MLB: Designated Hitter Options for the NL West
By Mark Howe
We begin exploring designated hitter options in the National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Andre Ethier.
He’s hit in the neighborhood of .285 for his career, still has some pop and to this point has been a Dodger for his entire career. Yes, he’s still a solid outfielder, but there’s a chance that, if LA can take a defensive load from him, the 34-year-old Ethier can keep going for anther eight years. He’s also under contract for this season and another two, at $18 million this season and $17.5 million per over the next two.
Ethier is exactly the kind of person the MLB Players Association wants in a DH role. He’s physically, mentally and financially healthy and can help raise the going rate for players across the board. The Dodgers should push for the full-time DH as well; other than the New York Mets, who has as much to lose with a starter going down? Reduce the risk, people.
Another candidate for the job might have been Scott Van Slyke, but he doesn’t meet the criteria set forth; he’s eligible for arbitration after 2016. No doubt Van Slyke has struggled not only to get at-bats, but to produce once he gets them. As a designated hitter, he could help secure lotto-like contracts in the future, and maybe earn some playing time with his glove.
Next: Rockies