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Hayden Birdsong is a fantasy baseball waiver wire stash for Week 18 (2024). Target Hayden Birdsong as a top prospect free-agent waiver wire pickup for fantasy baseball.
BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues
CALL-UP ETA: Already On Active Roster
ANALYSIS: The San Francisco Giants already called up their No. 4 prospect, Hayden Birdsong, earlier this year after a strong showing in the minors in 2024. The right-hander had a 2.51 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 13 starts at Double-A and Triple-A. The Giants soon promoted him to the active roster on June 26, where he gave up three runs across 4 2/3 innings.
Since then, though, Birdsong has established himself as a consistent arm in San Francisco's rotation. Over his last four outings, the right-hander has allowed just seven earned runs across 20 2/3 innings (3.05 ERA). In his most recent start, he gave up just two runs on two hits with two walks and a career-high 12 strikeouts across six innings against the Colorado Rockies.
Hayden Birdsong strikes out 12 in his 5th career start! pic.twitter.com/F1URKTIyze
— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2024
That quality start at Coors Field has surely put Birdsong on some fantasy managers' radar in Week 18 of the MLB season. The 22-year-old has allowed two runs or less in four straight starts while holding opposing hitters to a .181 batting average during that span. With another start against the Rockies this week, look to pick him up in 14-plus team leagues.
Update: Birdsong has since been optioned by the Giants. However, he could be back up with the major league club on Saturday for the team's doubleheader against the Rockies. If that's the case, he'll be a nice streaming option this weekend.
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