MLB Power Rankings: 6 Sluggers Destined to End Their Careers as a DH

Ah, the designated hitter. 

At some point the American League wised up and said, "it really sucks watching the least athletic player on a baseball diamond bat, let's find a way that the slow, old guys can stay away from the softball diamond for a few extra years."

The DH has been extending the careers of the Edgar Martinezes and Jim Thomes of the world for decades now. 

It's not too hard to identify the next wave of DHs.  There are a few simple things to look for: 

1.  Does he hit a lot of home runs? 

2.  Is he slow and or overweight? 

3.  Has he been moved from the outfield or third base to first base?

4. Are injuries becoming concerns?

If a slugger fits the bill on a couple of these criteria, there's a good shot you'll see him riding the pine with his bat ready well into his 40s.

Here are six guys that look to be following the path to the DH.

1. Miguel Cabrera

The Florida Marlins' former third baseman will someday be the Detroit Tigers' former first baseman. 

Cabrera has several of the key indicators for a future DH, namely a decreasing range at first base.  He probably has five or more years left playing the field, but at some point he'll be the next David Ortiz.

Cabrera is currently leading the AL in batting average with runners in scoring position, and he'll be hitting for another decade as he pushes for 3000 hits and 600 home runs—but only as a DH.

2. Prince Fielder

This one is too easy.  If Fielder ever gets out of the NL, he'll likely have a fast path to a DH spot.

Fielder is ironically named, since he really isn't much of one.

He leads all first baseman with 13 errors, he has 31 home runs and zero stolen bases.  He's 275 pounds of raw power—without much finesse in the field.

It's only a matter of time before Fielder meanders over to the AL as a DH.

3. Ryan Howard

Another big, hulking first baseman, Howard's path to a DH isn't quite as clear as Cabrera and Fielders'.

He's probably a little better fielder than Cabrera and Howard and is signed in Philadelphia through 2017.  That would put him at 37 when his contract expires and in the prime time DH age bracket.  A deal in the AL would seem likely.

He'll likely be hitting his 600th home run when he's pushing 40 for someone in the AL.

4. Jose Bautista

The former career journeyman has found a home mashing the ball in Toronto. 

A truly unbelievable story that doesn't get the attention he deserves, Bautista has hit 94 home runs in the last two seasons after having only 49 in the previous 10 seasons.

About the only knock on Bautista has been his defense.  He's not terrible, just erratic.  He couldn't find a home at third, so he was moved to right field where he's among the league leaders in assists, but also errors.

However, with the way he's hit the last few seasons he appears to be a guy who's going to be a DH well into his 40s.

5. Matt Kemp

Thanks to his breakout offensive season, Kemp would be drawing serious MVP consideration if he played for a contender.

While his defense hasn't been under fire like it was earlier in his career, Matt Kemp is far from a Gold Glover in center field.

You have to figure that he won't be sticking around LA if the team doesn't show drastic improvement and a willingness to compete.

It could mean a move to the AL.  Now Kemp is young enough that he would probably be moved to a corner outfield spot if he went to a perennial contender in the AL who are set at center (like the Yankees or Red Sox), but a move to DH wouldn't seem to far off in the future in that instance.

6. Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez is likely closer to being a DH that we know. 

As an everyday player entering his late 30s, he's been getting dinged up the last few seasons.  He's still highly productive at the plate and a decent fielder, but his move will likely be to increase his longevity.

A-Rod hasn't played more than 150 games a season since 2007, and he's slowing down.  For a player still hitting at his level, it's only a matter of time before the Yankees—or another team down the road—move him to a DH.