Top 10 MLB Designated Hitters: Ohtani, Alvarez, and More

The designated hitter (DH) role has been a pivotal topic in Major League Baseball (MLB) discussions ever since it was fully adopted by the National League in 2022.

Though initially expected to supercharge offensive stats by replacing pitchers’ at-bats with those of more accomplished hitters, the reality has fallen short of expectations.

In his 2025 MLB season preview on ESPN, Buster Olney dives deep into the state of the DH position, ranking the top 10 designated hitters of the year and exploring why offense has stagnated despite this game-changing rule adjustment.

The National League’s DH Experiment: Hopes vs. Reality

The DH role, a staple of the American League since 1973, was designed to inject more offense into the game by replacing pitchers’ often feeble at-bats with sluggers who could drive in more runs.

When the National League adopted the DH in 2022, fans and analysts alike envisioned a significant offensive boom.

However, reality tells a different story. Despite the addition of full-time hitters, NL offensive stats have shown only marginal improvement.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Comparing numbers from the seasons before and after the DH adoption, the offensive fluency hasn’t shifted much.

The pre-DH National League posted a .247 batting average, .317 on-base percentage (OBP), and .406 slugging percentage (SLG).

Post-DH adoption, those figures have barely budged: .247 BA, .320 OBP, and .414 SLG.

Even run production shows minimal growth—scoring has increased from 4.51 to just 4.54 runs per game on average.

These fractional changes have confounded expectations, leaving fans and analysts to question why the DH hasn’t been the offensive catalyst it was anticipated to be.

The answer, according to Olney, lies in the continued dominance of modern pitching strategies.

Pitching Dominance: The Silent Saboteur

The dream of higher-scoring games through the adoption of the DH has hit a formidable roadblock: elite pitching.

Over the last decade, MLB clubs have leaned heavily on pitching depth to stifle offenses.

Starters are throwing fewer innings, allowing them to dominate at peak effectiveness. Meanwhile, managers utilize bullpens stocked with flame-throwing, specialized relievers who are practically unhittable in short stints.

Olney’s Solution: Tinker with Pitching Rules

In an intriguing twist, Olney posits that changes to pitching rules could unlock higher offensive outputs.

Specifically, he suggests a cap on the number of relievers allowed per game.

Such a rule would force managers to rely more heavily on starting pitchers, increasing the likelihood of fatigue and creating more scoring opportunities late in the game.

While such a reform would undoubtedly be controversial, it speaks to MLB’s challenge of balancing the art of pitching with the excitement of scoring.

The Bright Side: Celebrating the Best DHs

Where the DH role has succeeded, however, is in showcasing some of baseball’s most dynamic hitters.

The top DHs remain vital offensive cogs for their teams, bringing power, consistency, and excitement to each game.

For 2025, Olney’s list of the top 10 designated hitters underscores the enduring allure of these players.

The Headliners: Ohtani, Alvarez, and Ozuna

Leading the pack is none other than Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar who has redefined the modern game.

Known for his prodigious power at the plate, Ohtani continues to set the bar for excellence in the DH role.

Close behind him is Yordan Alvarez, who is known for his sweet swing and ability to rack up RBIs with daunting consistency.

Marcell Ozuna also makes the list, proving that despite his ups and downs, his bat remains a force to be reckoned with.

Players like Ohtani, Alvarez, and Ozuna highlight why the DH role is still immensely valuable. They not only add dimension to team offense but also ensure the fans are treated to an electrifying show every time they step into the batter’s box.

Final Thoughts: A Role in Flux

The DH experiment in the National League has been a mixed bag so far.

While it has provided opportunities for elite hitters to thrive and offered managers greater flexibility, it has yet to deliver the hoped-for offensive explosion.

With pitching dominance continuing to reign supreme, MLB must consider whether adjustments, like capping reliever usage, are necessary to realize the DH’s full potential.

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, one thing is clear: designated hitters remain essential to the fabric of baseball.

Whether it’s through seismic rule changes or subtle nuances in gameplay, their role will continue to evolve.

For now, fans can sit back and enjoy the brilliance of Ohtani, Alvarez, Ozuna, and the other stars who keep the DH position as one of the most exciting aspects of the game.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ranking the top 10 designated hitters in MLB: Who’s No. 1?