Nick Madrigal (2B/SS, CWS) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 30% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Nick Madrigal was a popular draft-day target among fantasy managers, although the slight on him was being an "empty batting average guy". There was no question Madrigal could hit for a good average but he lacked any power in his Minor League career having compiled a .309/.371/.398 slash line with four homers in 163 games. His 43 stolen bases in the Minor Leagues was also an enticing proposition for inclusion on fantasy rosters along with his dual position eligibility on most sites. Madrigal went 5 for 17 in his first five games before separating his shoulder which explains his availability in leagues now having been dropped in so many leagues.

Madrigal has returned with a bang going 11 for 23 since coming off the IL, bumping his season batting average to .400. He's yet to hit a home run this year but despite reaching base 17 times this year, Madrigal only has one stolen base. The White Sox do have a tendency for reluctance when it comes to stealing bases (look at the Minor League and Major League stolen base numbers for Yoan Moncada) so you might not get as many steals as you'd expect when rostering Madrigal. He's also hit exclusively in the ninth spot of the order but that does mean when he gets on base, the explosive top of the order comes up behind him. Madrigal is someone you can plug into either middle infield spot of your fantasy lineup and not worry about, knowing he'll chip in everywhere except home runs and could drag your team's batting average up a few spots on his own. He's certainly someone who is roster worthy in all leagues.