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MLB · Designated Hitters · 2026

Best Fantasy MLB Designated Hitters to Start in 2026

Live rankings based on recent fantasy performance and injury status. Updated daily. Click any player for a full start/sit analysis.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

Top 3 Designated Hitters Right Now

#1 🔥
NYY
16.8
avg fantasy pts (recent)
#2
PHI
15.8
avg fantasy pts (recent)
#3
SEA
12.2
avg fantasy pts (recent)

Full Designated Hitters Rankings

# Player Avg Pts Tier Analysis
1 Ben Rice
NYY
16.8 FLEX Analysis →
2 Kyle Schwarber
PHI
15.8 FLEX Analysis →
3 Dominic Canzone
SEA
12.2 FLEX Analysis →
4 Masataka Yoshida
BOS
10.5 SIT Analysis →
5 Yandy Díaz
TB
10.4 SIT Analysis →
6 Joc Pederson
Texas Rangers
10.4 SIT Analysis →
7 Eugenio Suárez
Cincinnati Reds
10.2 SIT Analysis →
8 Jose Fernandez
ARI
10.1 SIT Analysis →
9 Yordan Alvarez
HOU
9.7 SIT Analysis →
10 Adrian Del Castillo
ARI
9 SIT Analysis →
11 Brent Rooker⚠ Injury
OAK
9 ? Analysis →
12 Moisés Ballesteros
LAA
8.4 SIT Analysis →
13 Andrew Benintendi
CWS
8.2 SIT Analysis →
14 Christian Yelich
MIL
7.7 SIT Analysis →
15 Jesús Sánchez
Arizona Diamondbacks
7.6 SIT Analysis →
16 Bryce Eldridge
SF
7.2 SIT Analysis →
17 Marcell Ozuna
Pittsburgh Pirates
7.1 SIT Analysis →
18 Salvador Perez
KC
6.9 SIT Analysis →
19 Jorge Soler
Los Angeles Angels
6.7 SIT Analysis →
20 MJ Melendez
New York Mets
6.7 SIT Analysis →
21 José Tena
Washington Nationals
6.6 SIT Analysis →
22 Miguel Andujar
San Diego Padres
6.3 SIT Analysis →
23 Jahmai Jones
BOS
5.8 SIT Analysis →
24 Josh Bell
Minnesota Twins
5.8 SIT Analysis →
25 Logan O'Hoppe
TEX
5.7 SIT Analysis →
26 Mickey Gasper⚠ Injury
BOS
5.5 ? Analysis →
27 Agustín Ramírez
MIA
5.2 SIT Analysis →
28 Sean Keys
TOR
5 SIT Analysis →
29 Rob Refsnyder
Seattle Mariners
4.5 SIT Analysis →
30 Jorge Polanco⚠ Injury
NYM
3.9 ? Analysis →
31 Romy Gonzalez⚠ Injury
BOS
3.9 ? Analysis →
32 Giancarlo Stanton
NYY
3.9 SIT Analysis →
33 Tyler Black
Milwaukee Brewers
3.4 SIT Analysis →
34 Iván Herrera
STL
3.2 SIT Analysis →
35 Andrew McCutchen
Texas Rangers
1.6 SIT Analysis →
36 Eloy Jiménez
Toronto Blue Jays
1.5 SIT Analysis →
37 Kevin Alcántara
CHC
1 SIT Analysis →
38 Will Wagner
SD
0.8 ? Analysis →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I start at designated hitters in fantasy this week?
Top designated hitters to start: Ben Rice (16.8 avg pts), Kyle Schwarber (15.8 avg pts), Dominic Canzone (12.2 avg pts). Rankings update daily based on recent performance and injury reports.
What are the best MLB designated hitters to pick up on waivers?
Check the full rankings table above for designated hitters with high recent averages who may be available in your league. PlayCaller generates roster-specific waiver recommendations when you connect your Sleeper, ESPN, or Yahoo league.
How do I know which designated hitter to start tonight?
Use the start/sit tier labels above — START means a strong play, FLEX means a borderline play, SIT means avoid if possible. For a personalized recommendation based on your specific roster and league settings, connect your league to PlayCaller's AI agent.

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