Taking a look at every National League team’s DH situation

NL West

Los Angeles Dodgers

DH Options: Max Muncy/ Joc Pederson

The Dodgers have Max Muncy ready to go at DH and should be excited to be able to play him in the same lineup as Cody Bellinger and top prospect Gavin Lux this season. The other designated hitter option will likely be Joc Pederson, assuming the Dodgers decide to hold on to Pederson after being dangled as trade bait and almost moved this offseason. But they do have plenty of other options at DH as well including veterans Justin Turner and AJ Pollack, who should both benefit from a few days off from fielding as the DH.

Colorado Rockies

DH Options: Ian Desmond?

Colorado lacks a real DH option in their lineup at the moment. The only player who might make sense would be Ian Desmond, who’s managed to hit 20+ home runs in his two seasons with the Rockies. Desmond, however, hasn’t lived up this contract and hasn’t had a natural position in Colorado since he arrived, so maybe moving him to DH helps him focus on offense? Not likely.

Brendan Rodgers is still one of the team’s top prospects and has been blocked by Trevor Story, Nolan Arenado, and Ryan McMahon, so the DH could be where they find time for Rodgers. Daniel Murphy is still on their roster and expected to play mainly at first base, he could also see time at the DH but Colorado doesn’t have many options that should excite fans.

Arizona Diamondbacks

DH Options: David Peralta/Kevin Cron

Arizona would love to bring power-hitting first baseman, Kevin Cron, up this year but with Christian Walker on the roster, it was going to be hard to fit both of those players in the lineup regularly. But with the DH, the Diamondbacks may be able to play both of their power-hitting first basemen, which is great news for an offensive group that looks like a top-10 unit on paper. Veteran outfielder David Peralta could see some time as a DH as well, given his injury history, but Cron and Walker in the same lineup should have Diamondbacks fans drooling.

San Diego Padres

DH Options: Wil Myers

And suddenly, the Padres have found a spot for Wil Myers. The designated hitter coming to the National League is great news for the Padres, despite moving Franmil Reyes before the trade deadline last year. Hopefully, Myers produces better power numbers after hitting just 18 home runs in 155 games last season, but he also adds an element of speed to the Padres. Stealing 18 bases last season, Myers doesn’t quite fit the mold of the stereotypical DH but the Padres should be able to get the most of Myers in the DH role this season.

San Francisco Giants

DH Options: TBD

Oh boy, the Giants lack plenty of things but depth may be the most obvious at the moment. Their core of Buster Posey, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford, and Evan Longoria are all beyond their age 30 seasons but remain starters for the Giants mainly because of their defensive ability. 25-year-old outfielder Jaylin Davis could get some time at DH this season, Fangraphs ZiPS thinks he can produce something close to a 20 home run season. But the DH in San Francisco will likely come down to match-ups or whoever has the hotter bat at the moment.