Week 8 MLB Hitters and Streamers Forecast
MLB Hitters & Streamers Forecast
In the past week, the Minor League season began, which led to a couple of big-time call-ups for the Mariners in Logan Gilbert and Jarred Kelenic. They debuted on Thursday, but many fantasy managers already rostered them in all league sizes given their upside. In the past 14 days, the Twins with a .345 wOBA (No. 1) and Cubs with a .336 wOBA (No. 5), both teams look like surprise offenses even with some injuries.
Although the Diamondbacks cooled off a bit, they still have some productive hitters for those in deeper leagues. One series to note for next weekend includes the Diamondbacks playing at Coors Field, which should result in some offense for past and current Week 8 hitter streamer recommendations. Feel free to hit me up on Twitter with any questions. That said, let's dive in.
Week 7 Streamer Hitter Review
- Pavin Smith (.370 BA, 5 R, 2 RBI)
- Raimel Tapia (.217 BA, 3 R, 1 RBI, 2 SB)
- Josh Rojas (.435 BA, 5 R, 1 SB)
- Tyler Naquin (.263 BA, 2 HR, 3 R, 5 RBI)
- Austin Hays (.292 BA, 4 R, 2 RBI)
- Adolis García (.429 BA, 2 HR, 4 R, 7 RBI, 2 SB)
- Leury García (.308 BA, 1 R, 4 RBI)
- Corey Dickerson (.222 BA, 1 R)
Overall, a solid week outside of Raimel Tapia and Corey Dickerson. However, Dickerson missed a game here and there with some benching versus a lefty. Taipa still provided value with the two steals and he's hitting .314 over the past 14 days. I'm having major FOMO in all leagues since I missed out and showed skepticism with Adolis García. He crushes the ball.
Easier Week 8 Hitter Matchups
- Los Angeles Angels - 3 vs. CLE, 2 vs. MIN (doubleheader), 3 vs. OAK
- Los Angeles Dodgers 4 vs. ARI, 3 at SF
- Minnesota Twins - 3 vs. CWS, 2 at LAA (doubleheader), 3 at CLE
- New York Yankees - 4 at TEX, 3 vs. CWS
- Tampa Bay Rays - 3 at BAL, 3 at TOR
With the Angels and Twins, it's about volume with a doubleheader even though they're seven-inning ones. The Rays hitters have struggled this season with a .297 wOBA (No. 23), and a .269 wOBA (No. 30) over the past 14 days. However, the Orioles and Blue Jays pitchers rank in the bottom half of the league in wOBA allowed. Plus, the Orioles and Blue Jays current home parks rank 4th and 5th per EV Analytics home run park factors, meaning both parks look like hitter-friendly venues for the Rays.
Weekend Series - Diamondbacks at the Rockies
For NFBC type or daily lineup leagues, the weekend series with the Diamondbacks playing in Colorado against the Rockies is one to target. This especially includes Josh Rojas, Pavin Smith, and Asdrúbal Cabrera. Of course, other fringy Rockies hitters could come into play as well.
Tougher Week 8 Hitter Matchups
- Kansas City Royals - 2 vs. MIL, 3 vs. DET
- Milwaukee Brewers - 2 at KC, 3 at CIN
- St. Louis Cardinals - 2 vs. PIT, 3 vs. CHC
Low volume for these three teams remains the issue. When we add in the fact that the Brewers and Royals rank in the bottom ten of the league in wOBA over the past 14 days, it makes us even more hesitant with playing any hitters on those squads outside of the studs.
Week 8 Hitter Streamers
Josh Rojas, 2B/SS/OF, Arizona Diamondbacks
Josh Rojas extended an 11-game hit streak entering Thursday and it's safe to say he's red hot. During that stretch, Rojas has a .429 batting average with four home runs, 12 runs, six RBI, and one steal in 46 plate appearances. The 29% line drive rate for Rojas during his hit streak helps out the batting average, but the 44.4% HR/FB rate looks unsustainable. However, there's nothing to do either than ride the hot streak into Week 8.
Rojas lowered his chase rate (O-Swing%) to 21.6% compared to 27.1% in 2019 and 29% in 2020. Meanwhile, he's still making about league average contact with an 83.3% Z-Contact% and 76.3% Contact%. He's also barreling up the ball with a 9.4% barrel rate and 43.8% hard-hit rate. Unfortunately, they face the Dodgers for four, but Rojas could luck into a solid game or two. The final three games against the Rockies over the weekend should make it worth it.
Niko Goodrum, 2B/SS, Detroit Tigers
This one's a bit more for steals since Niko Goodrum has four home runs and five steals with a .245 batting average. All five of his steals have come in May, in which he's hitting .344 with one home run, eight runs, and five RBI. Goodrum and the Tigers will face the Mariners and the Royals for three games each. The Mariners currently allow a .312 wOBA and the Royals allow a .326 wOBA on the season, which ranks in the bottom half of the league. Good matchups plus Goodrum swinging a hot bat should lead to fantasy production, particularly for steals.
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Corbin is passionate about fantasy baseball and football. He loves diving into and learning about advanced metrics. Corbin is a Mariners and Seahawks fan living in the Pacific Northwest. Corbin's other hobbies are lifting weights, cooking, and listening to fantasy sports podcasts.