Major League Baseball and the players union are coming close to a deal. They’re the three or four-yard line on third down it seems like. Or to put into baseball terms, they’re in the 9th inning, but the closer put two men on. Baseball is trying to close the door. One of the things they agreed upon was designated hitter in both leagues. National League will have a DH this season and next season. This means that when the new CBA goes into effect in 2022, the DH will be here to stay for good. This bothers purists, but baseball players wanted this for a long time. The future is now.

We can wax poetically about how we’re going to miss pitcher’s at-bats but in reality, we are not missing much. A few times a year a pitcher hits a home run or does something magical. The truth is this helps both pitchers and batters. For pitchers, they do not have to expose themselves to further injury. If you want pitchers to hit, ask Adam Wainright about his Achilles tear that happened running out a pop out. Or former Brewers pitcher Jimmy Nelson who tore his labrum getting back to first base. Pitchers accept when risk when they’re on the mound, but to also deal with as a batter feels unnecessary.

For hitters, they’re able to extend their career. Ryan Braun is a free agent after next season. Most thought Braun would retire and not move to the American League where he could play DH for a couple more years. Now, Brewers might have to rethink Braun entirely. With the DH being in the National League, Braun can likely play for another two or three years. Braun isn’t the only example of this. Multiple players will get the benefit of adding a DH in the National League.

I know some are having a funeral for the National League style of baseball, but understand, it was done to appease players plus try to get a baseball season for 2020.

Charlie.