The Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award holds a rich history dating back to 1973 when it was initially established. This prestigious accolade is bestowed annually upon the American League's (AL) most exceptional designated hitter (DH) in Major League Baseball (MLB). It was originally recognized as the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.
First introduced in 1973, the same year the DH rule was adopted by the American League, this award highlights players who specialize in hitting without regularly playing a defensive position. Some of the most iconic winners include David Ortiz, Frank Thomas, and Martinez himself, each of whom made a significant impact on the role of the DH in modern baseball.
In 2004, the award was renamed to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions and excellence of Edgar Martinez, an iconic designated hitter for the Seattle Mariners. Martinez's exceptional skills led to his selection as a seven-time All-Star and established him as one of the era's most dominant hitters. His consistency and mastery at the plate made him the undeniable inspiration behind this prestigious award.
List of Outstanding DH Award Winner Year By year
The Outstanding Designated Hitter (DH) Award, also known as the Edgar Martinez Award, recognizes the top designated hitter in Major League Baseball each season. Recently, Shohei Ohtani has dominated the award, winning it consecutively in 2021, 2022, and 2023, due to his offensive prowess and versatility as a dual-threat player. Named in honor of Seattle Mariners legend Edgar Martinez, the award recognizes the player who delivers the best offensive performance in the DH role, emphasizing batting average, power, and run production.
| Year | Player | Team |
| 2023 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels |
| 2022 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels |
| 2021 | Shohei Ohtani | Los Angeles Angels |
| 2020 | Marcell Ozuna | Atlanta Braves |
| 2019 | Nelson Cruz | Minnesota Twins |
| 2018 | Khris Davis | Oakland Athletics |
| 2017 | Nelson Cruz | Seattle Mariners |
| 2016 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2015 | Kendrys Morales | Kansas City Royals |
| 2014 | Victor Martinez | Detroit Tigers |
| 2013 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2012 | Billy Butler | Kansas City Royals |
| 2011 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2010 | Vladimir Guerrero | Texas Rangers |
| 2009 | Adam Lind | Toronto Blue Jays |
| 2008 | Aubrey Huff | Baltimore Orioles |
| 2007 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2006 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2005 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2004 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2003 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
| 2002 | Ellis Burks | Cleveland Indians |
| 2001 | Edgar Martinez | Seattle Mariners |
| 2000 | Edgar Martinez | Seattle Mariners |
| 1999 | Rafael Palmiero | Texas Rangers |
| 1998 | Edgar Martinez | Seattle Mariners |
| 1997 | Edgar Martinez | Seattle Mariners |
| 1996 | Paul Molitor | Minnesota Twins |
| 1995 | Edgar Martinez | Seattle Mariners |
| 1994 | Not Awarded | |
| 1993 | Paul Molitor | Toronto Blue Jays |
| 1992 | Dave Winfield | Toronto Blue Jays |
| 1991 | Chili Davis | Minnesota Twins |
| 1990 | Dave Parker | Milwaukee Brewers |
| 1989 | Dave Parker | Oakland Athletics |
| 1988 | Harold Baines | Chicago White Sox |
| 1987 | Harold Baines | Chicago White Sox |
| 1986 | Don Baylor | Boston Red Sox |
| 1985 | Don Baylor | New York Yankees |
| 1984 | Dave Kingman | Oakland Athletics |
| 1983 | Greg Luzinski | Chicago White Sox |
| 1982 | Hal McRae | Kansas City Royals |
| 1981 | Greg Luzinski | Chicago White Sox |
| 1980 | Hal McRae | Kansas City Royals |
| 1979 | Willie Horton | Seattle Mariners |
| 1978 | Rusty Staub | Detroit Tigers |
| 1977 | Jim Rice | Boston Red Sox |
| 1976 | Hal McRae | Kansas City Royals |
| 1975 | Willie Horton | Detroit Tigers |
| 1974 | Tommy Davis | Baltimore Orioles |
| 1973 | Orlando Cepeda | Boston Red Sox |
Also Read: List of Players Choice Award Winners Year by Year
Players With The Most Outstanding DH Award
Several MLB players have been honored with the prestigious Outstanding DH Award multiple times throughout their careers. Here is the list of players who won the most Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award or Outstanding DH award.
| Player Name | No. Of Awards |
| David Ortiz | 8 |
| Edgar Martinez | 5 |
| Hal McRae | 3 |
| Shohei Ohtani | 3 |
| Nelson Cruz | 2 |
| Paul Molitor | 2 |
| Dave Parker | 2 |
| Harold Baines | 2 |
| Don Baylor | 2 |
| Greg Luzinski | 2 |
| Willie Horton | 2 |
FAQs on Outstanding DH Award
A. The recipient of the Outstanding DH Award is decided through a voting process. A panel consisting of coaches, media members, and select MLB officials casts their votes to determine the winner of this prestigious award.
A. Yes, players have the opportunity to achieve the Outstanding DH Award multiple times. Throughout the years, past recipients have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills, leading to their well-deserved recognition and multiple accolades.
A. No, the Outstanding DH Award is not limited to a specific league in MLB. The award is given to the designated hitter player who has excelled in both the American League (AL) and the National League (NL).
A. No, pitchers are not eligible for the Outstanding DH Award. This recognition is specifically for designated hitters, who typically specialize in hitting and do not participate defensively on the field.
A. The award is typically announced in November, following the end of the MLB regular season.
