As a baseball traditionalist and someone who dislikes change, I’ll admit my first reaction to the potential shift to a universal DH was one of disgust. Let’s just say I shared the same sentiment as big Thor:
Universal DH?!?!? pic.twitter.com/qNLnKHFAS6
— Noah Syndergaard (@Noahsyndergaard) February 6, 2019
However, after a few deep breaths and reading Danny Abriano’s article on Metsblog, I think this is one rule change that I can get into. As Abriano outlines, there are three reasons the universal DH in the National League would be a benefit the Mets in both the short and long terms.
Yoenis Cespedes would have a spot
Without a DH in the NL, the situation with Cespedes is terrible. After having surgery on both heels, Cespedes is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2019 season. Omar Minaya said earlier this off season that anything Cespedes provides in 2019 will be “gravy,” but Brodie Van Wagenen is more optimistic than that. The GM recently suggested Cespedes could potentially return around the All-Star break.
Even if Cespedes returns earlier than expected, it’s wishful thinking to believe he’ll be able to handle left field with any regularity. Remember, he dealt with lots of other lower-body issues before his heels were surgically repaired.
There would be another option for Peter Alonso
No one expects Alonso to be a plus-defender at first base, but recent reports indicate he should be able to stick there. The problem right now when it comes to Alonso is that there doesn’t seem to be a spot for him in the immediate future — not with Jed Lowrie, Amed Rosario, Robinson Cano, and Todd Frazier on the roster.
If the NL adds the DH in time for the 2020 season, the Mets will have another option for Alonso if it turns out that his defense at first base is worse than expected. There’s also a scenario where it would make sense for the Mets to use Alonso as the DH even if his defense is adequate. And that scenario has to do with a recent trade…
The final years of Robinson Cano’s contract would be far less concerning
There’s no doubt that Cano can still hit, having slashed .303/.374/.471 in 2018 as a 35-year-old after returning from a PED suspension.
And while it’s fair to believe Cano will continue to be a damn good hitter over the five years remaining on his contract (ending during his age-40 season), he might not age as well in the field.
Cano was still above average (4 DRS) at second base in 2018 and wants to remain at second base this season.
If Cano’s defense starts to slip, though, the Mets having the DH option in 2020 and beyond would give them two really solid options.
They can choose to either slide Cano to first base (where he got a taste in 2018) and use Alonso as the primary DH, or they can use Alonso at first base and make Cano the DH.
SNY’s Andy Martino noted in December that Cano could end his career as the Mets’ DH. Maybe Van Wagenen knew something that we didn’t when he swung the deal for Cano and Edwin Diaz. Even if he didn’t, the Mets are one of the teams that stands to benefit the most if the DH comes to the NL — whether it’s this season or next.
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