Universal DH?!

With the 2020 MLB season featuring a universal DH, this season will be like no other. Throw in the expanded playoffs and you have a unique season (honestly, it's due to COVID-19).

The universal DH has actually been discussed for a while now, with the cries to implement it growing every year. Baseball purists dislike the idea, saying that having a pitcher hit makes the game fun (see Michael Lorenzen and Madison Bumgarner). It also makes the National League unique to the American League and makes the game fun for casual fans. Here's why it'll happen anyways (and should).

The hopes of bringing in new fans will rely on trying to make the game exciting. I don't believe adding a pitch clock will make the game exciting, but a DH in the National League will. Why? You can still see long ball hitters like Nelson Cruz belt out balls in the likes of Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium on a regular basis. This also evens the playing field, especially since it's about time that MLB has a universal set of rules. This article from Royals Review sums up that part perfectly.

Also keep in mind that pitchers are at greater risk of getting hurt if they go out to hit. Yes, the pitcher is vulnerable to a line drive when he takes the mound. However, there's also tearing your ACL when running the base paths or getting beaned in the face to worry about as well. That could devastate a team's chances, especially during a playoff run.

There are also more opportunities for players to play in the league. Think of it as creating more "jobs" if the universal DH is implemented. Pitchers will still be employed and you will have more opportunities for hitters to get their shot. I know it sounds wacky and idiotic, especially with Bartolo Colon hitting an unexpected homer. But the MLBPA will certainly work with this.

You can argue about no pitch clock being implemented or the shift being taken away. That's fine. But you should consider what having a universal DH could bring to the table.