MLB Positional Fantasy Rankings: Designated Hitter

Here are theScore's 2016 fantasy designated hitter rankings (projections provided by Steamer (via Fangraphs) and theScore staff:

Positional Rankings
C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | OF1 | OF2 | OF3 | DH | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 | RP

1. Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins

Sano's power is undeniable; with a full season ahead of him, expectations are high. The only negative to 2015 was a strikeout rate of 35.5%, which limited his batting average. Sano will be drafted between rounds 6-8 of a mixed league and rounds 4-6 of AL-only formats; owners shouldn't take him earlier than that.

2. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Ortiz may be 40, but he can still hit 30 homers. That potential immediately puts him between rounds 10-12 of a mixed league. In AL-only leagues, he moves up to rounds 7-9. His 2014 and 2015 numbers say he should go earlier, but that is a risky move for an aging DH.

3. Kendrys Morales, Kansas City Royals

Morales eclipsed the 100 RBI mark despite only hitting 22 home runs in 2015. He did this through a .335 average with RISP - a number he is unlikely to repeat. Fantasy owners should expect regression this season but can still get serviceable numbers out of Morales. In AL-only leagues, he goes between rounds 12-14 but falls closer to 16-18 in mixed leagues.

4. Evan Gattis, Houston Astros

Gattis is out until late April as he recovers from hernia surgery. Despite 203 more plate appearances in 2015 than in 2014, Gattis only mustered five more home runs. Those factors will see him slide in drafts and makes him a buy-low candidate in the final rounds of a mixed league. In AL-only leagues, target him between rounds 12-15.

▲5. Victor Martinez, Detroit Tigers

Martinez enters 2016 as a buy-low candidate due to age, injury, and regression. He may be drafted in rounds 22-24 of a mixed league and 17-20 of an AL-only. Reports out of spring training do indicate that Martinez is looking good in his return from injury as the veteran slugger has hit over .300 with a couple of homers in spring action.

▼6. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Rodriguez can still provide some power but is limited to rounds 18-22 of a mixed league and 12-14 of an AL-only. While 2015 was fantastic, do not expect the 41-year-old to turn back the clock once more. As well, A-Rod should see fewer at bats this season due to age and prospect development.

7. Billy Butler, Oakland Athletics

Butler won't be talked about in mixed league drafts, but he may be an option in the last two rounds of an AL-only league. Unfortunately for Butler, the Athletics acquired Khris Davis and Chris Coghlan in the offseason - both of whom will cut into Butler's at-bats. Limited at-bats means limited potential.

8. Jimmy Paredes, Baltimore Orioles

Paredes does not have any fantasy appeal as his numbers are far from impressive. A high strikeout rate has also plagued Paredes his whole career. He has been demoted to the minors every year since entering the majors in 2011. Pass on him in all draft formats.

9. Kennys Vargas, Minnesota Twins

Vargas is expected to spend 2016 in the minors as the Twins signed Byung-ho Park and already have Sano on the roster. Pass on Vargas entirely and wait to see what happens if he were to get called up.