Universal Designated Hitter Position Falling Short of Expectations in MLB After Two Seasons

As teams struggle to get productive hitters for the designated hitter position, 13 of MLB's 30 teams' DH production falls below replacement level, contributing to the general consensus that finding hitters for the universal DH role is more difficult than anticipated.

• Despite being a part of Major League Baseball (MLB) for two full seasons, the Universal Designated Hitter (DH) role hasn't lived up to expectations. Many teams are struggling to get significant production from the role, with only three players having logged at least 110 games in the position during the 2023 season.
• A large number of MLB teams - 13 out of 30 - have had DH production that was below replacement level. The Milwaukee Brewers were the worst performing team with a minus-1.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) at the DH spot.
• General Managers from various MLB teams expressed that most players prefer to play a position and not just wait to hit. As a result, many teams are content to rotate several players through the DH role, including those who need rest or are nursing an injury, rather than dedicating one player for the majority of the season.
• Weakening the DH spot further, roster constraints often limit the inclusion of a player devoted to the spot. Teams usually carry just 13 or 14 position players, leaving not much room for a player with no defensive value.
• There is a consensus that finding a DH player is challenging. Players like David Ortiz, who had a noteworthy career with 541 home runs - 485 as a DH, are hard to find. The current free-agent class, however, includes potential candidates for a full-time DH role such as Rhys Hoskins, J.D. Martinez, Jorge Soler and Teoscar Hernández.

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