Mets News: Yoenis Cespedes is the biggest winner if the NL gets the DH

If the National League accepts the DH in 2020, the biggest winner on the New York Mets is Yoenis Cespedes.

Nothing is official yet, but with the likelihood of the DH coming to the National League in 2020, several prominent members of the New York Mets are set to benefit. Nobody will reap the reward more than Yoenis Cespedes. Even if he’s not the primary DH for the club in 2020, a new door opens up for him now and in the future.

Cespedes’ ability to play the field was a question up through the stoppage of spring training in March. It was hard to imagine any scenario where the former Gold Glove winner would see significant time in an already crowded outfield.

Problems like these tend to work themselves out. The surplus of bats the Mets have ready for 2020 may work itself out with an extra slugger in the lineup each day. Namely, it’s Cespedes who may get much more playing time than originally expected.

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This is especially important for Cespedes because of where he stands with his contract. Set to hit the open market after 2020, he needs as many opportunities as he can get to convince major league clubs he has something left.

A DH in the NL this year will give him that chance. Furthermore, a DH in 2020 could be the first step toward a permanent spot for the designated hitter in the NL moving forward. This makes him an option for all 30 teams and not just the American League ones.

Cespedes will still need to perform. He has plenty of doubters. Why wouldn’t he? The man hasn’t played a game since mid-2018.

Along with the challenge of overcoming his own reputation, the big guy will need to compete with others for DH at-bats. Matt Adams and Dominic Smith are two bench players who could start a little more often. Conceivably, we could see Pete Alonso or J.D. Davis also shift to the DH every once in a while.

The Mets are set up incredibly well to thrive with a DH in 2020. Whether the aim is to improve the lineup with a bat or upgrade the defense while still putting a good hitter in starting nine, there is nothing to worry about with this team.

Benefits of having a DH carry over beyond 2020. Robinson Cano certainly looks destined to finish up his career as designated hitter which could allow the team to move Jeff McNeil over to second base and look for help at third base until someone like Brett Baty is MLB ready.

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An everyday DH in the NL changes the game significantly. For Cespedes, it lengthens his career and if all goes well, fattens his wallet.