This past week was a very good one for several hitters who’ve had beleaguered 2026 campaigns, putting those players back on the fantasy waiver wire. Plus, a Pirates catching prospect who’s caught fire. Here’s a look at our 2026 Week 21 fantasy baseball waiver wire hitter target list.
Best Week 21 hitters to target
- 1B/3B Alec Bohm (Phillies)
- OF Lawrence Butler (Athletics)
- C Rafael Flores (Pirates)
- 1B Abimelec Ortiz (Nationals)
- INF Nick Sogard (Red Sox)
Rafael Flores came off the bench on August 19 and hit two home runs against the Tigers, part of a two-week stretch in which he hit five home runs for the Pirates. Flores is a notable player, in part because of his past prospect status and known ability to drive the ball in the Minors. However, the playing time wasn’t there for him.
Now it is, as Flores has suited up in every single game since August 13.
Hamstring tightness held Alec Bohm out on August 23, slowing down someone who has been a very hot hitter at the dish. Over his last 100 at-bats, Bohm hit .330 with 22 RBI.
Lawrence Butler was someone drafted in the vast majority of leagues this year, one year removed from a 20-20 campaign. However, Butler had a very tough first half. Butler, though, has been able to resuscitate some of this year over the past few weeks.
Since August 10, Butler has had just two hitless games. And in that span, Butler hit four home runs for the Athletics, pushing his season total to 11.
We also have to give some love to some of the other non-traditional formats out there, including points and AL/NL-only leagues. Abimelec Ortiz had three home runs between August 11 and 22. No, he didn’t hit for a high batting average during that span. However, he’s got pop, and that matters
Nick Sogard had 13 hits, plus a home run and nine walks in that aforementioned time span. He’s playing every day, and he’s made a difference.
Overview of Week 20
We told you that Joshua Baez was a risky buy last week. Baez did get on the board again with a home run this past weekend against the Phillies. For those who can hold, do so. However, the highs and lows with him will likely fluctuate.
It was a weird, yet productive week for Jakob Marsee. Three hitless games versus the Phillies, followed by hits in three consecutive games. Against the Nationals, Marsee had four total hits, one of which was a home run.
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