In developing strategies for the 2020 season, MLB is considering numerous options, including consolidating teams in central locations, increased use of double-headers, and expanded playoffs. One of the latest strategies to emerge is a radical realignment of teams, mixing AL and NL teams into 3 divisions based on geography: East, Central and West. In this proposed plan, all MLB teams would utilize the DH in all games. Some suggest this puts NL teams at a disadvantage against their AL opponents but others see a potential for NL teams to use a variety of lineup strategies to level the playing field. Either way, it will be an experiment toward an anticipated long-term decision of moving to a universal DH across MLB.
This article is the first in a series to review all 3 proposed Divisions and identify some NL players who may benefit from the expanded use of the DH and thus be more fantasy relevant during an abbreviated 2020 season.
I also encourage readers to view the articles from my FWFB colleague, Paul Mammino, who is writing on this same topic. Although our analyses are independent, some results may be similar and lend weight to the player considered.
New York Mets: Coming off hip and ankle injuries, limiting him to a total of 38 games over the past two seasons, Yoenis Cespedes is intent on returning to form in 2020. What better way to get his legs under him, and earn back some of his lost salary, than becoming the Mets de facto DH. Before injuries started limiting his action, Cespedes was a consistent .280-.290 hitter averaging a HR per 20 ABs or better. This role for Cespedes would also allow the Mets to deploy better defenders in the outfield on a daily basis while providing him the opportunity to slowly work his way back into left field. Several other Mets will benefit from the DH, including Matt Adams and Dominic Smith, but I suggest the obvious choice for your fantasy team is Cespedes, if he returns to full health.
Washington Nationals: Coming off a World Series title in 2019, and losing Anthony Rendon to free agency, the Nationals retooled their roster by bringing back Howie Kendrick, Ryan Zimmerman and Asdrubal Cabrera, in addition to adding Starlin Castro and Eric Thames. While the aging players like Kendrick and Zimmerman are obvious beneficiaries of the DH rule, Thames may also see a significant increase in playing time. First base will likely be a platoon of Kendrick, Zimmerman and Thames. At this point, it is anyone’s guess which sees the bulk of time in the field. Zimmerman and Thames are essentially locked into first base at this point in their careers but Kendrick will likely see some time at second or third base as well. Furthering the case for Thames in an expanded DH role is the fact that he is essentially the only lefty power bat on the team, besides Juan Soto. As expected, his splits lean strongly toward right-handed pitchers. Since 2017, 63 of his 70 HRs came against right-handed pitchers with a .251/.354/529 slash. None of the aforementioned players will completely replace Rendon’s bat in the lineup but the ability to include players like Thames in the lineup, instead of a pitcher, will fill the gap substantially.
Philadelphia Phillies: A review of the Phillies pre-season roster identifies a large number of players that would benefit from an occasional DH role. For various reasons, veteran players like Andrew McCutchen, Josh Harrison, Neil Walker, and Logan Forsythe will all benefit from the expanded opportunity. Additionally, a NL DH may provide much needed playing time for young players like Roman Quinn and Mikie Mahtook. Arguably, the most prototypical DH player on the roster is Jay Bruce. Prior to the halt of pre-season, manager Joe Girardi hinted that Bruce would be the starting left fielder on Opening Day while McCutchen continues to mend from his knee injury. Ultimately, McCutchen should receive the bulk of the left field duties, leaving Bruce without an everyday role. He is historically a streaky player who can terrorize right-handed pitching. His batting average will always leave something to be desired and any semblance of speed is now gone but a middle-of-the-lineup power bat would provide much-needed protection for Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Rhys Hoskins. You may want to use Bruce sparingly in weekly lineups but if your league allows daily lineup changes, stash him on your bench until he goes on another tear and reap the rewards.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Unfortunately for Pirates fans, there’s not much that will help this squad compete against teams projected to make up the Eastern Division. Unlike the other teams discussed above, the Pirates do not have an obvious veteran who would benefit from filling a DH slot in the traditional sense. Conversely, an expanded roster in 2020 should prompt the Pirates to incorporate prospects like Ke’Bryan Hayes, Oneil Cruz and Jared Oliva into the fold. Each player is close enough to the Majors to be included in a scenario of expanded rosters and would provide fans a glimpse into what the future of the Pirates holds. Routinely exposing these players to pitchers like Cole, deGrom, Scherzer, etc. comes with a risk/reward proposition though. If these players follow the recent trend of younger players not being intimidated by MLB pitching, a successful deployment of the future Pirate stars may provide the club a significant step forward in this shortened season. Who knows, the next Ronald Acuna, Yordan Alvarez, or Rafael Devers may be hiding out in a Pirates uniform and propel your fantasy team to a title in 2020.
Miami Marlins: For the Marlins, Garrett Cooper likely stands to benefit most in the DH role. Cooper put up respectable numbers (.281/.344/446) across 381 ABs in 2019, playing 3 of every 4 games at first base. After the Marlins signed Jesus Aguilar, who is expected to be their principle first baseman in 2020, Cooper transitions into a reserve role behind Aguilar as well as a platoon in right field. Cooper 2019 season was also marred by calf, wrist and knee injuries so the Marlins would be wise to limit his exposure to further injury by making him their primary DH. With every day ABs available to him with the added DH role, Cooper becomes an intriguing corner infielder or utility player for your fantasy team in 2020.
No matter what form MLB ultimately decides on for the 2020 season, it will be a unique experience for everyone. Fantasy baseball will be no different. Many of us have drafted our teams already, some are drafting throughout the shutdown and others will draft new teams in the coming weeks. Regardless, be sure to assess your team makeup when MLB provides clarity to the 2020 season and make the necessary updates to find your own advantages within your leagues. Identifying players that benefit from a NL DH is a great place to start.
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