Phillies

Report: “Growing Belief” Designated Hitter Coming to National League

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Jan 27th, 2020 · 11:59 AM EST

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Via former MLB general manager and current radio host and analyst Jim Bowden:

There is a growing belief amongst NL GM’s that the DH will be instituted for NL as early as 2021. FWIW.

— Jim Bowden⚾️🏈 (@JimBowdenGM) January 27, 2020

Probably long past overdue to have the DH in the National League, unless you like to watch starting pitchers hit .142 on the season, followed by a revolving door of pinch hitters in the later innings. Some people call this “strategy” and “management,” but other people fall asleep watching it happen, so I guess to each their own.

Having an NL DH would also extend the careers of some hitters who would no longer be playing in the field, something that might come in handy when Bryce Harper, for instance, hits years 11, 12, and 13 of his contract. Even in the short term, you could have a guy like Rhys Hoskins as your DH with Alec Bohm or whomever else at first base.

Regardless, at least the rules would be the same for both leagues, no more goofy World Series nonsense like Raul Ibanez playing DH at Yankee Stadium, then you come back down to Philly and we’re operating under a different set of guidelines. It’s ridiculous. Either give both leagues the DH or take it away entirely. Streamline the game and bring it into the 21st century.