Designated Hitter

1. Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees
2. J.D. Martinez, Red Sox
3. Kendrys Morales, Blue Jays
4. Mark Trumbo, Orioles
5. Brad Miller/Denard Span, Rays

If you ever doubted the Yankees’ and Red Sox’ financial dominance, just look at what transpired with AL East designated hitters this offseason. Both clubs, who were already loaded with talented, young outfields, decided, “What the heck, let’s grab another slugging outfielder and stick him at DH.” The Yankees struck first with their stunning December trade for Stanton, the reigning NL MVP. Stanton (59 homers last year) pairs with Judge (52) to put 2017’s top two home run hitters in the same lineup. The Yankees were one of the only teams in baseball that could take on Stanton’s humongous salary; they’ll be paying $265 million of his remaining $295 million over the next 10 years (assuming he doesn’t opt out after 2020).

The Red Sox responded two months later by signing Martinez to a five-year, $109.95 million deal. Martinez crushed 45 homers in just 119 games last season and would’ve led the majors in slugging by a mile (.690) if he’d had enough at-bats to qualify. That included a 62-game stint with Arizona in which he smacked 29 longballs. He should capably fill the David Ortiz-sized void that the Red Sox weren’t able to address in 2017.

Just as in right field, the rest of the division lags far behind the Yankees and Red Sox at DH. The veteran Morales provides pop but little OBP for the Jays. The Orioles’ Trumbo is hoping to rebound from a forgettable 2017, but he’ll start the year on the DL with a quad injury. The Rays might use a revolving door at DH; early on, the at-bats are expected to go to the uninspiring Miller and Span when they’re not filling in at other positions.

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