Top DH Candidates for the Diamondbacks

After MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke to reporters Thursday, I came away with a few near certainties. One of those certainties is that the National League will soon adopt the Designated Hitter. While I disagree with it, it appears that the Arizona Diamondbacks will soon be forced to adjust their roster and lineup to make way for the DH. Or do they already have great candidates on the roster? Let's take a look.

The Diamondbacks have historically struggled with designated hitters. Of course, this makes sense as they have been an NL team where the pitchers hit. From 1998-roughly 2014, the Diamondbacks played roughly 9 games where they would need a DH-player a year. As such, you would just throw in your bench guys or give a starter a breather. Then, when interleague play became more normal, the Diamondbacks still only played roughly 12 games a year at most where they would use the DH. Due to that, the same philosphy applied.

Last year, the MLB DH hitter hit at a .753 OPS, 4th in the league behind first base (.787), RF (.769), and third base (.757). However, if you take the NL out of that bunch, then the DH moves up to third-highest. As for how the Diamondbacks did? Well, the Diamondbacks hit only at a .682 OPS throughout their team history. Although in 2021, they hit at a .762 OPS at the DH spot. This was their highest mark since 2010. Perhaps there's a reason for that, or maybe it was just luck.

Regardless, the team has far too many hitters that aren't great fielders at the moment. Additionally, they have elder players who might need to soon find a spot on the bench as the team starts playing their young guys. Despite that, there are 4 clear and obvious DH Candidates.

1. Seth Beer

Seth Beer is an obvious choice to be the Diamondbacks' future DH. He's a young hard-swinging left-handed power hitter. To date, he has struggled tremendously in the field. They have tried him at left field, first base, right field, and anywhere else the giant young man could fit. Alas, he's never found a true defensive home.

The power hitter was acquired in 19' from the Astros in the Zack Greinke trade. He made his MLB debut last year. In fact, his first three games came as the DH for the Snakes. Over those 9 plate appearances, 8 at-bats, he walked once, struck out twice, but had 4 hits, 1 HR, and 3 RBIs. That's a pretty great start to being a DH. Unfortunately for him, he dislocated his shoulder in the first game he started at first base. Perhaps that was a sign he needs to be our DH.

2. Christian Walker

It shouldn't come as a surprise that another first baseman is among the picks for the team's DH role. After all, the team went from having only Goldy to having 3 MLB-Startable first basemen in a matter of two years. Henceforth why I have included Christian Walker.

Christian has played for the Diamondbacks since 2017 and been the mainstay at first since 2019. He's known to be a solid fielder, especially when healthy. Last year, he dealt with a reoccurring oblique injury. Despite that, he had 4 defensive runs saved (DRS), a UZR rating of 2.3, and a range rating of 2.5. If you're wondering whether those numbers are good, they are since they are above zero.

Walker is definitely capable of being a DH with his light-tower power and clutch hitting. However, he might be best served to be the regular defensive first basemen. At least until Seth Beer or Pavin Smith can prove themselves there. I believe in Walker bouncing back this year. If the season ever happens that is.

This next name might surprise you although it shouldn't. He's a mainstay for the team and it's time to let the young ones play.

4. Pavin Smith

While this one might be an odd choice, it's truly just about making sure Pavin's bat remains in the lineup. Pavin struggled in the field last year. Of course, that's due to him playing positions he had never played before. The Dbacks stuck him in right field, center field, and left field, along with first base due to injuries.

Due to that, it's understandable that he struggled mightily in the outfield. At right field, he had a 0.9 UZR but -1 DRS. Whereas in center, he put up a -4.1 UZR and -10 DRS. At first, he managed a -0.2 UZR and 0 DRS. While the Dbacks most likely see him playing a variety of positions again, hopefully they limit it to right field and first base.

Depending on what happens with Beer and Walker, Pavin might become the regular first baseman or DH. His bat is extremely talented. He's a solid contact hitter that has growing power. Plus, his eye at the plate is amazing. We need him in the lineup.

While the Diamondbacks could always sign a player to be their DH, I just don't see it happening. There's no reason to go out and sign a veteran player when we aren't yet ready to compete for the playoffs. Of course, that's assuming the season starts relatively soon. Anyways, Arizona has 4 ready-made DH players on their roster already. Combine that with giving guys like Ketel Marte and Josh Rojas time off the field but keep their bat in the lineup and they are set.

Luckily, this massive change in the MLB will not hurt Arizona too much. It might help their plodding offense. Although I disagree with the rule change and believe in the bunt, strategy, and seeing pitchers hit, it might be a good change for the Diamondbacks. At least, it better be or you'll be seeing articles about why we need to go back to pitchers.