Last season, Josh Bell led the Washington Nationals with 97 starts at designated hitter, Trevor Larnach topped the Twins with 78, and Victor Caratini had 29 starts for the Astros. This year, they’re all set to share DH duties for Minnesota, alongside Matt Wallner, Ryan Jeffers, and Royce Lewis.
For the 2026 Twins, the designated hitter role is a balancing act between defensive tradeoffs and a solid, if unspectacular, veteran presence.
TWINS DESIGNATED HITTERS AT A GLANCE
- Twins fWAR Ranking Last Year: 17th out of 30
- Twins fWAR Projection This Year: 20th out of 30
THE GOOD
Josh Bell is exactly the type of player you want at DH, especially if he can replicate his offensive surge from last year. After a slow start, Bell found his groove, posting a .278/.358/.478 slash line with 16 homers over his last 95 games. His switch-hitting ability makes him a reliable option in the middle of the lineup, and keeping him at DH minimizes the impact of his defensive shortcomings.
The challenge lies in how often the Twins can slot him there, given Larnach’s presence and the absence of a clear first baseman. Regardless, Bell remains a valuable bat for this role.
Larnach also brings a strong bat to the table, particularly against right-handed pitching. Like Bell, his value increases when he’s not in the field. The decision on who plays DH often boils down to which player offers more at their position.
Expect a balanced mix of Larnach and Bell, with Caratini, another switch-hitter, adding depth. Against left-handed starters, Caratini might take the DH spot while Bell plays first base, maximizing the lineup's right-handed power. Eric Wagaman could also see time if he makes the roster.
This experienced group ensures the DH position is filled with capable hitters and favorable matchups.
THE BAD
The Twins’ DH spot, like several positions, has a solid floor but lacks a high ceiling. Over the past two seasons, Bell’s OPS+ is 104, Larnach’s is 106, and Caratini’s is 105. These are slightly above-average hitters who haven’t shown the ability to exceed that level recently.
They’re also among the highest earners on the Twins, who are not known for big spending. By committing nearly $5 million to Larnach and $21 million combined to Bell and Caratini, the front office ensured they have reliable bats for DH.
However, this investment doesn’t bring significant upside and doesn’t improve the team’s defense or speed. Bell and Larnach, in particular, are slow runners who can clog the bases and struggle defensively when not at DH.
The hope is their power compensates for these drawbacks.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The combination of Larnach’s lefty swing with multiple switch-hitting options gives manager Derek Shelton flexibility and stability at DH. While these players may not offer explosive potential, their experience and competence provide a reliable foundation.