Juan Soto (OF, WSH) - Week 8 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues

OWNED IN: 39% of leagues

ANALYSIS: No one saw this coming this soon. It was announced that 19-year-old Juan Soto was getting the call up to Washington Saturday evening and those who have been following him probably jumped to the wire. Soto started the 2018 season in Low-A, moved to High-A after 16 games, and after 15 games moved to Double-A. Now, after only seven games and 31 plate appearances in Double-A, Soto has been called up to the big leagues. In those 38 total games played, he has accumulated 14 home runs, 33 runs, 50 RBI and an elite slash-line. Most impressively, his numbers show that he is an extremely patient hitter. Regardless of sample size, Soto's walk rate is above 12% in every level this year and his strikeout rate hasn't exceeded 18% at any level since his start in 2016.

Howie Kendrick is reportedly out for the season with an Achilles rupture and Matt Adams defense in the outfield is not cutting it. Soto is expected to start in left field every day except when the nationals face tough lefties like Kershaw or  The Nationals are likely making this move in an attempt to appease Bryce Harper in his contract year. They are putting all of their chips on the table by bringing this kid up and only time will tell whether it works out.

Soto is an absolute gamble in fantasy leagues. But the upside alone is worth burning a roster spot on. Whether that be the worst hitter on a team or a streaming spot he takes the place of, his potential is worth adding everywhere possible. Yes, it is hard to put your trust in a kid who's 19, but from what the fantasy world has seen from prospects like Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuña this season, it's not so far-fetched to think that Soto could make an impact.