Chicago Cubs (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Despite the ongoing labor talks, the universal DH is expected to be implemented in the 2022 season. Here are three candidates on the Chicago Cubs roster.
The Chicago Cubs and the National League got a trial run with the universal DH implemented as part of the shortened 2020 season. A total of 16 players got a look at the position in an effort to get everyone their at-bats. However, Victor Caratini and Willson Contreras led the pack with 18 games each as the team’s primary DH.
Leading into the 2021 season, Major League Baseball opted not to have the universal DH in play. Still, the door remained open for it to return permanently as part of the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
And here we are.
All signs point toward a delayed start to the 2022 regular season as the league and players’ association remain far apart on several items. That said, the universal DH has all but been accepted going forward.
Barring something totally unexpected, it can be assumed at this point that the universal DH will be in place in 2022. Both sides are in favor (though true to these talks, they don’t seem to totally agree on who benefits most from a DH on all 30 teams)
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 2, 2022
Heading into a season where the roster is generally in flux, the Cubs have a number of options they could consider for their designated hitter.