With Spring Training set to begin for all 30 MLB teams this week, the 2019 season is officially on the brink of arrival.
Prior to Cactus League and Grapefruit League beginning play, Major League Baseball and the Players Association recently floated around possible rule changes for the year.
Perhaps the most notable idea that was suggested is the installation of a designated hitter in the National League. Many players were said to be approving of the hypothetical move, but such a change will not take place during the 2019 season.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports, MLB will likely hold off on implementing a universal designated hitter until the 2022 season:
Major League Baseball has no plans to adopt a universal DH before the 2022 season, two officials with direct knowledge of the decision, told USA TODAY Sports after the completion of their owners’ meetings in Orlando, Fla.
It makes sense that MLB will reportedly hold off on adopting a universal designated for the next three years, considering the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in December 2021.
A move of that nature will need to be discussed in length, and the perfect opportunity will arise when both MLB and MLBPA attempt to hammer out a new CBA. It could also be used as a bargaining chip if talks are to stall or not progress.
