Locking in the right fantasy baseball waiver wire targets remains one of the most effective ways to build an advantage early in the season, and just like Week 3, Week 4 presents another strong batch of options to explore. With many productive players still sitting under 50% rostered on Yahoo, there’s plenty of opportunity to find contributors who can help right away as teams continue to sort out lineups, rotations, and bullpen roles.
This week’s fantasy baseball waiver wire targets feature a blend of hitters benefiting from favorable schedules and matchups, along with readily available pitchers set up for quality streaming opportunities. There are also a few emerging names worth considering beyond just a one-week fill-in. By staying attentive to usage trends, matchup data, and role changes, you can turn these pickups into both immediate gains and longer-term assets while keeping pace with (or pulling ahead of) your competition.
Waiver Wonderland: Top 2026 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Targets (Week 4)
Welcome back to the Waiver Wonderland, where matchups still play a major role—but emerging opportunities can quickly turn into lasting value. If you’re searching for fantasy baseball waiver wire targets to boost your lineup in Week 4, you’re in the right spot.
This week’s group of fantasy baseball waiver wire targets highlights hitters positioned to take advantage of favorable pitching matchups, along with widely available arms lined up for strong streaming chances. There are also a few intriguing options who could develop into more than just short-term adds. Stay focused on matchups, monitor shifting roles, and you might come away with players worth holding well beyond this scoring period.
Note: All players are under 50% rostered on Yahoo!
HITTERS
Adolis García, OF, Philadelphia Phillies (46% Owned)
I touted Adolis García as a potential breakout-contract-year player to begin the season. And while García has scuffled out of the gate, García’s underlying contact profile (12.1% barrel rate, 48.5% hard hit rate, and 93.5 average exit velocity) suggests his raw numbers should be in line for positive regression.
Miguel Vargas, 1B/3B, Chicago White Sox (37% Owned)
Former top prospect Miguel Vargas consistently bats in the top half of the White Sox lineup. Typically, that would not matter given the White Sox’s dearth of talent, but a 3-game trip to the hitter-friendly confines of Sutter Health Park to round out his week could provide category-flipping value.
Francisco Alvarez, C, New York Mets (37% Owned)
Francisco Alvarez has a .278 batting average and a .556 slugging percentage with 3 homers. Alvarez is absolutely pummeling baseballs this year and needs to be rostered immediately.
Max Muncy, 3B, Los Angeles Dodgers (34% Owned)
A top preseason priority target and one of my favorite sleepers of 2026, Muncy was off to a rather sluggish start to the season until Friday night, when he blasted 3 home runs, raising his slash line to .286/.375/.571.
Muncy will continue to bat in a run-producing position in the best lineup in baseball, and ends Week 4 in the friendliest of hitter-friendly confines, Coors Field.
Jake Burger, 1B, Texas Rangers (27% Owned)
Jake Burger finds himself batting cleanup mostly for the Rangers, a prime run-producing position, and begins his week in hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park for 4 games to start his week. Adding Burger now could provide you with an early counting stat cushion in Week 4.
Dillon Dingler, C, Detroit Tigers (27% Owned)
Dillon Dingler continues to be an undervalued fantasy asset. Dingler hit 13 homers in 2025, slashing a more than respectable .278/.327/.425. In the early going in 2026, Dingler has improved his batted ball profile and his plate discipline to the tune of a .270/.386/.459 slash line.
I am not expecting the .322 average or .670 slugging percentage that his batted ball profile suggests, but Dingler has the ability to produce at a high level and could provide stability at your catcher position.
Carter Jensen, C, Kansas City Royals (27% Owned)
Another catch (pun intended), Carter Jensen has the home run swing working in 2026 so far, smashing 4 home runs and boasting a smooth .600 slugging percentage.
The 15th-ranked prospect has a diverse skill set and ample raw power to provide you with consistent production, with plenty of room for upside.
Mark Vientos, 1B/3B, New York Mets (16% Owned)
Mark Vientos suddenly finds himself in the middle of fantasy relevance with the news of superstar Juan Soto‘s right calf strain. Vientos is producing admirably to start 2026, slashing .323/.837, and we all remember his 2024 breakout when he hit 27 homers in just 111 games with an .838 OPS. Here’s to hoping that Vientos finds his 2024 stroke for the next few weeks.
Jung Hoo Lee, OF, San Francisco Giants (11% Owned)
Typically batting 5th or 6th in the Giants’ lineup, Jung Hoo Lee gets a three-game trip to Cincinnati, followed by a 3-game trip to Washington. The lefty is scheduled to face six righties, so Lee should be involved in the Giants’ run production in Week 4, especially against the Nationals, who rank dead last in team ERA this year.
