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Ohtani Tops 2026 MLB Designated Hitter Rankings

3/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

ESPN analyst Buster Olney ranks the top designated hitters for the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, led by Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani leads the list with 280 runs scored and 153 home runs over recent seasons.
Kyle Schwarber, Ryan Mountcastle, and Yordan Alvarez are contenders, with Mountcastle and Alvarez recognized for offensive capabilities despite injury concerns.
Schwarber's recent $150 million deal reflects his power.

History

Historical Context

Major League Baseball adopted the designated hitter (DH) rule in 1973 to enhance offensive play by allowing a player to bat in place of the pitcher. This change significantly increased scoring, with the American League averaging .29 more runs per game. The rule has evolved, culminating in its universal adoption in 2022, impacting player contracts and strategies, as seen with Shohei Ohtani's remarkable performance.

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Story summary

ESPN analyst Buster Olney ranks the top designated hitters for the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, led by Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani leads the list with 280 runs scored and 153 home runs over recent seasons.
Kyle Schwarber, Ryan Mountcastle, and Yordan Alvarez are contenders, with Mountcastle and Alvarez recognized for offensive capabilities despite injury concerns.
Schwarber's recent $150 million deal reflects his power.

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