Pirates explode for a decisive eighth, snapping a seven-game skid with a 5-1 win at Nationals Park as Bubba Chandler silenced Washington by retiring the first 15 batters he faced. The inning opened with a bases-loaded situation and Pittsburgh capitalized with two timely hits from Andrew McCutchen and Nick Yorke to take control.

Spencer Horwitz and Tommy Pham drew walks to fuel the rally, Bryan Reynolds added the final blow, and Pittsburgh padded the lead with cushion runs. The result offers a spark for fantasy managers, underscoring late-season depth and a potential uptick in value for Pirates role players the rest of the way.

The Pirates placed Isiah Kiner-Falefa on outright waivers as the Aug. 31 window closes, keeping him on the roster until a claim is made. They offered him infield depth at the deadline but kept IKF after the Ke’Bryan Hayes trade, with rental targets Tommy Pham and Andrew Heaney moving on elsewhere. If claimed, IKF could contribute value to a contender; if not, he remains in Pittsburgh to finish the season.

IKF's Pirates stint was a steady, glove-first utility spell with a .260 average and limited power. The club could open more at-bats for Liover Peguero, Cam Devanney, and Nick Yorke in 2026, especially at third and short. Devanney has thrived in Triple-A, while Yorke cooled after a Boston swap. The Pirates acquired IKF with a history of versatility, but his offensive ceiling never matched his early Jays form, and his contract still carries meaningful dollars for 2025.

Week 8 in fantasy baseball has seen a surge in prospect promotions, with notable call-ups, including Jordan Lawlar and Zebby Matthews, alongside debuts from Moises Ballesteros, Dalton Rushing, and Mick Abel, who excelled with six shutout innings and nine strikeouts. The excitement continues as more significant prospects are on the brink of joining their MLB teams, offering potential fantasy impact as we approach mid-season.

The top prospects to stash for 2025 redraft leagues feature players like Roman Anthony from the Boston Red Sox, whose impressive stats, including a .322 AVG, make him a coveted asset. Meanwhile, Matt Shaw of the Chicago Cubs is showcasing a strong power/speed combo in Triple-A, indicating he could provide significant value if recalled soon. Other prospects, such as Jac Caglianone and Marcelo Mayer, are also gaining attention, making them attractive options for fantasy managers looking to strengthen their rosters in anticipation of upcoming promotions.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, the focus shifts to top second base prospects who could significantly impact your roster. With second base being a shallow position in MLB, keeping an eye on emerging talent can pay off handsomely. Kristian Campbell of the Boston Red Sox stands out after an impressive minor league season, showcasing both power and contact skills, making him a potential Opening Day impact player.

Christian Moore of the Los Angeles Angels has also made waves, hitting 34 home runs and demonstrating strong contact rates, which positions him well for a major league debut. Meanwhile, Nick Yorke's transition to the Pittsburgh Pirates has proven fruitful, as he displayed solid offensive stats combined with speed on the bases.

Juan Brito from the Cleveland Guardians is on the rise, capitalizing on his recent performance in Triple-A, while Chase Meidroth offers a unique profile with excellent contact skills, although with limited power upside. These prospects could be crucial for fantasy managers looking to bolster their second base options and gain an edge in deeper leagues.