This week marks two months into the fantasy baseball season. Where does the time go? Managers can look at their rosters and start to make some judgments on players. Surely, most have full injury lists. Just as surely, most have players that simply need to see their way to the waiver wire swamp. The question, then, is who do I replace them with? Take a look below, as this fantasy baseball week eight waivers edition will help you see your way out of the waiver forest.

As with previous editions, all of the ownership percentages are taken from ESPN. Likewise, as with all previous articles, debate and discussion are highly encouraged. Now that is all out of the way, let’s seriously dive in.

Brady Singer, SP, Kansas City Royals, 41% Owned

First, let me just say that I cannot believe that I am recommending Brady Singer on this fantasy baseball week eight waivers edition. Second, however, it must be pointed out that after his last two starts, Singer has earned his spot. Third, his opponent on Monday, Detroit, practically demands his inclusion. After giving up 13 runs over a two-start span a couple of weeks ago, Singer completely turned things around.

In his last two starts against the White Sox and Padres, Singer pitched six innings each time. Further, he allowed only three runs on 12 hits. His walks (4) and strikeouts (7) in those games will thrill no one, but he kept the ball in the park, allowing no homers. San Diego has struggled early into the season, no question. However, holding that lineup to just two runs on the road is a tremendous accomplishment. As noted, Singer pitched six innings in both starts and has now gone that far into games four times this season.

Singer’s Monday Opponent

As mentioned, the Tigers are up next up for Singer, and he will face them in Kansas City. Detroit is at the bottom of nearly every offensive category: last in OBP, OPS, runs and hits. The other offensive statistics are almost as dreary: 27th in BA, 28th in HRs, and 29th in RBIs. They can’t even steal bases when they do get on, as they rank 26th.

The fact is that Singer is pitching well of late, and the Tigers are dreadful offensively. Of course, that strongly suggests he will have an excellent game Monday. Fantasy managers that add him will get their week eight off to a strong start.

Michael Lorenzen, SP, Detroit Tigers, 4.8% Owned

It is extremely unusual to recommend two pitchers that are facing each other in the same game, but that is exactly what I am going to do. Singer may not be available and if not, cast a glance toward Michael Lorenzen. He has been completely ignored by fantasy managers taking the mound in the black hole that is Detroit. For those that need pitching help, locate Lorenzen in the waiver dust bin and bring him home.

All Lorenzen has done lately is pitch at least six innings in his last three starts, including going seven frames twice. In those 20 innings, Lorenzen has allowed a grand total of two earned runs. Against Pittsburg on Tuesday, Lorenzen pitched six innings of two hit shutout ball. For the season, Lorenzen is 2-2 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. His SO9 is a bit down from last year (20.7-18.6). However, he has shaved over four percent from his BB9 ratio (10.7-6.4). Lorenzen doesn’t hurt his own cause by placing extra men on base.

Lorenzen’s Monday Outlook

When it comes to hitting, the Kansas City Royals aren’t much better than Detroit. In fact, they are only one spot above them in offensive team batting in the majors. Lorenzen is pitching deeply into games, which places him in a good position for a win and to produce plenty of fantasy points. He is set up for a two-start week, so pick him up. If all goes well, you can then scrutinize that second start to see if he is worth keeping on the roster.

Gabriel Moreno, C, Arizona Diamondbacks, 8.7% Owned

When Arizona traded fan favorite Daulton Varsho to Toronto for Gabriel Moreno, along with Lourdes Gurriel Jr, several Diamondback fans were none too thrilled. That sentiment turned a bit at the start of the season when Moreno had hits in six of his first nine games. Meanwhile, fantasy managers have been slow to react to his production, but that needs to change. The sooner the better.

True, Moreno doesn’t have power with only one home run on the year. That is about all that managers can look down on him about. As of this writing, Moreno is hitting .311, with 37 hits, eight runs, six doubles and 17 RBIs. Over the past week, he has made getting on base his personal mission, as he hit .333 with a .412 OBP. He even stole a base. Since May fifth, Moreno has five games with two or more hits, including three in a four-game span.

Moreno Final Analysis

When he puts the ball in play, good things happen for Moreno. It would seem that his .389 BAbip is unsustainable. It is to a degree, but his figure as a rookie for Toronto last season was .350. This week, Arizona heads into the hitting mecca that is Philadelphia. That three-game series sets up Moreno for a great start and clearly warrants his inclusion on this fantasy baseball week eight waivers edition.

Tylor Megill, SP, New York Mets, 9.3% Owned

Of the pitchers listed here, Tylor Megill has the most difficult opponent this week. That team would be the Chicago Cubs, who are in the top five in most offensive categories. Even as that is the case, don’t shy away from him if starting pitching is a fantasy need. The Rays are slowing down from the pace they had earlier this year, and Megill helped pushed them deeper into a dive in his last start on Thursday.

In six innings against Tampa, Megill threw six innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking just one batter. Most importantly, it was the second straight winning effort for Megill. Winning games has come pretty effortlessly for him so far in 2023, as he sports a 5-2 record. Megill won his first three starts and it looks like he is back in the grove after slowing down over a four-start span.

