*Photo from Over the Monster*
One of the most pined for changes in baseball is finally here. The universal DH has been implemented by MLB, and is likely here to stay for good. They briefly tried it in the 2020 season, but things went back to normal in 2021, with pitchers getting back in the batters box. With this new rule being permanent, let's take a look at who benefits the most.
*Photo from AM New York*
Dominic Smith, New York Mets
If it weren't for the emergence of Pete Alonso, Smith would be a starting first baseman for the Mets. Since he couldn't do that, he tried left field, which, let's say, hasn't been beneficial. The universal DH will give Smith more playing time, either at first base with Alonso becoming DH, or with Smith being the DH himself. This way, the Mets can have an extra starting caliber player in the lineup.
*Photo from Call to the Pen*
Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves
With Ronald Acuna Jr coming back from a torn ACL, and Adam Duvall, Cristian Pache, and Drew Waters fighting for playing time in the outfield, Ozuna can still get guaranteed playing time as a DH. His defense has been sub optimal his entire career, but his hitting is very good, so sticking him at DH is the best option for both Ozuna and the Braves.
*Photo from Boston.com*
Kyle Schwarber, free agent
Schwarber, who already had an active market thanks to his strong play in Boston, is going to get an extra 15 teams that now have an opportunity to sign him thanks to the universal DH. His defense has never been his calling card, and he was learning first base on the fly last season, but if you can keep his electric bat in the lineup as a DH in the NL, that's a win.
*Photo from The Athletic*
Albert Pujols, free agent
After a midseason signing by the Dodgers paid dividends for Pujols, he's now likely to have his career extended thanks to the universal DH. He's just fine defensively, so that isn't an issue, but if there's a NL team with a clear first base option, they can still have interest in Pujols, because he can do just fine as a DH, and potentially be a backup first baseman in the field. Two birds, one stone.
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