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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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PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 09: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares for a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 09, 2020 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
PEORIA, ARIZONA – MARCH 09: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers prepares for a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Stadium on March 09, 2020 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Dodgers

Another commonly pointed to team when discussing the implementation of the designated hitter into the National League is the Los Angeles Dodgers. In addition to their own roster reasons, they would probably be happy they don’t have to face slugging pitcher Madison Bumgarner as a hitter anymore.

On their own roster, the Dodgers are crowded all over the place on their depth chart. The addition of Mookie Betts adds to an already very crowded Los Angeles outfield. Adding Betts could force Joc Pederson to the bench, or in this case, now to designated hitter.

Pederson slugged 36 home runs last season and it would be a realistic expectation that the Dodgers want to find a way to keep his bat in the lineup. Another possibility could be moving Cody Bellinger to DH for select games as well.

Bellinger is most known for his bat, and moving him to designated hitter could clear a spot in the infield, for someone like Max Muncy. Keeping both Muncy’s and Bellinger’s bats in the lineup would go a long way in helping the Dodgers make a run at another NL Pennant and a long-awaited World Series title.

There are certainly a lot of intriguing options for the Dodgers to consider if the DH was to come to the National League. But one thing is for sure, and that is the Dodgers should certainly be hoping for the designated hitter to come over.

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