2025 MLB Season: Ranking the Top 5 Designated Hitters
Sportsgrid Staff
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1. Shohei Ohtani: MLB’s Best Player
Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic. In 159 games, he slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59-63 stolen bases. His 181 wRC+ and 9.1 fWAR ranked among the best in baseball despite not pitching due to UCL surgery.
As the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, Ohtani redefined what it means to be a multi-tool player.
Ohtani’s contract and international popularity reflect his unparalleled value, combining power, speed, and versatility in a way no other player can match. Whether crushing home runs or swiping bases, Ohtani is a game-changer every time he steps onto the field.
5. Kyle Schwarber: A Powerhouse for the Phillies
Kyle Schwarber had a phenomenal 2024 season, cementing his place as one of the top designated hitters in MLB. In 150 games, he slashed .248/.366/.485 with 38 home runs, 104 RBIs, and an impressive 15% walk rate. His 3.4 fWAR marked the best season of his career, showcasing significant improvement in his overall game.
A key factor in Schwarber’s success was his shift to the designated hitter role, playing only five games in left field compared to over 100 in prior seasons. This allowed him to focus entirely on his offense, leading to a notable jump in batting average from .207 in 2023 to .248 in 2024.
Schwarber’s power and plate discipline make him a critical part of the Phillies’ lineup. His National League-leading 106 walks and ability to hit in the leadoff spot provided unmatched value. As Philadelphia aims for another deep postseason run, Schwarber’s bat will remain a cornerstone of their offense.
In 2025, Schwarber’s consistency and power will make him a key player to watch. With his ability to deliver in clutch moments, he is poised for another standout season as one of the league’s premier designated hitters.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
4. Marcell Ozuna: The Braves’ Reliable Slugger
Marcell Ozuna had a career-best season in 2024, proving his value as one of MLB’s top designated hitters. Playing all 162 games for the Braves, he slashed .302/.378/.546 with 39 home runs and 104 RBIs. His 154 wRC+ and 4.7 fWAR highlighted his importance to an Atlanta team that battled injuries to key players.
Ozuna’s ability to hit for both power and average was evident throughout the season. His 11% walk rate and consistent performance in the heart of the Braves lineup provided much-needed stability. Despite missing a 40-home-run season by one long ball, his offensive output was instrumental in securing a Wild Card berth for Atlanta.
Looking ahead to 2025, Ozuna’s contributions could be even more impactful if the Braves’ stars—Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley—remain healthy. Together, they could form one of the league’s most dangerous lineups.
Ozuna’s resurgence has solidified his place among the best designated hitters in the game. His combination of power, patience, and durability makes him a vital asset to Atlanta’s postseason aspirations.
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3. Brent Rooker: Oakland’s Breakout Star
Brent Rooker has quickly established himself as one of MLB’s most exciting hitters. After a breakout 2023 season, he elevated his game further in 2024, slashing .293/.365/.562 with 39 home runs, 112 RBIs, and 11-14 stolen bases. His 164 wRC+ and 5.1 fWAR ranked him among the league’s elite offensive players.
Rooker’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In his first three MLB seasons, he managed a .668 OPS across limited plate appearances. Since joining the Athletics, he has transformed into a consistent power hitter, with 69 home runs and 181 RBIs over two seasons.
In 2024, Rooker ranked seventh in MLB in wRC+, outperforming stars like Bryce Harper and José Ramírez. Oakland rewarded his performance with a five-year, $60 million extension, securing him as the franchise’s centerpiece ahead of their likely move to Las Vegas.
As Rooker continues to develop, his offensive prowess will be crucial for the Athletics in 2025. With his combination of power, speed, and on-base ability, he has cemented his status as one of baseball’s top designated hitters.
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2. Yordan Alvarez: The Astros’ Powerhouse
Yordan Alvarez remains one of the most feared hitters in baseball, and his 2024 season only solidified his reputation. Over 147 games, he slashed .308/.392/.567 with 35 home runs, 86 RBIs, and a stellar 168 wRC+. His 5.3 fWAR ranked second among all designated hitters, behind only Shohei Ohtani.
What sets Alvarez apart is his combination of power and plate discipline. He posted a career-best .392 OBP in 2024 while striking out in just 15% of his plate appearances. At only 27 years old, Alvarez boasts a career slash line of .298/.390/.583 with 164 home runs, making him a cornerstone of Houston’s lineup for years to come.
As the Astros aim to maintain their dominance in the AL West, Alvarez will once again be the driving force behind their offense in 2025. His ability to consistently hit for both power and average makes him one of the most valuable players in MLB.
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1. Shohei Ohtani: MLB’s Best Player
Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was nothing short of historic. In 159 games, he slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59-63 stolen bases. His 181 wRC+ and 9.1 fWAR ranked among the best in baseball despite not pitching due to UCL surgery.
As the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, Ohtani redefined what it means to be a multi-tool player.
Ohtani’s contract and international popularity reflect his unparalleled value, combining power, speed, and versatility in a way no other player can match. Whether crushing home runs or swiping bases, Ohtani is a game-changer every time he steps onto the field.
5. Kyle Schwarber: A Powerhouse for the Phillies
Kyle Schwarber had a phenomenal 2024 season, cementing his place as one of the top designated hitters in MLB. In 150 games, he slashed .248/.366/.485 with 38 home runs, 104 RBIs, and an impressive 15% walk rate. His 3.4 fWAR marked the best season of his career, showcasing significant improvement in his overall game.
A key factor in Schwarber’s success was his shift to the designated hitter role, playing only five games in left field compared to over 100 in prior seasons. This allowed him to focus entirely on his offense, leading to a notable jump in batting average from .207 in 2023 to .248 in 2024.
Schwarber’s power and plate discipline make him a critical part of the Phillies’ lineup. His National League-leading 106 walks and ability to hit in the leadoff spot provided unmatched value. As Philadelphia aims for another deep postseason run, Schwarber’s bat will remain a cornerstone of their offense.
In 2025, Schwarber’s consistency and power will make him a key player to watch. With his ability to deliver in clutch moments, he is poised for another standout season as one of the league’s premier designated hitters.
Thanks to Just Baseball for the stats, analysis and insights for this slideshow article.
