Top First Baseman and Designated Hitter Players on the Decline in 5×5 Value Rankings, Experts Weigh In on Trade Implications

The July rankings for 5×5 value of players are out, and the way-too-early 2025 rankings will be presented in two weeks. Listeners can tune in to the Rotoworld Baseball Show for expert advice on player news, waiver claims, roster advice and more.

The First Baseman and Designated Hitter rankings have shown 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 left as Andrew McCutchen 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.

While 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 yet the Tigers may benefit from another opportunity for Parker Meadows at this point.