MLB: 7 NL players that benefit most from the universal DH

Austin Riley

The Braves see greatness in Austin Riley‘s bat, but they haven’t found a regular position for him. That may change with the universal DH. Look for either Riley or Marcell Ozuna to assume the role. Leftfield will be available to whoever does not become the DH.

Riley’s MLB career got off to a roaring start, as he concluded his first month with a .356 batting average, seven home runs, and 20 RBI. But vulnerabilities soon prevailed, eventually routing him back to the minor leagues. Consistent plate appearances could work wonders for him this year.

News broke today that outfielder Nick Markakis will sit out the 2020 season, thus eliminating him from the leftfield/DH competition. There is speculation that Braves’ top prospect Cristian Pache will surface in the OF at some point this year, but that won’t happen right away.

Jake Lamb

Jake Lamb was on the outside, looking in before the universal DH came to fruition. He’s now the front-runner for the position. History proves he can hit. The 29-year-old knocked 59 home runs for the Diamondbacks over 2016 and 2017, a span in which he routinely hit in the middle of the lineup.

Injuries have held him back since; Lamb did not play more than half a season in ’18 or ’19. It will be interesting to see what he can contribute as the DH for a formidable Arizona squad.

Aristides Aquino

The Cincinnati Reds have DH options as well. Nicholas Castellanos is a possibility, as he tends to struggle in the field. Scott Schebler and Aristides Aquino may also be good fits.

Aquino took the big leagues by storm his rookie year. He broke a rookie record by hitting 14 home runs in August, and tallied 19 long balls over only 59 games. That’s a remarkable rate of one homer every three games.

He is developing, so Cincinnati may use him passively in a 60-game season. On the other hand, they may be curious to see what kind of destruction he can cause as a full-time hitter.