All articles tagged with #designated hitter
San Diego signed Nick Castellanos to a league-minimum MLB deal, adding a veteran right-handed bat who could split first-base duties with Gavin Sheets and serve as a DH/backup outfielder, with Laureano in left and an open 40-man roster slot delaying any immediate moves; Castellanos will try to rebound after a disappointing Phillies tenure marked by defensive struggles and clubhouse tensions.
The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to a one-year, $12 million contract with Marcell Ozuna (pending a physical), adding a right-handed bat to bolster the lineup. Ozuna will earn $10.5 million in 2026 with a $1.5 million buyout on a $16 million mutual option for 2027. The 35-year-old had a down 2025 season (.232/.355/.400, 21 HR) hampered by a hip injury and declining bat speed, but Pittsburgh hopes he can produce as a designated hitter. The move pushes payroll to about $105 million, reshapes the lineup with Ozuna, O’Hearn, Lowe and Horwitz, and effectively ends Andrew McCutchen’s Pirates tenure while boosting odds for a wild-card push.
With Luis Arraez departing for the Giants on a one-year deal, Gavin Sheets is positioned to take San Diego’s first-base job in 2026. He hit .252/.317/.429 with 19 homers in 145 games last season, but his outfield defense was poor; a move back to first could boost his value and help enable a more flexible DH mix. The Padres are weighing a platoon partner for Sheets and have added options like Sung-Mun Song and Will Wagner for the DH role, potentially resting regulars such as Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts. Meanwhile, GM AJ Preller’s contract extension remains unsettled amid reported tensions with club leadership, even as he has steered the team through a successful run in recent years.
Seiya Suzuki's agent, Joel Wolfe, has expressed dissatisfaction with Suzuki's role as a designated hitter for the Chicago Cubs, suggesting that Suzuki would be open to a trade if it meant playing in the field. Despite Suzuki's strong performance as a DH, he prefers not to be limited to that role, and the Cubs have not committed to making him a full-time DH for the 2025 season. While a trade isn't certain due to Suzuki's no-trade clause, the Cubs are exploring options to improve their roster, which could include trading Suzuki if an irresistible offer arises.
Juan Soto, a standout hitter and Gold Glove finalist, is being considered by the Boston Red Sox primarily as a designated hitter due to his average fielding skills. Despite his defensive limitations, Soto's exceptional batting prowess, highlighted by a career 160 OPS+ and 36.4 WAR, makes him a highly sought-after player likely to secure a $600 million contract. While teams like the Yankees and Mets are interested, the Red Sox see him fitting seamlessly into their lineup, potentially transitioning to a DH role in the future.
Marcell Ozuna has been on a hitting streak since May 2023, following a rough start in April. His impressive offensive performance has made him a key player for the Atlanta Braves, with 43 home runs and 111 RBIs since May 1. Despite serving exclusively as a designated hitter, Ozuna's revival has been a significant boost for the team, and his supportive attitude has also helped teammates improve their performance.
J.D. Martinez finalized a $12 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets, but will take it slow to get ready for the season due to back and groin problems. The 36-year-old designated hitter, who hit .271 with 33 homers and 103 RBIs in 113 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last year, won't be available for Opening Day and will need at least 15 days to prepare. His signing led to the Mets designating right-hander Phil Bickford for assignment, and he is expected to slot into the middle of the Mets' lineup alongside Pete Alonso.
The New York Mets have reached a one-year, $12 million deal with designated hitter J.D. Martinez, pending a physical, providing a power source for their lineup alongside Pete Alonso at a discounted rate. Martinez's bounce-back All-Star season with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 led to this agreement, as the Mets sought to mitigate luxury tax penalties. The 36-year-old veteran, known for his hitting prowess, will bring his career .287 batting average to the Mets after the Dodgers opted for a one-year commitment and signed Shohei Ohtani.
J.D. Martinez, the best designated hitter in the free agent market, signed a 1-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets, pending a physical. The Mets identified Martinez as a target early in the offseason and finally secured him at a favorable price. Martinez, known for his power hitting, will provide a much-needed offensive boost to the Mets' lineup. Despite his age and injury concerns, Martinez's hitting prowess and track record make him a valuable addition to the team.
After a prolonged free agency, J.D. Martinez has reportedly agreed to a 1-year, $12 million deal with the New York Mets. The veteran designated hitter was one of several notable Scott Boras clients to negotiate contracts into March, with Martinez ultimately finding a fit with the Mets, providing them with a significant upgrade at the designated hitter position. Despite some red flags in his peripherals, Martinez's hitting prowess makes him a valuable addition to the team as they aim to contend for a wild-card spot in the upcoming MLB season.
The Cincinnati Reds have signed first baseman/designated hitter Mike Ford to a minor league deal with incentives. Ford, known for his power and high strikeout rate, had a strong 2023 season with the Mariners. The left-handed hitter provides depth for the Reds' infield and DH spot, competing with other promising young infielders for playing time.
The San Francisco Giants have signed right-handed slugger Jorge Soler to a three-year contract, addressing their offensive struggles from last season. Soler had a strong offensive season with the Miami Marlins in 2023 and is expected to primarily serve as a designated hitter for the Giants. While there are some concerns about his past performance and injury history, his impressive hitting metrics and ability to hit offspeed pitches have led projection systems to believe in his sustainability. Soler's addition may lead to changes in the Giants' lineup, potentially impacting players like J.D. Davis, Michael Conforto, and LaMonte Wade Jr.
The Minnesota Twins are close to signing veteran slugger Carlos Santana to a one-year contract worth $5.25 million, adding switch-hitting power to their lineup and preventing Santana from victimizing their pitching in 2024. Santana, known for his success against the Twins, has hit 31 home runs and 174 hits against them in his career. This move is reminiscent of the Twins' previous signing of Nelson Cruz and adds experience to their relatively young lineup.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran Justin Turner to a one-year, $13 million deal, with the potential to earn an additional $1.5 million in bonuses. Turner, a 15-year MLB veteran, brings a productive bat and valuable postseason experience to the team, although his defensive abilities have declined in recent years. Expected to primarily serve as the designated hitter, Turner's signing addresses a key offseason priority for the Blue Jays, who may still seek to add another left-handed bat to their lineup.
The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly signed free agent Justin Turner to a one-year, $13MM contract with the potential to earn up to $14.5MM with bonuses and incentives. Turner, known for his consistent hitting and leadership, is expected to serve as the team's primary designated hitter and provide depth at third base and first base. The signing pushes the Blue Jays into luxury tax territory for the first time, but they may still be considering further moves to bolster their lineup and rotation.