During his Monday press conference, Sandy Alderson revealed that the team is hoping that the universal designated hitter used in 2020 will continue into the 2021 season.

The American League adopted the DH before the 1973 season. Since then, the AL and National League have played the game with two different sets of rules. However, the DH was not used in the World Series until 1976, when World Series games were played under “AL rules” at AL stadiums. This style of play was brought to the regular season when interleague play began in 1997.

“I think the time has come that both leagues play with the same resources, the same options,” Alderson said. He believes the DH would benefit both the Mets and baseball overall. He pointed to the fact that pitching has become more specialized than ever and that “pitchers can’t even bunt anymore.”

The use of the DH in the NL will also take away the risk of pitchers getting injured while hitting and running the bases. Alderson also believes that being able to have an additional hitter in the lineup will provide a bigger challenge for pitchers and provide more opportunities for offense, making the game more exciting.

When it comes to the Mets, Alderson said, “I hope we have the DH so we can better utilize the players we already have.” This is likely a reference to the dilemma the Mets would face at first base regarding the use of Pete Alonso and Dominic Smith, as he explained that they would not be searching for external options at DH. Without the DH, the Mets would need to place Alonso at first and Smith in left field in order to get both players in the lineup. Both players are a work in progress at those positions. With the DH, the Mets would be able to play the superior fielding Smith at first and insert Alonso at DH.

National League fans remain split on whether or not the DH should come to the Senior Circuit, but Alderson has made his support for it clear and hinted that there is unified agreement throughout the league for it to happen. The decision will likely be made soon as the 2020 virtual Winter Meetings approach.