For many years, the Boston Red Sox's designated hitter role was held down by one man, David Ortiz. After Ortiz retired, J.D. Martinez assumed the position until his departure following the 2022 season. The last few seasons, the Red Sox have leaned into the growing trend around the league of having a rotating DH. The 2026 season will put that strategy into overdrive.
It didn't always seem like things were going to be this crowded. Jarren Duran was thought of as a likely trade piece. To a lesser extent, Wilyer Abreu was too. But that was the outsiders.