STARTING PITCHERS
Parker Messick, SP, Cleveland Guardians (48% Owned)
A top waiver wire target for me last week, Parker Messick looks to have his rotation spot secured on the Guardians, and has the strikeout potential to be one of the most productive starting pitcher sleepers this year.
Seth Lugo, SP, Kansas City Royals (46% Owned)
After an excellent 2024 where he pitched to a 3.00 ERA over 206.2 IP, Seth Lugo plummeted back to Earth in 2025, sporting a 4.15 ERA and 5.09 FIP. This season, Lugo could be back to his 2024 form, boasting a 1.53 ERA and 2.58 FIP. The low strikeout total may be less than ideal, but he is a solid, veteran pitcher who can navigate lineups.
Noah Cameron, SP, Kansas City Royals (44% Owned)
Noah Cameron burst onto the scene in 2025, impressing with a 2.99 ERA over 24 starts and 138.1 IP. Cameron has picked up right where he left off, improving his strikeout rate and walk rate, and pitching to a 1.69 ERA to start the 2026 season. If he can get his strikeout rate closer to his rate from the minors, he could be quietly on the verge of a breakout.
Casey Mize, SP, Detroit Tigers (41% Owned)
One of my favorite contract year pitchers, Casey Mize has the strikeouts flowing, sporting an 11.32 K/9 across 2 starts. I would ignore the clunker in Minnesota for now, and believe in the 9-strikeout gem in Arizona.
Kyle Harrison, SP/RP, Milwaukee Brewers (40% Owned)
Has former top prospect Kyle Harrison finally found his home where he can display his talents?!? Across 2 starts, Harrison has recorded 14 strikeouts across 10.1 IP, with a 2.61 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. In Week 4, Harrison has a prime opportunity to capitalize on his early-season success with a road matchup against the Marlins.
Lance McCullers Jr., SP, Houston Astros (39% Owned)
A target of mine from last week, Lance McCullers Jr., will always need to be closely monitored because of his incredible injury potential…and his incredible pitching upside. When McCullers is hot, I prefer to be the one rostering him and having the ability to decide whether to ride the hot streak wave or cut bait due to injury.
Mitch Keller, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates (39% Owned)
The epitome of consistency so far in 2026, Mitch Keller has gone exactly 6 innings in each of his 3 starts this year, posting a quality start in each, and pitching to a very strong 1.00 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. In Week 4, Keller looks to continue the good times with a double-start at home against both the Nationals and the Rays.
Reynaldo López, SP, Atlanta Braves (37% Owned)
Despite being a part-time MMA fighter, Reynaldo López has looked solid so far this season across 3 starts, sporting a 1.15 ERA. He will return from his suspension in time for Week 4 for a juicy streaming matchup at home against Miami.
Mike Burrows, SP/RP, Houston Astros (30% Owned)
One of my favorite preseason targets, Mike Burrows, certainly has not delivered on his potential so far in his new Astros uniform. The 15 strikeouts in 16 innings is encouraging, and his xFIP and xERA are over a full run lower than his 5.63 ERA. The talent is there, and I am hoping for a turnaround in short order.
Joey Cantillo, SP/RP, Cleveland Guardians (29% Owned)
One of my favorite preseason starting pitcher sleepers, Joey Cantillo, is living up to the hype so far across 3 starts, showcasing a 2.45 ERA, 1.85 FIP, and 12.27 K/9. In Week 4, Cantillo has a two-step in St. Louis and at home against Baltimore, and could provide you with double the value with just one claim. Like Weathers, Cantillo’s value goes beyond this week.
Grant Holmes, SP, Atlanta Braves (29% Owned)
Grant Holmes looked great in his last start on the road against the Angels, striking out 6 over 6.2 IP. In the long term, he has staying power on your roster, and in the short term, like fellow Brave Reynaldo López above, he squares off against the Marlins at home in Week 4.
Chad Patrick, SP, Milwaukee Brewers (29% Owned)
I was a firm believer in Chad Patrick coming into the 2026 season. To date, distance has been his issue, sporting a 0.73 ERA across 3 appearances (2 starts), but just 12.1 innings pitched in total. I think he has enough talent and strikeout upside to roster long term as shown by his excellent 2025 rookie season.
Reid Detmers, SP/RP, Los Angeles Angels (28% Owned)
Jekyll and Hyde Reid Detmers, the story of his MLB life. In start 1, he struck out 9 but went only 4.2 IP and gave up three runs (both Jekyll and Hyde). In start 2, he went 6.2 shutout innings (all Jekyll baby!). And in start 3, he went just 4.1 IP and gave up 5 runs (sad face Hyde start!). There will always be volatility, but I love his live arm (17 strikeouts in 15.2 IP) and still believe the 26-year-old has the talent to turn his career around.
