(670 The Score) Cubs outfielder Ian Happ believes MLB and its owners are doing a disservice to players with their lack of clarity on whether to implement the universal designated hitter in 2021 and the concession they've requested from the players to make it happen.
For the first time, the National League utilized the DH on an everyday basis in the shortened 2020 season, but that was a temporary move as the league and owners agreed to a return-to-play framework amid the pandemic. The prevailing thought is that the universal DH will be implemented sometime, but because it’s not part of the current collective bargaining agreement, owners have indicated they want an expanded playoff format – and thus more television money – as a concession for green-lighting the universal DH now. For the first time, 16 teams advanced to the playoffs in 2020 following a 60-game regular season.
“It’s very difficult, I’m sure, for the executives and for everybody who’s trying to construct a roster, to put anything together right now,” Happ said on the Dan Bernstein Show on Thursday morning. “It’s frustrating that it’s always something that has to be tied to something else to get anything done. And I think the idea that the DH should be tied in any way to expanded playoffs is ridiculous. They’re not comparable, and the DH makes the sport better. Without argument, the DH makes the sport better. You saw it last year. It keeps pitchers focused on pitching and gives another hitter to the NL teams. It makes the game more exciting. It creates more jobs. The DH is a no-brainer. I’m not sure why it hasn’t been approved yet.”
Happ pointed out that it’s unfair to players like former Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber for MLB to not have its rules finalized for the ensuing season as the free agency process drags on. Schwarber can play the outfield, but many observers around the league view him as an ideal candidate to be a DH as well. If the NL were to have the DH in 2021, Schwarber’s market would be more robust and he could get a more lucrative contract. The Cubs non-tendered Schwarber in early December, making him a free agent.
“There’s a number of guys that are in that spot,” Happ said. “You saw kind of how there was a little bit of a mass exodus there of the corner outfield position at the tender deadline. And there are plenty of those guys that are going to impact teams, are going to be a great impact on teams, but you’re taking away five to 10 teams on the NL side that start to get cold feet because they’re unsure about their ability to have a DH and to move some of those guys around and give them flexibility. It’s unfortunate.
“To have that delay affect your career and affect the way you’re compensated is just very unfortunate.”