The eighth week of the 2024 fantasy baseball season is upon us, as we’re just about done with the first two months. So, what players are trending up in fantasy? Here are our five fantasy baseball hitters to consider targeting on the waiver wire for Week 8, starting with a player who’s been on these lists for us before.
Brendan Donovan
Two Cardinals make our Week 8 fantasy waiver wire hitter targets, starting with Brendan Donovan. Donovan is only hitting .233/.313/.375 in 2024 after a slow start. However, things have begun to progress for the 27-year-old. While Donovan only has one home run on the month, the infielder/outfielder has hits in seven straight games as of May 20 and three multi-hit games in that stretch.
A smooth contact hitter with plus patience at the plate, Donovan’s yet to find true consistency in 2024 and two strong seasons in 2022 and 2023. But with a good feel for the bat and average power, Donovan can hit double-digits in home runs and be a useful utility bat for those who need it.
Nolan Gorman
Speaking of slow starts, Nolan Gorman entered play on May 20 with a 35 K% in 2024, second-worst in the Majors among qualified hitters, behind only Will Benson. Gorman’s struggled badly with breaking balls this season, as the former first-round pick has a 47.4% Whiff% rate against those pitches. The good news for the slugger is that he’s been squaring up balls better as of late, as he has three home runs since May 10.
Don’t expect the strikeout numbers to go down with Gorman — this is the kind of player he is. Still, Gorman can provide value. However, the Cardinals slugger is better suited in a reserve role, thanks to his strikeout troubles and problems (.159 BA, 1 HR in 50 PA) against left-handed pitching.
Luis Matos
With Jung Hoo Lee out for the rest of 2024, the Giants could use another bat to step up. Enter Luis Matos, the young outfielder who debuted with a bang last year but didn’t hit for much power in the Majors last year. Matos only posted a .663 OPS in Triple-A this season but it’s been a different story in the Majors. Through eight games, Matos has two home runs — matching his 2023 total over 76 games — and three multi-hit contests.
Matos should get some rope in the Giants lineup thanks to the injury of Lee. He’s got speed and some pop, although expectations should be kept within reason due to the hitter-friendly confines of Oracle Park.
Joey Ortiz
Arguably the big piece that went to Milwaukee in the Corbin Burnes was DL Hall — but Joey Ortiz has changed that narrative a bit. Ortiz has been hot in May, as the 25-year-old hit .333 with four home runs over his first 46 plate appearances. And for those interested in the new bat metrics from Statcast, Ortiz ranks above average in bat speed (85th percentile)
Ortiz should be eligible for multiple positions — for reference, he can play second and third in Yahoo! leagues — somewhat important in fantasy. And armed with good bat speed and good power, there’s a chance that Ortiz could provide some sneaky power.
Tyler Stephenson
Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson looked poised to be a strong breakout candidate last season after an impressive, yet brief 2022 campaign. That didn’t happen but things have trended up for the 27-year-old this season. Stephenson is batting .333 with two home runs for the Reds in May and on the season, he’s posted a ridiculous 15.3% Barrel%. That Barrel% ranks in the 93rd percentile per Statcast.
The former first-round pick’s shown potential in the past. Thus far, he’s looked more like the hitter from 2022 than 2023.