Ryan Weathers, SP, New York Yankees (27% Owned)
Ryan Weathers dominated the Athletics at home in his last start, spinning 8 innings of 1 run ball, striking out 7. In Week 4, Weathers gets a dreamy double-start at home against the Angels and Royals. And do not drop following the double-start, as he could provide your rotation long-term stability moving forward.
Rhett Lowder, SP, Cincinnati Reds (21% Owned)
Despite the clunker in Miami, Rhett Lowder has a great opportunity to get back on track against a weak Giants offense sporting the fourth-lowest slugging percentage.
Luis Gil, SP, New York Yankees (19% Owned)
Luis Gil struggled in his return to the mound Friday, allowing 3 runs and walking 3 over just 4 innings. However, Gil is a supremely talented pitcher with high strikeout upside and should be rostered in case he regains his 2024 form.
Max Meyer, SP, Miami Marlins (14% Owned)
We have all been patiently awaiting the Max Meyer breakout, and I have my fingers crossed in 2026. Over 3 starts, he boasts a 9.20 K/9 and a 3.68 ERA. If he can bring the walks down (4.91 BB/9) he could finally achieve his prospect potential.
Cade Cavalli, SP, Washington Nationals (13% Owned)
The strikeouts have yet to come for Cade Cavalli, but he sports a 2.51 ERA over 3 starts and gets a juicy double-dip in Week 4 in Pittsburgh and home against the Giants.
Slad Cecconi, SP, Cleveland Guardians (7% Owned)
Slade Cecconi was absolutely stellar against the Cubs on April 5th, going 6 innings and allowing just 1 hit and walking 1 while striking out 6 on just 85 pitches. Although the road visit to Atlanta did not treat him as kindly, in Week 4, Cecconi gets an excellent streaming start against a middle-of-the-road Cardinals offense.
Sean Burke, SP/RP, Chicago White Sox (6% Owned)
Sean Burke has impressed to start the season, with 15 strikeouts across 15 innings, touting a 3.60 ERA. His strikeouts in the minors always impressed, and if he can continue to keep the walks under control (1.8 BB/9 to date this year), he could be a sleeper breakout candidate.
Steven Matz, RP, Tampa Bay Rays (6% Owned)
The veteran left-hander Steven Matz impressed on Friday against the Yankees, allowing just 2 hits and striking out 7 over 5 innings. In Week 4, Matz gets a prime streaming matchup in Chicago against the White Sox lowly offense that boasts the second-lowest OPS in the league.
RELIEF PITCHERS
Paul Sewald, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks (49% Owned)
Paul Sewald has the experience and pedigree to maintain the closer’s role all year for the Diamondbacks. To date, Sewald is 4/4 in opportunities and has a 7:0 KBB across 7 appearances.
Riley O’Brien, RP, St. Louis Cardinals (48% Owned)
Why is Riley O’Brien not universally rostered?!?! O’Brien has converted all 4 of his save opportunities and has yet to allow a run across his 8 appearances (8.1IP), sporting an 8:0 K:BB. If O’Brien can keep his walk rate down, he could quickly rise up the closer ranks.
Seranthony Domínguez, RP, Chicago White Sox (43% Owned)
If you are desperate for a closer, Seranthony Domínguez has the job in Chicago. That’s all I have to say here.
Gregory Soto, RP, Pittsburgh (26% Owned)
Gregory Soto continues his torrid start to 2026, with 13 strikeouts across 8 appearances. We have received no further clarity on the back end of the Pirates’ pen, so Soto continues to be worthy of rostering and a great speculative add.
Jakob Junis, RP, Texas Rangers (20% Owned)
Jakob Junis made his first appearance on the weekly Closer Report. The Rangers’ bullpen projects to be one of the most difficult to predict this season (3 different guys already have saves, none of which are preseason co-favorites Robert Garcia or Chris Martin!), but he looks like the leader in the clubhouse (for now).
Clayton Beeter, RP, Washington Nationals (12% Owned)
One of my favorite preseason sleeper targets, Clayton Beeter will be held back by the Nationals’ ability to win games, hamstringing his ability to accumulate saves.
Bryan Baker, RP, Tampa Bay Rays (9% Owned)
Another new addition to the Closer Report, Bryan Baker has taken the reins of the Rays’ ninth inning job as Griffin Jax continues to work through his early season struggles. Like a few of these other relievers, Baker is worth a speculative add.
Final Thoughts on Top 2026 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Must-Add Players (Week)
As you assess your roster heading into Week 4, continuing to stay active with the right fantasy baseball waiver wire targets can give you a meaningful advantage. Flexibility remains essential—lean into strong matchups, take advantage of players trending upward, and be willing to cycle through the back end of your roster when better options present themselves.
Some of these fantasy baseball waiver wire targets are built for immediate impact, while others could grow into reliable contributors if their opportunities continue to expand. Consistently making smart, timely pickups can compound over the course of the season, helping you maintain momentum and keep pace in your league week after week.
