Arizona Diamondbacks: Madison Bumgarner has goal before universal DH

The universal DH is coming whether we like it or not. At some point, for the first time since the end of the 1972 campaign, both leagues will play under the same set of rules governing the lineup. As much as we enjoy moments such as Bartolo Colon’s home run, most fans are not as enamored with a well executed sacrifice bunt or seeing someone in a windbreaker awkwardly run the bases.

But this also means that those few pitchers that can hit may have one last shot at glory. For Arizona Diamondbacks starter Madison Bumgarner, the impending universal DH comes with a challenge – to win one more Silver Slugger.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Madison Bumgarner wants to add another trophy to the mantle

It is understandable why Bumgarner would covet the Silver Slugger award this year. With the probability that the universal DH will come back in 2022, this may be the final season pitchers get to hit. With that being the case, whoever earns the award this year may go down in history as the final pitcher to take home the Silver Slugger.

Bumgarner could very well be that pitcher. He has twice posted an OPS+ of 100 or better and has produced a batting average over .200 three times. Over the course of his career, Bumgarner has hit 19 homers and 18 doubles, and has even made numerous appearances as a pinch hitter.

But those days are soon to end. Bumgarner’s respectable ability to hit for power will not be as valuable, especially as he will no longer need to bring a bat to the ballpark. Maybe he will be called upon as a pinch hitter in a moment of desperation, but those times will be few and far between.

The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, are hoping that Bumgarner can bring him some pitching hardware as well. Their prized free agent signing ahead of the 2020 campaign struggled in his first season in the desert, although that could be due to the shortened season. Nonetheless, Arizona needs to see more from Bumgarner this year.

Madison Bumgarner has his eyes set on winning the Silver Slugger this year. The Arizona Diamondbacks, meanwhile, are more interested in his work on the mound.