past five starts. Olson showed off his true potential in his May 3 start against the New York Yankees, throwing five innings of scoreless baseball, striking out five while allowing just two hits.
The one thing going against Olson is his own team. The right-hander has yet to record a win in 2024 and sits at 0-4. However, if he keeps pitching how he is, Detroit will find ways to win. Two or fewer runs shouldn't be a difficult barometers.
Winning or losing, Olson has looked impressive throughout the 2024 campaign. With Olson's next projected start coming against the Miami Marlins, Week 8 marks the perfect time to add him off the waiver wire.
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