2023 designated hitter fantasy baseball rankings: Target Shohei Ohtani, stash Bryce Harper
Because of his amazing hitting and pitching abilities, Shohei Ohtani is a tremendous weapon in fantasy baseball (and the No. 1 overall player by far in leagues that allow daily lineup changes). He'll take up the utility spot in your fantasy lineup, but that's a small inconvenience for the numbers he produces.
This year's crop of players who qualify only as a DH (by not playing 20 games in the field at any position) is rather plentiful. Bryce Harper's elbow injury is expected to keep him sidelined until early July, but he could provide a huge return if you can afford to stash him on your bench or IL.
J.D. Martinez dealt with nagging injuries during a subpar 2022, but should be healthy and playing regularly for the Los Angeles Dodgers. And for a late sleeper pick, the Oakland A's expect Shea Langeliers to be their primary catcher this season, but he's only eligible at DH to start the season (17 games at catcher, 24 at DH). Be sure to double-check your league's rules.
FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023
CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position-by-position rankings
Designated hitter rankings
Shohei Ohtani, Angels AL1
Bryce Harper, Phillies NL1
J.D. Martinez, Dodgers NL2
Matt Carpenter, Padres NL3
Nelson Cruz, Padres NL4
Shea Langeliers, A's AL2
Francisco Alvarez, Mets NL5
Mitch Garver, Rangers AL3
Daniel Vogelbach, Mets NL6
Darick Hall, Phillies NL7
Franmil Reyes, Royals AL4
Kyle Lewis, Diamondbacks NL8
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers AL5
David Hensley, Astros AL5
Edwin Rios, Cubs NL9
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 10 designated hitters for 2023