While rumors have suggested the National League could adopt the designated hitter rule, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is open to the idea, but he's not quite ready to break a longstanding tradition in the sport.
Manfred spoke to reporters at the MLB owners meetings on Thursday about the issue. Last week it was said the concept had "more momentum," but MLB's chief baseball officer Joe Torre said the owners haven't talked about it. And here's what Manfred had to say about it:
"Twenty years ago, when you talked to National League owners about the DH you'd think you were talking some sort of heretical comment," the commissioner said, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports. "But we have a newer group. There's been turnover. I think our owners in general have demonstrated a willingness to change the game in ways we think would be good for the fans, always respecting the history and traditions of the sport."
"And the biggest remnant of league identity is the difference between DH and no DH. I think that's a significant issue, I really do. I think it's an important issue for us. I'm not saying it's not possible. But it is a significant issue on the other side of the scale."
(Here's the full video of Manfred addressing the media.)
However, although the implementation of such a rule would significantly compromise the tradition of baseball, there is an argument to be had. If the NL were to adopt the DH rule then the entire game would enjoy a greater facilitation of offense, which is something that could help maintain and even broaden the sport's fan base.
In 2015, seven of the top 10 offenses belonged to American League clubs (Blue Jays, Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox, Astros, Royals and Orioles). Only the Rockies, Diamondbacks and Nationals represented the NL among that group, and Colorado always benefits from the league's most hitter-friendly ballpark, Coors Field.
But perhaps most importantly, the health of pitchers would be further protected. In a league where starting pitchers are among the highest-paid players, this idea likely appeals to some NL owners. For example, Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright, who is under a $97.5 million contract, ruptured his Achilles during an at-bat last season. Nationals ace Max Scherzer said at the beginning of last year that "both leagues need to be on the same set of rules" because fans would rather see a DH hit over a pitcher.
This is yet another controversial issue Manfred has to confront and he's been commissioner for barely a year. The AL and NL have been distinguished by the DH rule since 1973, so Manfred probably won't be in any rush to institute such a drastic change.
