Top 10 MLB Designated Hitters for 2026: Ohtani, Schwarber Lead

Spring training’s here, and ESPN’s Buster Olney has dropped his top-10 list of designated hitters for the 2026 MLB season. He weighs projected impact, durability, and run production—focusing on how teams now depend on power, plate discipline, and the DH as a daily lineup anchor.

Here’s a look at Olney’s top 10. Why do these sluggers matter in 2026? What should fans watch as spring games get going?

2026 DH Rankings: Olney’s Top 10

Olney uses a mix of career production, recent trends, and the changing DH role to build his list. He also factors in injury risk, defensive flexibility, and contract value—these things can really change how teams use their DH this year.

Let’s break down the ten names at the top and what makes them interesting in 2026.

Shohei Ohtani — Top designated hitter in 2026

Ohtani stands out as the league’s best offensive force, smashing 153 homers over the last three years and driving in runs like few others. The Dodgers still build their lineup around him, and his elite bat speed and plate discipline keep him locked in as the DH.

• Power and production: He delivers steady, top-tier slugging and piles up runs.
• Durability considerations: His two-way past adds value but makes you wonder about long-term health.
• Impact on lineup construction: He’s the anchor—everything kind of orbits around him.

Kyle Schwarber — Power resurgence earns big contract

Schwarber’s career bounced back in 2025-26. He hit fastballs and lefties better, which helped him land a $150 million deal and gave his team a feared power bat and a bit of spark in the clubhouse.

• Power output: When he’s hot, he’s one of the scariest hitters in the DH group.
• Platoon and versatility: He can handle different pitchers and has a knack for big moments.
• Leadership value: He brings energy and a veteran voice every day.

Yordan Álvarez — Talent tempered by injury risk

Álvarez is still a top slugger, but injuries have limited Houston’s options and cut into his numbers. Health is the big question for 2026, even though his power and ability to drive in runs are still among the best.

• Power and run production: When he’s healthy, he can flip a game with one swing.
• Injury considerations: His health history makes it tough to predict a full season.
• Lineup flexibility: The Astros’ depth really depends on whether he’s in the lineup.

George Springer — DH duty and contract-year implications

Springer put up a 166 wRC+ last season, proving he’s still a force at the plate. He’ll probably see more DH time now, with the team trying to keep his legs fresh as he hits his contract year.

• Offensive efficiency: He delivers in big spots—just seems to have that knack.
• DH role expansion: The move is about keeping him healthy over 162 games.
• Contract-year motivation: You have to wonder if he finds another gear with a new deal on the line.

Brent Rooker — Fit for Oakland’s right-handed thump

Rooker brings plenty of power and fits what Oakland wants to do on offense. His right-handed bat keeps opposing managers guessing and helps balance the lineup.

• Power presence: He can put balls in the seats, no question.
• Lineup fit: His righty swing matches Oakland’s strategy, giving them good matchups.
• Pitch-selection impact: Pitchers have to think twice with him up there.

Yandy Díaz — On-base machine with a team-friendly deal

Díaz keeps getting on base and producing, which makes him super valuable as a DH. His contract rewards him for being steady and durable, so Tampa Bay can rely on him every day.

• On-base proficiency: He’s one of the best table-setters out there.
• Contract value: The Rays get a bargain for his production.
• Consistency: He shows up and produces, pretty much every time out.

Christian Yelich — Milwaukee shifts to DH to keep the bat in the lineup

Yelich moves to DH so he can get more at-bats, even as his defense fades. Milwaukee wants to keep his bat in play and cut down on the wear and tear.

• Offensive presence: He’s still a threat to score, even if he’s not in the field.
• DH role rationale: The move keeps him active and gives him chances to produce.
• Long-term value: He’s a big part of Milwaukee’s plans for 2026.

Giancarlo Stanton — Power when healthy, limited by availability

Stanton can still hit with the best of them when he’s on the field. Injuries keep holding him back, but if he’s healthy, he can carry a lineup for stretches.

• Power peak: He can change a game with one swing—always has.
• Availability concerns: The big question: will he stay healthy?

Kerry Carpenter — Right-handed power off the bench

Carpenter gives Detroit some pop off the bench. He’s a steady right-handed option, especially when the lineup needs a shakeup or a late-inning power threat.

• Bench impact: He can surprise teams with his power in relief roles.
• Right-handed power: Helps balance out the lineup and gives Detroit more depth.

Ivan Herrera — Promote with a short track record, bright 2025 metrics

Herrera showed some promising numbers in 2025, even if he’s still new to the scene. If he keeps improving at the plate, he could shake up roster decisions in 2026.

• Early-career breakout: He’s one to watch for a breakout year.
• Development trajectory: How fast he grows will decide how much DH time he gets.

Honorable mentions

Olney also flags other DH candidates who could factor into playing time and roster decisions in 2026. He mentions Salvador Pérez, Eugenio Suárez, Jurickson Profar, Ryan O’Hearn, and Samuel Basallo.

Each one brings a unique skill set. They might pop up in platoons or step in if injuries hit during spring or the regular season.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Buster Olney’s 2026 top 10 at every MLB position: Designated hitters