Universal DH?
The DH has been around the MLB for many decades but it has only been available by American League teams. For the past few years, it has been a big question if the MLB would let all teams around the league be able to use a designated hitter. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Major League Baseball has been questioning if there would be a 2020 season at all. The MLB and MLBPA are trying to make a plan for Major League Baseball to start back up soon. In many of their brainstorms, the idea of having a DH for all teams has come up. This season would be a perfect opportunity for the MLB to test something like the universal DH.
What Does This Mean for the Giants?
The Giants, as well as all National League teams, have not been focusing towards grabbing a “designated hitter”. This may hurt many NL teams as many don’t have many players who could take the DH roll. But would this hurt the Giants? There is no definite answer for this question, but the Giants have lots of infield depth and some outfield guys who can be the DH this season. But the big question is who?
Who Could Be the Giants’ DH in 2020?
Hunter Pence
Hunter Pence was picked up from the Rangers on a one year deal last off season. He had a great season in 2019 after struggling with the Giants in his few seasons prior. Pence hit .297/.358/.552 with 18 HR in 83 games playing the DH for the Rangers last year. Due to injuries he could not play the whole season. But when he played, he had great numbers. Pence has played in the NL for his whole career prior to 2019. He showed that he could be a big threat at the DH spot. A change to the DH will be better for Pence and the Giants defense. Since Pence is already 37, his production in the field has gone down immensely in the past years. This move could save some room for defensive players like Billy Hamilton. If the DH does come to the National League in 2020, Hunter Pence would be a great player to fill that spot.
Wilmer Flores
The Giants signed veteran player, 2B Wilmer Flores to a 2 year deal last off season. Flores played for the Diamondbacks in 2019 after playing his first 6 seasons as a Met. He had a career best season last year batting .317/.361/.487 with 9 HR in 89 games. With rookie, Mauricio Dubon maybe taking over the Second Base roll for the future, Flores might be a good fit for being the Giants DH next season.
Alex Dickerson
The Giants traded for OF Alex Dickerson in the middle of the 2019 season. After struggling with San Diego, he has been way better with the Giants. He batted .290/.351/.529 with 6 HR in 56 games for the Giants in 2019. He also started off Spring Training with great numbers too. With the Giants having many outfielders to use, Dickerson has too good of numbers to not play in 2020. With Mike Yastrzemski, Hunter Pence, Billy Hamilton, and even Jaylin Davis coming up soon, Alex Dickerson may have to take the DH roll in 2020. I think that this would be a great fit for the 29 year old.
Could The DH Benefit the Giants?
My answer is yes. I have a strong feeling that if the universal DH does happen in the MLB this season, the Giants would benefit from it because they have many options that they could use for the DH in 2020. All we have to do is wait and see if the MLB season will start soon.
