Based on current performance metrics for the 2024 MLB season, Shohei Ohtani is widely regarded as the best designated hitter in Major League Baseball.
Ohtani, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, leads designated hitters in Value Based Ranking (VBR), a metric that quantifies a player's overall fantasy value and, by extension, their on-field contribution compared to other players at their position. His exceptional performance at the plate, characterized by a high slugging percentage, positions him at the top of the list for designated hitters.
Top Designated Hitters in MLB (2024 Season)
The following table highlights the top performers among designated hitters, ranked by their Value Based Ranking (VBR) and showcasing their Slugging Percentage (SLG), a key indicator of a hitter's power and ability to hit for extra bases.
| VBR Rank | Player | Team | Primary Position(s) | Slugging Percentage (SLG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani | LAD | DH, SP | .648 |
| 2 | Aaron Judge | NYY | CF, DH, LF, RF | .701 |
| 3 | Jose Ramirez | CLE | 3B, DH | .536 |
| 4 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | TOR | 1B, 3B, DH | .544 |
- Shohei Ohtani: As the top-ranked designated hitter, Ohtani consistently delivers powerful at-bats, reflected in his impressive .648 slugging percentage. While he also pitches, his contributions as a DH alone make him stand out.
- Aaron Judge: Ranked second, Aaron Judge boasts an even higher slugging percentage of .701, demonstrating elite power. Though he plays multiple outfield positions, his impact as a designated hitter is significant when utilized in that role.
- Jose Ramirez: A versatile infielder who also spends time at DH, Ramirez's consistent hitting and power are valuable assets, with a solid .536 slugging percentage.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Known for his powerful bat, Guerrero Jr. contributes significantly as a first baseman and designated hitter, maintaining a strong .544 slugging percentage.
Understanding Key Metrics
When evaluating designated hitters, several key statistics are crucial for understanding their impact:
- Value Based Ranking (VBR): This metric provides a holistic view of a player's contribution, considering various offensive categories and comparing their performance against other players at their position. A higher VBR indicates greater overall value.
- Slugging Percentage (SLG): Slugging percentage measures a hitter's power by calculating the total number of bases a player records per at-bat. It accounts for singles, doubles, triples, and home runs, with extra-base hits weighted more heavily. A higher SLG indicates a player's ability to hit for more power and generate extra-base hits.
While other metrics like On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS), Batting Average (AVG), and Runs Batted In (RBI) also contribute to a hitter's overall evaluation, VBR provides a comprehensive ranking, and SLG specifically highlights a designated hitter's primary role: producing power and driving in runs.
