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          MLB's problem with designated hitters who can't hit

          Edgar Martinez, a two-time batting champion, was one of the first true designated hitters to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
          • David Schoenfield, ESPN Senior WriterJun 21, 2023, 12:00 PM
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            • Covers MLB for ESPN.com
            • Former deputy editor of Page 2
            • Been with ESPN.com since 1995
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          IT'S ONE OF the mysteries of the modern game of baseball: Why do so many teams receive so little "hitting" from their designated hitters?

          A few weeks ago, I ran some of the numbers past Josh Bell, the regular designated hitter for the Cleveland Guardians. Some of those updated figures for 2023:

          • Three teams are hitting under .200 from the DH spot. Another six are hitting under .225.

          • The major league average OPS is .729. Thirteen teams are seeing their DHs produce an OPS worse than a league-average hitter.

          • Seattle Mariners DHs are hitting .161 with a .553 OPS -- and that isn't even the worst OPS in the majors. Milwaukee Brewers DHs are hitting .184 with three home runs for a .533 OPS.

          • The Detroit Tigers have used 16 different DHs and started nine different players there -- and they've combined to hit .206 with three home runs.

          These numbers aren't anomalies. Last season, four teams hit under .200, and a whopping 14 teams saw their DHs produce an OPS under .700, despite a leaguewide OPS of .707.

          "Yeah, I don't know what to say," Bell replied. He paused and laughed. "Other than hitting is really hard."