High-Ceiling Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 8

As we dive into Week 8 of the MLB season, it's crucial to identify players who can provide a significant boost to your fantasy baseball roster. Here are some high-ceiling options worth considering:

Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Byron Buxton, available in 43.4% of ESPN leagues, is a player with immense potential despite his injury history. When healthy, Buxton combines power and speed like few others in baseball. His Statcast Barrel rate is among the best, and he leads the majors in sprint speed. With the Twins set to play in homer-friendly ballparks, Buxton is a must-add for as long as he stays hot.

Jake Burger, 1B/3B, Texas Rangers

Jake Burger, available in 76.6% of leagues, is another intriguing option. After a strong performance in Triple-A, Burger is poised to reclaim his role as the Rangers' everyday first baseman. His raw power metrics are in the 90th percentile, making him a potential 30-homer candidate. If he was dropped when sent down, now is the time to scoop him back up.

Evan Carter, OF, Texas Rangers

Evan Carter, available in 96.4% of leagues, is a top prospect who has shown flashes of brilliance. Despite a slow start, Carter has the potential to be a 20/30 player. With recent performances indicating a return to form, he's worth a speculative add.

Jordan Lawlar, SS/3B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Lawlar, available in 94.9% of leagues, is a speedy prospect expected to be recalled by the Diamondbacks. His versatility and speed make him a valuable addition in rotisserie leagues.

Colin Rea, SP, Chicago Cubs

Colin Rea, available in 85.8% of leagues, benefits from a favorable Week 8 schedule. With strong control metrics and a reworked pitch mix, Rea is a sneaky-good pickup for weekly lineups.

Stephen Kolek, SP, San Diego Padres

Stephen Kolek, available in 89.9% of leagues, has made back-to-back scoreless starts, including a shutout at Coors Field. His ground ball-inducing repertoire makes him a valuable matchups play.

Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Clayton Kershaw, available in 90.9% of leagues, is set to rejoin the Dodgers' rotation. Despite not being in his prime, Kershaw's experience and recent minor league performance make him a reliable matchups candidate.

By strategically adding these high-ceiling players, you can strengthen your fantasy baseball roster and improve your chances of success in Week 8 and beyond.