Cubs and Kyle Schwarber Saved by Universal DH Rule
By Michael Luciano
The MLB is going to need to tinker with the rules of the game in order to get the most out of a shortened 2020 season, and one of the biggest changes that will apply to National League teams is the introduction of a universal designated hitter.
The Chicago Cubs have to be thrilled with this news, as they finally have a way to get Kyle Schwarber's glove out of the outfield while keeping his bat in the lineup.
MLB is expected to propose a universal DH for the 2020 season as part of their plan. Here would be the immediate ramifications for each NL Team:https://t.co/fg9epa62fp
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) May 10, 2020
When Schwarber really squares one up, few in the league can match his raw power. Unfortunately, 26 or more home runs in three straight seasons can't make up for the fact that Schwarber, a catcher in college, lacks the speed, intuition, and glove-work to be a viable left fielder. In Wrigley's spacious left field, that has proven to be problematic.
Sticking him at DH fixes all of that. You get all of the strength he provides in the heart of the order while being able to sidestep all of his defensive mistakes. An unexpected windfall for rookie manager David Ross.
Today marks the 4 year anniversary of Kyle Schwarber’s mammoth home run which landed on top of the video board at Wrigley Field in the 2015 NLDS versus the Cardinals.
— Cubs Live (@Cubs_Live) October 13, 2019
That swing, the admiration, & the crowd. WOW! pic.twitter.com/O4ssP2OUyo
Schwarber was born to be a DH given his limited defensive ability and limitless power from the left-hand side of the plate. If only for a year, the Cubs could exploit Schwarber's pop as a DH while putting together a stronger team both at the plate and in the field.