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It's already Week 8 of the MLB season and there aren't many on-the-fence guys left on the waiver wire, at least not in the outfield. Most guys hovering around 50% ownership are washed up, former stars who would do nothing but drag your team down for months to come.
However, there are a handful of scarcely-owned outfielders dwelling at the bottom of most leagues' waiver wires. Naturally, these guys come with a healthy dose of risk. Some are prospects while others are guys who have been just plain bad for most of their careers. Everyone deserves a second chance. Let the deep dive commence.
Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options for the outfield, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Week 8 Outfield Targets
Trayce Thompson, Los Angeles Dodgers
Owned in 9% of Fleaflicker Leagues
The less talented Thompson brother has finally begun to make a name for himself in LA. All of the sudden, there is much more space in the Dodgers outfield as Carl Crawford has amassed just 64 at bats on the year and doesn't play against righties. Enrique Hernandez has cooled off big time after a hot start, going an abysmal 3-for-44 in the past month. Aside from Yasiel Puig in right field, Thompson and Joc Pederson are the only respectable options left for regular playing time in the two remaining spots.
The 25 year-old Thompson has delivered in his appearances thus far with a season line of .281/.343/.552 with seven homers, 16 runs scored and 19 RBI in under 100 at bats. He's now started eight straight games and there's little reason to suspect that will change as long as he continues to produce. There's even a chance his starter status will be cemented further in the case of injury to Puig or an infamous Pederson slump. Thompson hit 101 home runs across seven seasons in the minors. Hopefully that will continue to translate to MLB success.
Leonys Martin, Seattle Mariners
Owned in 11% of Fleaflicker Leagues
It's always shocking to see a five-category contributor (as mild as those contributions may be) like Leonys Martin available in so many leagues. Across 139 at bats in 2016, Martin has eight dingers, 20 runs scored, 17 RBI and seven stolen bases. All of this production comes with a palatable .259/.335/.468 line. Matters have only become better as of late, as Martin has taken over the leadoff role with Ketel Marte on the DL. The Cuban outfield continued a six-game hitting streak on Sunday with a 4-for-5 effort and has proven he is seeing the ball very well for the time being.
The only red flag here is an alarming 26.9% strikeout rate, much higher than his career average. Most factors in Martin's past suggest that he will cool off sooner or later. He has already tied his career high in home runs. One thing is for sure - the steals will keep on coming. After stealing 81 bases over the past three years, Martin is a constant threat on the base paths. For now, just enjoy the power and speed combo while it lasts.
Update: Martin has been placed on the DL as of 5/28.
Tyler Goeddel, Philadelphia Phillies
Owned in 2% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Stashing prospects in fantasy baseball can be frustrating. Most teams lean towards the cautious approach with their young talent, leaving guys to languish in Triple-A or on the bench for their Major League clubs while you observe in agony. Fortunately, the Phillies are not in a position to be quite as prudent, which has led the club to the second-youngest average age in the MLB. Tyler Goeddel is the team's most recent project. In the first month of his young career, Goeddel struggled mightily, going just 5-for-34 in his first 16 games. The Phillies remained patient.
Since May 6, the 23 year-old has rebounded to the tune of a .378/.417/.578 line to go with two doubles, two triples and his first Big League home run. In that time Goeddel has received just one day off and appears to be the team's starting left fielder moving forward. It's yet to be seen what will happen once Cody Asche returns from the DL, but Goeddel will be a strong candidate to remain in the everyday lineup if this production continues.
Peter O'Brien, Arizona Diamondbacks
Owned in 1% of Fleaflicker Leagues
Speaking of stashing prospects, Peter O'Brien currently seems to be the most valuable stash in the outfield. O'Brien has long been the Diamondbacks most highly-touted prospect, as well as one of the most celebrated around the league. After making the transition from catcher to the outfield this year, O'Brien has warranted Kyle Schwarber comparisons. O'Brien certainly resembles Schwarber at the plate, though not aesthetically. The 25 year-old has already hit 12 HR and 31 RBI with Triple-A Reno this season to go with his impressive .311/.331/.622 line. After major injuries to both A.J. Pollock and David Peralta, Arizona's outfield is in flux.
The trio of Brandon Drury, Chris Owings and Yasmany Tomas has actually been effective at times so far. However, that production is unreliable in the long-term and all three guys are candidates to be designated for assignment if one begins to struggle. As soon as that happens, O'Brien will almost definitely be given another shot at Big League pitching. In just 12 MLB at bats last year, O'Brien went 4-for-10 with a home run and three RBI. As soon as that promotion comes, he will be a must-own player in all leagues and undoubtedly the most added player of the week. If you have space on your bench, don't hesitate to stash.
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