As we take a look at the RotoProspects fantasy baseball rankings and projections, we see that the designated hitter position may not be the deepest in fantasy baseball, but it features some of the game’s most dangerous sluggers. Whether you’re looking for elite power or all-around production, these hitters will be crucial to fantasy success.
Here at RotoProspects, we provide 2025 fantasy baseball rankings position-by-position rankings and projections, broken into tiers. Here’s a quick look at the first two tiers. You can check out the entire list of the top 14 designated hitters, with where they slot into eight tiers, by clicking here (subscription required).
Tier 1: The Elite
1. Shohei Ohtani, LAD
Ohtani (pictured above) remains in a class of his own, combining elite power with rare speed for a designated hitter. His move to the Dodgers should only help his production, as he’ll be surrounded by one of the best lineups in baseball. With 44 home runs, 111 runs scored, and 113 RBIs projected, along with an impressive .289 batting average and .380 OBP, he’s a first-round fantasy lock and the undisputed top DH in fantasy baseball. His 34 stolen bases also make him a unicorn at the position.
| No. | TIER 1 | Age | PA | HR | R | RBI | SB | Avg. | OBP | SLG | OPS | BB% | K% |
| 1 | Shohei Ohtani, LAD | 30 | 647 | 44 | 111 | 113 | 34 | .289 | .380 | .596 | .976 | 12.3 | 22.8 |
Tier 2: Power Bats with Upside
2. Brent Rooker, OAK
Rooker emerged as a major power threat in Oakland last season and is poised to build on that success. While his strikeout rate is high, he projects to blast 36 home runs with 96 RBIs and 82 runs scored, making him a solid mid-round target. His .254 average and .333 OBP won’t carry your team, but his raw power keeps him valuable in fantasy lineups.
3. Marcell Ozuna, ATL
A reliable power bat, Ozuna continues to rake in Atlanta’s stacked lineup. Though he won’t contribute in steals, he’s expected to hit 35 homers while driving in 97 runs and scoring 82 times. His .265 average and .337 OBP provide solid ratios, making him a strong option for fantasy managers looking for dependable run production.
4. Kyle Schwarber, PHI
Schwarber is a classic three-true-outcome hitter, bringing elite power, a strong OBP, and plenty of strikeouts. He won’t help in batting average (.232 projected), but his ability to crush 40+ homers (40 projected) and drive in over 100 runs (102 projected) makes him a valuable fantasy asset. His .349 OBP and ability to draw walks add extra value in OBP leagues.
| No. | TIER 2 | Age | PA | HR | R | RBI | SB | Avg. | OBP | SLG | OPS | BB% | K% |
| 2 | Brent Rooker, A’s | 30 | 623 | 36 | 82 | 96 | 8 | .254 | .333 | .501 | .834 | 9.4 | 29.8 |
| 3 | Marcell Ozuna, Atl | 34 | 645 | 35 | 82 | 97 | 0 | .265 | .337 | .493 | .830 | 9.6 | 24.3 |
| 4 | Kyle Schwarber, Phi | 32 | 656 | 40 | 93 | 102 | 3 | .232 | .349 | .493 | .842 | 14.7 | 29.0 |
Check out the rest of the designated hitters, as well as the other positions we have posted, as we help you dominate your fantasy baseball drafts.