In 2020, the DH became universal in Major League Baseball. The belief most had was that once the DH came to the National League, it would remain there permanently. That's not necessarily set in stone, though.
The universal DH was only agreed to by MLB and MLBPA for the 2020 season. The two sides will have to come together to agree for it to return in 2021, and it's fair to say the parties have a rather frosty relationship currently.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that players would like the DH to return in the National League in 2021, which isn't especially shocking considering a new position creates more opportunities for veteran players. Passan adds, though, that "owners want the players to agree to expanded playoffs for the 2021 season in exchange." Ultimately, though, Passan says that players aren't necessarily keen on the idea of that agreement, and when you consider that most ownership groups and front office regimes don't want their high-priced pitchers batting, it's possible it won't take such a barter for the universal DH to return in 2021.
Multiple key free agents would become more appealing if National League teams knew that the universal DH was returning in 2021 - and probably on a permanent basis. Nelson Cruz, one of the most prolific power hitters of this era, is exclusively a DH. Marcell Ozuna can play in the outfield, but is probably best-geared to be a DH. Even veteran free agents like J.T. Realmuto and Justin Turner that will play primarily in the field over the lifetime of their next contracts could benefit from the option of occasionally getting off their feet for a day by DHing, assuming they stay in the National League.
Elsewhere, there are veterans under contract to play for National League teams in 2021 - Andrew McCutchen with the Philadelphia Phillies, for example - that are still effective offensive pieces, but are probably meant to DH, at least on a part time basis, at this point in their careers.
It's unclear when a decision will be made on the future of the DH, which makes it especially difficult, if not unfair, for National League teams to prepare for the 2021 season.
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