Many believed the designated hitter would improve offensive numbers in the NL. Here’s a look into how those people were wrong.
2022 was the first year there was a designated hitter allowed to be used in all games for the National League.
As recently as 2021, the hitting ability of pitchers hit an all-time low. They hit for their lowest combined batting average and RBI totals, along with the second lowest OBP, and third-lowest run totals. These statistics date back to 1915 excluding 2020 due to COVID-19.
With all this being said, the NL should have seen a major boost in offensive productions.
How the Designated Hitter Affected the NL Totals
In 2021, the entire National League combined for a .242 batting average. One could look at this as the reason the DH was brought into the NL. The average of .242 was the lowest for the NL since 1885 when it was .241.
But with the DH those numbers should shoot back up to the high .240s and mid .250s where it’s been for the past decade. Well, in 2022 the National League hit for its third lowest average all time behind 2021 and 1885. So, we do see improvement in batting average even if it is extremely minimal.
Of course, batting average isn’t the only factor that plays into offense. The most important stat could be considered runs scored.
In 2021 pitchers only accounted for 188 runs in the NL, which is the lowest all time with 4,000 minimum plate appearances. Of the 10,825 runs scored in the NL, pitchers accounted for just 1.7%.
In 2022 the total number of runs scored in the NL actually dropped by just under 300 runs. Senior Circuit teams only scored a total of 10,558, making it the lowest since 2015 excluding 2020.
So what gives? Why have we not seen a major jump in offensive statistics with the newly implemented DH?
How the Designated Hitters Performed Themselves
In 2022 DH’s in the National League had 9,154 at-bats. They all combined for a .238 batting average.
For the rest of the common stats, they had 330 home runs, 1,218 RBIs, 2,179 hits, 1,163 runs and slashed .238/.318/.402 with a .718 OPS. Clearly all of these numbers are far better than that of the pitchers in previous years.
The designated hitter accounted for 11% of the total runs in the National League.
With all that being said, why did we not see improvement in the NL after the league implemented the DH?
It could just be that there needs to be more time for adjustment for so many teams that never had a DH for so long. Another possible explanation is that offensive production across MLB is on a downward spiral.
Which Teams Benefited the Most?
San Diego Padres
In 2021, Padres pitchers accounted for only 11 runs, eight RBIs, and a slash line of .098/.123/.149 on plate appearances.
Jump to 2022 and San Diego got 95 runs, 97 RBIs, 25 home runs and slashed .214/.296/.361 with 840 plate appearances.
The Padres had the fifth most runs from the DH in the National League.
Milwaukee Brewers
The 2021 Brewers also had very little batting production from their pitchers. Milwaukee hitting pitchers only produced 11 runs, 13 RBIs and a slash line of .095/.158/.129.
For 2022 their DH was one of the most productive in the NL. They racked up 100 runs, 102 RBIs, 31 home runs and produced a slash line of .233/.316/.403.
The Brewers are a team that certainly saw lots more success with their designated hitter.
Philadelphia Phillies
To wound out our three teams that benefited the most from the new designated hitter is the Phillies. In 2021 their pitchers only slashed .112/.148/.151 while contributing 12 runs and 13 RBIs.
Their DH in 2022 slashed .275/.343/.513 with 82 runs, 81 RBIs and 27 home runs. Bryce Harper was the driving force while battling injuries that prevented him from playing defense.
Final Thoughts
With the DH not giving the NL that offensive boost many expected, we can look to other ways MLB is trying to fix that.
With the new rule changes seeming to benefit the hitter with a pitch clock, larger bases, and no more shifts, offense could all turn around this season.
Don’t be surprised if we see an offensive resurgence this season.
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