Rankings for First Basemen and Designated Hitters in July 2024

The July rest-of-season rankings for players are listed based on their perceived 5×5 value going forward. In two weeks, the way-too-early 2025 rankings will be presented in the same format. Listeners can tune in to the Rotoworld Baseball Show for the latest player news, waiver claims, roster advice, and more from experts throughout the season, available for download wherever podcasts are available.

The First Baseman and Designated Hitter ROS Rankings show several players dropping off the list, including Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Jose Abreu, Garrett Cooper, Elehuris Montero, Jonathan Aranda, Dominic Smith, Ezequiel Duran, and Joey Gallo. Currently, there are only four designated hitters remaining, as Andrew McCutchen and Heston Kjerstad gained outfield eligibility last month. However, it is unlikely that any of the current four will gain additional position eligibility soon, as prominent players like Shohei Ohtani, Marcell Ozuna, and J.D. Martinez have yet to play the field this season, with Eloy Jimenez playing just one outfield game.

Although there is a possibility that Jake Burger and Josh Bell may drop further in the rankings due to potential trades by the Marlins this month, Burger’s exit velocity numbers are solid and his strikeout rate has decreased, suggesting a strong second half with a different team. Spencer Torkelson showed promise with a strong first week in Triple-A at the beginning of June and a recent two-homer game, but his overall performance in 23 games is not particularly impressive. While Torkelson is not written off, the Tigers may benefit from another opportunity for Parker Meadows at this point.