Let’s be clear here: Megill isn’t a strikeout pitcher, as he has a lowly total of 35 over 46.1 innings. His walk rate is likewise high, but he did walk just the one against the Rays. Overall, the Mets have been a disappointment this year in the standings, on the mound and at the plate. However, the team is starting to turn things around. If that resurgence continues, those owning Megill will find their rosters in much better shape.

Megill’s Bottom Line:

Quality pitching is difficult to locate this time of year. Megill is widely available and will be pitching for a team expected to challenge for a division title and playoff berth. Anyone needing a roster pitching boost should look Megill’s way in week eight.

Logan Allen, SP, Cleveland Guardians, 12.6% Owned

Next player up for discussion on this fantasy baseball week eight waivers edition is Logan Allen. First, a word of caution: make sure the pitcher you are researching is the one that pitches for the Guardians and not the one in the Rockies’ system. Now that is out of the way, we can proceed. Allen made his major league debut this season and has started five games to this point. In three of those, he pitched into the sixth inning, which is surprising for a pitcher these days, let alone a rookie.

In those five starts, Allen covered 26.2 innings. He is 1-1 with a 3.04 ERA. a 1.46 WHIP and has 29 strikeouts against eight walks. His SO9 is down from what he put up in the minors, but not enough for concern. His BB9 is likewise down, which creates optimism. On Thursday, he pitched against the White Sox, holding them to a single run on seven hits with five strikeouts and a walk in 5.2 innings.

Allen’s Week Eight Preview

That game was on the road. Allen pitches against Chicago again Wednesday, this time in Cleveland. That should be enough to place him in an excellent position for a win. Additionally, expect that Allen will continue to build his fantasy stats for the manager that claims him from the waiver wire. Allen is widely available in all formats and leagues. He is well worth taking a chance on this week.

Christopher Morel, 2B/OF, Chicago Cubs, 36.3% Owned

Without question, there were plenty of young players receiving hype when the season began. However, the one that is swinging the best bat started the year in the minors. Of course, I am speaking of Christopher Morel. While his roster percentage is currently below 40, it has exploded upward 27.4 percent in the last week or so. In other words, if a manager wants Morel on the roster, immediate action is necessary, if he is even available at all.

Entering Sunday action, Morel has played in ten games since his call up. He has hits in all ten, including two hits in each of his first three games. Morel finished up that stretch with two or more hits in two of his last three games. Without question, it could be said that Morel is on fire. Of course, his current .381 BA is unsustainable. As has been said many times in fantasy, ride the wave while it’s cresting. Seeing as how he is hitting .360 with five homers over his past seven days, that wave has yet to reach its peak.

The hitting doesn’t look like a fluke, either. When he was recalled, Morel was hitting a red hot .330-11-31 at AAA. Amazingly, he has improved his OPS in the majors, from 1.156 to 1.362. Morel had a strong close to 2022 as well with hits in seven of his last 13 games. Quite simply, his bat is as hot as anyone’s in all of baseball right now.

Move Now to Pick up Morel

As stated above, Morel’s ownership percentage is off the charts and continues to rise. The fact that he is qualified at second and the outfield is a bonus. No matter the construction, any fantasy roster can use Morel. Before reading any further, get to your league’s waiver wire. If Morel is found there, make whatever move is necessary to get him on the team immediately. No other action could be more highly recommended on this fantasy baseball week eight waivers edition.

Fantasy Baseball Week Eight Waivers Players to Keep an Eye on:

Michael Kopech, SP, Chicago White Sox, 18.7% Owned

Before the season began, I spoke praises regarding Michael Kopech. Of course, he flamed out so spectacularly he had to be sent to the outhouse. I am not ready to climb back aboard this horse just yet. However, his performance against the Royals Friday night demands we pay attention going forward. He pitches Wednesday against Cleveland. As noted above, the Guardians are much below average as a hitting team. If he pitches well again, adding him back to the fantasy roster must be discussed.

Josh Naylor, 1B/DH, Cleveland Guardians, 43.2% Owned

As of this writing, Josh Naylor is approaching 45 percent owned. He may not be available on the wire, but those needing first base help should check it out anyway. Naylor cannot be blamed for Cleveland’s hitting woes. In his past four games, Naylor has two or more hits in three of them. Further, he has gone deep four times in his last five games.

For the week, he is hitting an impossibly hot .533 with 31 fantasy points. Lots of rosters are looking for first base help. Certainly, Naylor provides that. If available, pick him up until he hits the inevitable cold spell. Then send him back to the waiver jungle.

Danny Jansen, C, Toronto Blue Jays, 14.7% Owned

Many managers, including this one, selected Danny Jansen at the end of the draft due to his upside. After struggling so badly at the beginning of the season, many managers, including this one, dropped him. Anyone needing catching help needs to reconsider that decision, especially if Moreno above is already on a roster.

Jansen has been hot of late and has soundly outplayed his backstop teammate Alejandro Kirk. Entering Saturday’s play, Jansen had hits in six straight, including two two-hit games. Over his past seven days, he has 19 fantasy points. If catching is a roster dark hole, go get Jansen ASAP.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this top sleeper introduction edition! As always, I welcome any and all suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news! The Sports Stove Fantasy Baseball Show will be live this coming Sunday night, and every Sunday during the season, at 8 eastern. Make sure to tune in on whatever social platform you use!