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3 National League teams that would benefit most from a DH

By Jake Starr

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 28: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Miami Marlins during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 28, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies at bat against the Boston Red Sox during a Grapefruit League spring training game on March 07, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – MARCH 07: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies at bat against the Boston Red Sox during a Grapefruit League spring training game on March 07, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Phillies

This may be one of the more intriguing options to include in here, but there is still a good argument. The Philadelphia Phillies may be a team that would benefit from the designated hitter more down the road, but it could still reap some benefits in 2020.

First, looking at the long term, Bryce Harper is signed to the Phillies for 12 more years. It is hard to envision a 39-year-old Harper playing right field in 2032. With that in mind, a move to DH could benefit both Harper and the Phillies as he enters his mid-to-late thirties.

Looking at their current situation, there are still tons of benefits from implementing the designated hitter this season. Top-prospect Alec Bohm is knocking on the door of a crowded infield in Philadelphia. Bohm is listed as a third baseman, but he could play first as well.

Going into the season, the Phillies have Jean Segura penciled into third base, and Rhys Hoskins at first. Bohm profiles more as a first baseman in the long term. So, if he is to make the jump to the majors in 2020, Bohm could play at first, so the Phillies could keep Segura’s glove on the field.

In terms of defense, Hoskins is not the best at first base. He is someone who may benefit more from being moved to designated hitter. The best guess for the Phillies if there is a DH in 2020, would be Bohm playing first and Hoskins moving to DH.

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