Throughout the first month of the 2026 season, some unexpected names have led the charge for their respective teams. Angel Martinez and Ildemaro Vargas, both of whom made our Week 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire target list for hitters, are among those names to keep an eye on.

Best Week 5 hitters to target

• OF Carlos Cortes (Athletics)
• 2B/3B Caleb Durbin (Red Sox)
• 2B/OF Angel Martinez (Guardians)
• 1B Spencer Torkelson (Tigers)
• 1B/2B Ildemaro Vargas (D-Backs)

It’s been fascinating to watch what Ildemaro Vargas has done over the past few weeks.

Signed to be a utilityman by the D-Backs in the offseason, he’s not just been one of the best hitters on the team — but in the entire league over the last few weeks. Vargas has a hit in every single game he’s played in this season. And over the last 10 days, he’s picked up four home runs — one of which came in Mexico City on 4/26 — and driven in 12, second-most in the league.

I don’t know how long this kind of stretch will last with Vargas (I don’t have a crystal ball). The 34-year-old has never played 100 games in a single season, has never been a consistent regular, and is a high-chase hitter. However, he’s been a high-contact player for much of his MLB career, so maybe the hit streak shouldn’t be a complete shock.

Right the wave while it’s still moving.

Angel Martinez has been another one of those nice surprises, as well. The Guardians utilityman is another one of these hitters who likes to expand. And like Vargas, he’s someone who’s been out in front of baseballs and pulling them.

Martinez left Toronto with five total hits and three extra-base hits over the last week. He has weird numbers, including a high Barrel% (11.1%) that will likely come down, and a sub-.200 average off fastballs despite making decent contact. But given how well he’s hit, Martinez is someone to roster for those who need an extra bat.

Speaking of hot streaks, Spencer Torkelson is hot again. The Tigers’ first baseman was tied with Max Muncy and James Wood for the second-most home runs (5) between April 17 and April 26. As of this writing, Spencer Torkelson is on a five-game home run streak.

Torkelson’s run feels more sustainable. After all, Torkelson has hit 30+ home runs twice in his career, has stayed relatively disciplined (sub-24% Whiff% over the last 10 days), and has the potential to hit 30 again this season.

In deeper and AL-only formats, Carlos Cortes & Caleb Durbin are names to watch.

Cortes (18.8% Barrel%) has been a machine over the last week and a half. The Athletics outfielder picked up 14 hits, three of which were home runs, plus seven RBI over a nine-game stretch. Not too bad for the former Mets prospect who has found a home in Sacramento.

Durbin, meanwhile, has looked better at the plate after a sluggish start to 2026. The Red Sox infielder came into the day on April 27 with hits in his last three games, plus three stolen bases.

Overview of Week 4

Josh Jung was one of our Week 4 picks, someone we hope you took full advantage of in fantasy leagues. Jung had eight more hits, plus two home runs, over the last week, as he has been one of Texas’ best hitters of late.

Cole Young had eight hits and four runs scored for Seattle over the past week. Xander Bogaerts, meanwhile, had a home run and six hits across his last five games.

Check out more of our fantasy baseball coverage, including a look at our best pitchers to target for Week 5.