Shohei Ohtani Dominates Buster Olney's Top 10 Designated Hitters Ranking for 2026 MLB Season

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Shohei Ohtani Dominates Buster Olney's Top 10 Designated Hitters Ranking for 2026 MLB Season

With spring training camps now in full swing, the baseball world is turning its attention to projections for the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season. As part of his annual positional ranking series, ESPN's esteemed analyst Buster Olney has surveyed industry insiders to compile his top ten players at every position. The highly anticipated series culminates with the designated hitter (DH) rankings, a role of increasing strategic importance in the modern game. The objective of these rankings is to identify the most impactful players for the immediate 2026 season, focusing on current performance rather than long-term potential or career achievements.

Unsurprisingly, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani sits atop this prestigious list. Despite his well-documented two-way prowess, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts' commitment to Ohtani as the team's leadoff hitter – whether pitching or serving as the DH – underscores his unparalleled offensive value. Roberts noted last year Ohtani's desire to 'get everything started, to get into the game,' a sentiment fully supported by his staggering statistics. Ohtani has scored an astonishing 280 runs over the past two seasons, by far the most in the big leagues. Across his last three seasons (his final year with the Los Angeles Angels and his first two with the Dodgers), he has blasted 153 home runs and maintained an adjusted OPS+ of 184. These numbers unequivocally cement his status as an offensive juggernaut, making him the undisputed top choice.

While Ohtani did experience some postseason struggles last year, notably going 1-for-18 with nine strikeouts in the National League Division Series against the Philadelphia Phillies, his reputation for making adjustments precedes him. His regular-season splits from 2025 further illustrate his consistent dominance across various game situations: a 1.019 OPS in innings 1-3, a 0.979 OPS in innings 4-6, and an impressive 1.041 OPS in innings 7-9. He also excels against both starting and relief pitchers, posting a .977 OPS versus starters and a 1.071 OPS against relievers. Furthermore, his elite 1.123 OPS in high-leverage situations highlights his ability to perform when it matters most. This all-around offensive adaptability solidifies his position as the premier designated hitter in baseball.

The rankings also feature a compelling array of other offensive talents. Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies, approaching his 33rd birthday, represents exceptional offensive value. The notion that a DH-only player could command a $150 million deal, as Schwarber did this past winter, might have once seemed unthinkable. However, his immense power, disciplined command of the strike zone, relentless commitment to improvement, and significant clubhouse impact made him indispensable for Phillies owner John Middleton. His batting average surged from .222 in 2024 to .286 in 2025, with his slugging percentage escalating from .493 to a remarkable .759 in the same period, underscoring his offensive resurgence and continued effectiveness.

Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros remains a critical offensive force despite persistent injury concerns, having missed 48 games in 2023 and 114 last season. Houston's commitment to him at DH stems from their desperate need for his left-handed power in a predominantly right-handed lineup, aiming to reverse last season's career-low .430 slugging percentage and 121 adjusted OPS. George Springer of the Toronto Blue Jays, entering the final year of his substantial contract, delivered a spectacular 2025 season. His 166 wRC+ was surpassed only by Aaron Judge and Ohtani, demonstrating his continued elite performance. With new lineup options, Toronto aims to mitigate the physical toll on the 36-year-old Springer by utilizing him more frequently as a DH.

Other notable players making the list include Ryan Rooker of the Oakland Athletics, who, following a 39-homer campaign in 2024, tallied 73 extra-base hits and 30 homers last season. His right-handed power makes him an ideal complement to left-handed hitting Nick Kurtz. Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays, despite the team's penchant for roster turnover, remains a fixture due to his team-friendly contract and consistent offensive production, boasting 13.4 WAR and a .379 OBP over the last four years. Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose days as an everyday outfielder are likely over, will be crucial for keeping his bat in the lineup as a DH, as he approaches career milestones in hits and home runs.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees, while consistently battling injuries and playing over 120 games only once since 2019, remains a formidable threat when healthy, evidenced by his 24 homers and 162 OPS+ in just 77 games last season. He is within striking distance of 500 career home runs. Matt Carpenter of the Detroit Tigers, despite hamstring issues, still delivered significant power with 18 doubles and 26 homers, effectively deployed against right-handed pitching. Mauricio Herrera, a rising talent, showed a promising offensive season with a .373 OBP and 136 adjusted OPS in 107 games, though he lacks the long track record of others. Salvador Perez (Kansas City Royals) and Eugenio Suarez (Cincinnati Reds) are also projected for increased DH roles, with Perez transitioning from catcher and Suarez signing a one-year deal after a 49-homer season. Jurickson Profar of the Atlanta Braves also appears to be embracing a DH role this spring.

Buster Olney's 2026 rankings underscore that the designated hitter position is far from merely a refuge for aging or injured players; it's a critical offensive hub for elite sluggers. Ohtani's top placement reaffirms his status as a singular force in baseball, while the diverse talents across the list highlight the strategic depth and game-changing potential that these specialized hitters bring to their respective lineups.

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