10 Best Offensive Seasons By A Designated Hitter

In: Best Offensive Seasons By Position, The Lists

Like it or hate it the designated hitter is here to stay. Although at its inception in 1973 most managers used it to give players a break from playing in the field, teams have now built rosters around having nine hitters in their lineups. Hal McRae, Brian Downing, and Harold Baines were among the first players to play as full-time DHs over multiple years.

Honorable Mention


  • 10. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, 2006


    • David Ortiz Batting Statistics
    WAR G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
    5.7 151 558 115 160 29 2 54 137 1 0 119 117 .287 .413 .636 1.049

    • 9. Travis Hafner, Cleveland Indians, 2006

      • Age: 29


      Travis Hafner Batting Statistics
      WAR G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
      5.9 129 454 100 140 31 1 42 117 0 0 100 111 .308 .439 .659 1.097

      • 8. Frank Thomas, Chicago White Sox, 1991


        • Frank Thomas Batting Statistics
        WAR G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
        7.0 158 559 104 178 31 2 32 109 1 2 138 112 .318 .453 .553 1.006

        • 7. Edgar Martinez, Seattle Mariners, 2000

          • Age: 37
          • AL All-Star


          Edgar Martinez Batting Statistics
          WAR G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
          5.7 153 556 100 180 31 0 37 145 3 0 96 95 .324 .423 .579 1.002

          • 6. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox, 2007


            • David Ortiz Batting Statistics
            WAR G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
            6.4 149 549 116 182 52 1 35 117 3 1 111 103 .332 .445 .621 1.066

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