As part of the new CBA, MLB implemented the universal designated hitter, meaning that the DH will be used in not just the American League, but the National League as well.
This new rule could benefit several players in the NL, especially those who are aging and near the end of their careers.
But MLB Network insider Jon Heyman believes that more players could benefit from the universal DH being put into place, specifically, several of the remaining free agent bats that are still out on the market.
Heyman states that with the universal DH, the possibility for longer-term deals now exists for some of these players.
Biggest beneficiaries of new rules (universal DH): Star free agents Nelson Cruz, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos. Schwarber and Castellanos obviously can play the OF but should get longer deals now. Could help superstar Freddie Freeman, too. DH in NL is big plus for players.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 11, 2022
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This new rule could be huge for several players, including some of the remaining free agents.
Many of them can play positions on the field, but with the DH being added to the NL, it’s very possible that some of these players may get longer deals, with the DH position being a fallback option when they begin to age.
Nelson Cruz would probably benefit the most from all of this, as despite his advanced age, he still possesses great raw power, and with the DH now in the NL as well as the AL, that potentially opens up more spots for Cruz, and more teams may try to land him.
The universal DH is something that has been needed for a long time.
Fans don’t want to see pitchers bat anymore.
Most pitchers are automatic outs anyway, so it makes sense to add the DH to the NL to get a little more action in the game.
It also protects pitchers, as several of them have been hurt while at the plate in recent years.
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